Here’s what to do if China arrival card is lost: this guide does not cover a replacement procedure for a lost China arrival card, because none is described in the information available. Check the rules on the NIA arrival card portal before you travel. Keep the QR code of your online card available.
This is an independent guide, not a government site. We don’t charge fees, file cards for you or take payments. Check current rules on the NIA arrival card portal before you travel, whether you’re flying home to Singapore Changi or elsewhere.
Is a lost departure slip a problem?
The China arrival card is not a visa application and does not guarantee admission.
| Document | What it is | If you lose it |
|---|---|---|
| China arrival card | Your entry record filed with the NIA | Check the current rules on the NIA portal |
| Online arrival card QR | Your digital NIA filing | Download it or send it to your email |
| Passport or visa | Identity and entry permission | Separate process, not covered here |
China may impose entry bans of up to five years for false statements in visa and border procedures. The final decision rests with the relevant Chinese authorities. If your concern is the document itself rather than a lost slip, see our overview of the China arrival card requirements and entry workflow.
What to do if China arrival card is lost
The available information does not describe a replacement procedure for a lost arrival card, so check the current rules on the NIA portal before you travel and keep the QR code of your online card available. If your QR code has gone missing, our guide on how to verify your submission and recover a lost QR code may help.
Do not pay sites that imitate the official service: the arrival card is free, and the NIA has warned about paid copycat sites, so type the portal address yourself. Learn more about red flags of unauthorized intermediaries before you file.
Checking your entry stamp, avoiding delays
Data taken automatically from your passport must be checked and completed in the form. For a full walkthrough of every field, see our step-by-step guide to filling the China arrival card.
Common mistakes and related requirements
- Compare the fields in the form carefully before you submit the card.
- Hotels register guests from your passport; if you stay somewhere other than a hotel, register at the local police station within 24 hours of arrival. The Shanghai government site lists “Accommodation Registration” among its Online Services.
- Visa-free transit has different regimes, including 24-hour and 240-hour transit. Check which applies to you.
- Group travelers (on a group visa or visa-free group entry) are among the categories exempt from the online arrival card.
- Singapore residents: the SG Arrival Card (SGAC) is a separate procedure for entry into Singapore. It is not a visa and does not replace China’s arrival card. See our comparison of the China arrival card vs the SG Arrival Card.
- If you never filed the form in the first place, read what happens if you forget to submit the China arrival card for contingency steps at boarding and landing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What to do if China arrival card is lost and I’m about to fly?
The available information does not describe a replacement procedure for a lost arrival card. Check the current rules on the NIA portal before you travel, and keep the QR code of your online card available.
Will I be fined for losing my departure slip?
The available information does not describe a fine for losing the card. The penalties it mentions relate to false statements, which may lead to entry bans of up to five years.
Where can I find a blank departure slip?
The available information does not describe where blank slips are placed at airports. If you cannot locate one, ask airport staff or the information desk, and check the current rules on the NIA portal. For a printable alternative, see our guide to the China arrival card PDF download and blank layout.
How early should I arrive if my slip is missing?
The available information gives no guidance on timing for a lost card. Check the current rules on the NIA portal before you travel, and finish airline check-in first.
What to do if China arrival card is lost and my stamp is smudged?
The available information does not describe what to do about a smudged stamp. Tell the officer at passport control about any issue with your documents, and check the current rules on the NIA portal.
Is the SG Arrival Card the same as China’s?
China’s arrival card and the SG Arrival Card are separate procedures for two different countries. Neither is a visa.
Where do I file the China arrival card online?
Use the NIA PC portal at s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC, the NIA 12367 app, or the WeChat and Alipay mini-programs. The available information gives no filing window for the online card, so check the current requirements on the NIA portal and file before you travel.
Why did I get no exit stamp at the e-gate?
The available information does not cover e-gates or exit stamps. If you need paper proof of your departure, ask airport staff, and check the current rules on the NIA portal.
Sources and Further Reading
- Shanghai government (English): visa-free transit information and the Online Services list.
Rules can change, so check the NIA portal before you travel.
