How early can you submit China Arrival Card (hereinafter “Arrival Card”)? Officially, you file before travelling to China, and no hourly limit is stated. Some travel platforms suggest filing 24 to 72 hours before arrival, and they don’t agree on the exact window. If you haven’t filed before flying, you can complete it on arrival by scanning a QR code or using self-service terminals.
This is an independent guide for travellers flying from Singapore, not a government website. Check the rules on the NIA portal at https://s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC/.
Who Must File the China Arrival Card
Foreign travellers entering mainland China complete the “Arrival Card for Foreigners” unless they’re in one of these seven groups:
- Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card holders
- Holders of the Mainland Travel Permit for HK/Macau residents (non-Chinese)
- Group visa holders, or those eligible for group visa-free entry
- Transit up to 24 hours without leaving the port area
- Cruise passengers returning on the same ship
- Entry via e-Channel
- Foreign crew of transport vehicles
Online filing began on 20 November 2025, according to the embassy notice. You file with the National Immigration Administration (NIA); paper forms remain during a transitional period. Flying from Singapore on visa-free entry? You still file — see our visa-free entry guide from Changi for Singaporeans, and check the full exemption list if you believe you qualify.
How Early Can You Submit China Arrival Card?
Officially, no hourly window is set: the Chinese embassy notice only says to file before travelling to China. Some travel platforms suggest filing 24 to 72 hours before arrival; official notices don’t set this as a limit. Platforms give different windows, and no official source names a safest one.
| When you file | What to expect |
|---|---|
| 24 to 72 hours before arrival | Suggested by some travel platforms |
| Under 24 hours, including departure day | Possible; no official cutoff is stated |
Each entry to China needs a new card.
Same-Day Filing at Changi and Flight Delays
Official notices state no cutoff time for filing, but they don’t address filing on the departure day. Travellers who haven’t filed in advance can complete the card after landing by scanning a QR code or using self-service terminals. If you miss the window or your plans change, see what to do if you forget to submit the Arrival Card or your flight is delayed.
How to Submit Online: Fields and Pitfalls
Use the NIA website (https://s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC/), the NIA 12367 mobile app or the “NIA 12367” mini-program in WeChat or Alipay. For a complete desktop walkthrough of the Arrival Card Filling PC website, see our separate guide.
Enter your name as in your passport
Plus passport number and expiry date.
Add nationality and date of birth
Enter date of birth (YYYY-MM-DD), entry basis and a photo of your bio page.
Enter flight details
Flight number, port of entry and arrival date.
Enter the full hotel name and address
A vague entry, such as just a city, is a common mistake — see the correct hotel address format for the Arrival Card.
Add contact details and generate the QR code
Add phone with country code and email, generate the QR code, then save a screenshot and printout. Scanners read them offline — here’s how to save and show your Arrival Card QR code.
Filing is free, so a site that charges, or isn’t on an NIA domain, is a third-party intermediary.
Related Entry Requirements Beyond the Card
Your Arrival Card is separate from these requirements.
| Requirement | Rule |
|---|---|
| 240-hour visa-free transit | Transit allowance; holders still need to file the Arrival Card |
Confirm all rules in the NIA and embassy notices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How early can you submit China Arrival Card for a flight from Singapore?
Some travel platforms suggest filing 24 to 72 hours before you arrive in China. Official notices set no hourly limit, so this window is only a suggestion from travel platforms.
What happens if you submit the China Arrival Card too early?
Official notices don’t describe any consequence of filing early, so there is no published reason to expect rejection.
How early can you submit China Arrival Card on departure day, and can I do it at the airport?
Yes. If you haven’t filed before flying, you can complete it on arrival by scanning a QR code or using self-service terminals. Save a screenshot of the QR code as soon as it appears, in case your connection drops.
Do I need to resubmit the China Arrival Card if my flight is delayed?
Each entry to China requires its own card, and there is no published procedure for amending a submitted one. Keep your passport details accurate.
Is the China Arrival Card free, and how do I spot a scam site?
Yes, filing is free on NIA channels, so a site that charges is a third-party intermediary. Another red flag is an address that isn’t an NIA domain. When unsure, call the NIA hotline on +86-10-12367.
Where do I submit the China Arrival Card online?
Go to https://s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC/ on your phone or computer. You can also use the NIA 12367 mobile app, or the “NIA 12367” mini-program in WeChat or Alipay. All three are free to use.
Do Singapore passport holders entering visa-free need an Arrival Card?
Yes. Visa-free entry isn’t one of the seven exempt groups, so you still file before border clearance. If you think you qualify for an exemption, check the list of seven groups in the embassy notice.
What if I lose my QR code or have no internet when I land in China?
Use the screenshot or printout you saved right after generating the code. Scanners at the immigration inspection counter can read it offline. If you have no copy, paper forms and self-service terminals are available on arrival.
Sources and Further Reading
- Chinese embassy notice on online completion of the Arrival Card
Rules can change, so check the portal before you travel.
