What are the entering China from Hong Kong arrival card requirements? Foreign travelers file a China Arrival Card for the National Immigration Administration (NIA) whether or not they hold a visa. Fill it in online at s.nia.gov.cn or on paper, which was temporarily available during the initial rollout.
This is an independent guide, not a government site, so check rules on the NIA portal before you travel. Below: who files, each field, and how the crossings differ.
Entering China from Hong Kong: Who Must File
Foreign travelers file the card whether or not they hold a visa. A visa or visa waiver removes the visa itself, not the card. For a fuller breakdown of the rules, see who needs to fill the China Arrival Card.
The digital card went online on 20 November 2025, after the paper form. If you’re weighing the two options, our comparison of the digital vs paper arrival card explains the differences.
The SG Arrival Card from Singapore’s ICA and MOM requirements don’t apply here. The China card is for entering the Mainland — see our guide on the China Arrival Card vs SG Arrival Card for the details.
Not sure you’re exempt? Confirm on the NIA site; seven groups don’t file — the full China Arrival Card exemption list explains who skips it:
- Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card holders in China
- Non-Chinese holders of a Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents
- Group travelers on a collective visa or group visa-free movement
- Transit passengers who stay within the designated port area
- Cruise passengers who enter and leave on the same vessel
- Travelers using fast-track entry lanes
- Foreign employees of exit-entry transport vehicles
What to Prepare and How to Pre-Submit
File the digital card before departure for China, and screenshot the QR code. If you’re unsure about timing, read how early you can submit the China Arrival Card.
Photograph your passport identity page
Some data fills in automatically, so check it.
Collect your trip details
Note your hotel address, visa number or entry policy, train or ferry number, and contact number with email.
Open the form
Use the PC page, smartphone page, NIA 12367 app, or WeChat or Alipay mini-program.
Pick your entry policy (if visa-free)
With no visa, pick an entry policy, such as a visa waiver.
Save the QR code
Use Download to Local or Send to Email, and keep a printed copy too.
Use only the NIA domain, never enter your passport number elsewhere, and avoid any site charging to “complete” the card — see how to avoid paying for the China Arrival Card and the red flags of unauthorized intermediaries.
Filling In the Card Field by Field
Copy your passport details as printed, enter your Mainland stay address, and pick the transport mode for your crossing. For a deeper walkthrough, see our step-by-step guide to filling the China Arrival Card.
| Field | Enter | Pitfall |
|---|---|---|
| Mode: high-speed train | Train, with the train number in the Arrival Flight/Train/Vessel Number field | A train number that doesn’t match your ticket |
| Mode: Lo Wu | On foot | A transport mode that doesn’t match your crossing |
| Mode: Macau ferry | Vessel, with the voyage or vessel number in the Arrival Flight/Train/Vessel Number field | Leaving the number blank |
| Address in China | Province, city, district and detailed address | Any address that isn’t your stay address |
Submitting at West Kowloon, Lo Wu and Macau Ferries
Each crossing has its own layout and queue order, and the checkpoint arrangements aren’t confirmed here, so follow the signs and staff directions on the day and check the NIA portal before you travel.
West Kowloon. Confirm the current clearance arrangements and facilities with the NIA portal or your rail carrier before you travel.
Lo Wu. Check the NIA portal for what applies when you cross on foot.
Macau ferry. Confirm the card arrangements for your sailing on the NIA portal before you travel.
After Submission: Departure Slip and Common Mistakes
If you notice a mistake on your card, tell the NIA officer straight away — or read how to correct details in your China Arrival Card before you travel.
- Using an SG Arrival Card instead of the China card. File the China card for Mainland entry.
- Assuming visa-free status exempts you. Check the exemption list above.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the entering China from Hong Kong arrival card requirements for Singaporeans?
Foreign travelers file the card whether or not they hold a visa. Complete it online on the NIA portal, or on paper if that’s still offered during the rollout. Conditions can change, so confirm them on the NIA site.
Do the entering China from Hong Kong arrival card requirements differ at West Kowloon?
The card itself is the same as at other crossings, so pick the transport mode that matches your journey. For the station’s current clearance arrangements, check the NIA portal before you travel.
Do I need an SG Arrival Card or a Hong Kong form for China?
No. The SG Arrival Card is for entering Singapore, and a Hong Kong slip doesn’t replace the China card. File the China Arrival Card for Mainland entry.
Where can I fill in the China arrival card online?
Use s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPhone on your phone or s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC on a computer. The NIA 12367 app and WeChat or Alipay mini-programs also exist. Save the QR code, because it’s needed at border control. Check the address before entering passport details.
Which transport mode should I pick for each crossing?
Pick the mode that matches your crossing. For the high-speed train choose Train and enter the train number in the Arrival Flight/Train/Vessel Number field. For a Macau ferry choose Vessel with the voyage or vessel number. At Lo Wu choose On foot.
Who is exempt from the China Arrival Card?
Seven groups: Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card holders; non-Chinese holders of a Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents; group travelers; transit passengers staying in the port area; same-vessel cruise passengers; travelers using fast-track entry lanes; and foreign employees of exit-entry transport vehicles.
Do I keep the departure slip after entering China?
If you complete a paper card, ask the NIA officer at the counter what to keep and for how long, and check the NIA portal for what to do if you lose any part of the form.
What if my phone has no signal at the border?
Open the QR code screenshot you saved earlier, or show your printed copy. A paper version was temporarily available during the rollout, so ask checkpoint staff if you can’t open your card.
Sources and Further Reading
- NIA arrival card form (online)
- Singapore ICA (SG Arrival Card, a different document)
The digital card launched on 20 November 2025, and rules can change, so check the NIA portal before you travel.
