Who needs to fill in the China Arrival Card? Every foreign passport holder entering mainland China by air, sea or land, with or without a visa. You file at s.nia.gov.cn.
This is an independent guide, not a government site, and it doesn’t file the card for you, so check details on the NIA portal before you fly. Below: who files, who’s exempt and what to enter. If you’re exempt, our arrival card exemption list explains what to show at the border instead.
Who Needs to Fill China Arrival Card?
Foreign passport holders file before border clearance, visa or not. The National Immigration Administration (NIA) issues the card. The China Digital Arrival Card (CDAC) launched on 20 November 2025, replacing the paper-based arrival card with an online form, while a paper card remains available at selected entry points, per the PRC Embassy in Manila. If you’re weighing the two formats, see our digital vs paper arrival card comparison.
Visa-free doesn’t mean form-free: even if you can enter China visa free, you still fill in the card — for example, see our guide on the arrival card vs the Chinese visa. Flying to China? File before you travel, within the window described below.
| Visa status | Example | Need the card? |
|---|---|---|
| Standard visa | Tourist or business visa | Yes |
| Visa-free entry | Visa-free nationals | Yes |
| 24-hour direct transit | Stays within the designated port area | No (exempt) |
Who Is Exempt from the Arrival Card?
Seven groups don’t file, per the Israeli Consulate in Shanghai and the PRC Embassy in Manila. Check the list.
- Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card holders
- Holders of the Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents (non-Chinese citizens)
- Group visa or group visa-free entrants
- Direct 24-hour transit passengers staying in the designated area of the port of entry
- Cruise passengers entering and leaving on the same vessel
- E-channel (fast-track) users
- Foreign crew of cross-border transport vehicles
The card is aimed at foreign travelers and foreign nationals. The exemption list names only the Hong Kong and Macao permit, so check the NIA portal if you hold a Taiwan travel permit. If you’re crossing by train or ferry, see our guide to arrival card requirements at Hong Kong land borders.
What to Enter on the Arrival Card
Every traveler who is not in an exempt group files a card. For a field-by-field walkthrough, see how to fill the China Arrival Card step by step.
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Passport | Document type, photo of the identity page, last and first name, ID number, citizenship |
| Personal | Gender, birth date, birth country and city, phone, email |
| Transport | Mode, flight number, city and port of entry |
| Visa and stay | Visa yes or no, entry policy, purpose, entry date, destination cities |
| Address in China | Province, city, district and detailed address |
Fields can change, so check the portal for the current form.
How, Where and When to File the Card
File on the NIA platforms, up to 72 hours (3 days) before arrival. Other sources say only “before arrival”, so confirm the window on s.nia.gov.cn, and read our full explainer on when to submit the China Arrival Card.
- NIA PC portal or mobile web version
- “NIA 12367” app
- “NIA 12367” mini-programs in WeChat and Alipay
- NIA Government Service Platform
You get a QR code that officers scan at immigration checks. You can download the card or send it to your email — our QR code guide shows how to store it offline. A paper arrival card remains available at selected entry points.
If you didn’t file in advance, you can scan the QR code on arrival, use a self-service device at the checkpoint, or fill in a paper arrival card:
Open your saved QR code or the NIA portal
Scan the QR code on arrival with your phone.
Use a self-service device
Available at the checkpoint.
Ask for a paper arrival card
Ask an immigration officer at the checkpoint.
Some third-party services charge for help with the form. The NIA channels listed above are the ones the sources name, so start there.
Customs and Police Registration: Separate Duties
The arrival card is an immigration form issued by the National Immigration Administration (NIA). For the difference between the two forms, see our customs declaration vs arrival card comparison.
| Document | Authority | Purpose | Who files? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arrival card | NIA | Border entry check | Non-exempt foreign nationals |
| Customs and health declarations | Other Chinese authorities | Separate from the arrival card | Check the official portals before you travel |
| Accommodation registration | Local authorities | May apply to foreigners in private accommodation | Check the official portal |
Rules on these separate duties can change, so check the relevant official portals before you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who needs to fill China arrival card when entering visa-free?
Yes, you do. Visa-free entry removes the visa requirement, not the arrival card. On the form you choose the entry policy that applies to you and enter your passport number as the ID number. Only exempt groups skip it.
Who needs to fill China arrival card if I am only transiting through China?
That depends on where you stay. Passengers on a direct 24-hour transit who stay within the designated port area don’t need to file. Other travelers who are not in an exempt group file before arrival.
Is the China arrival card free of charge?
The NIA channels listed above are the ones the sources name for filing. Some third-party services charge for help with the form, so check the current position on s.nia.gov.cn before you start.
How early can I submit the China arrival card?
You can file up to 72 hours (3 days) before arrival. Other sources only say before arrival, so confirm the window on the NIA portal. Filing early leaves time to download the card or send it to your email.
What is the website for the China arrival card?
The filing site is s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC/, run by the NIA. You can also use the NIA 12367 app or its WeChat and Alipay mini-programs. Independent sites, including this guide, can explain the rules but don’t file the card for you.
What should I do if I have no mobile data after landing in China?
Use a self-service device at the checkpoint, or ask an immigration officer for a paper arrival card. A paper arrival card remains available at selected entry points.
Is the China arrival card the same as the customs declaration?
No. The arrival card is an immigration form issued by the NIA. This guide covers that form only, and separate declarations, if required, follow their own rules on the official portals.
Do I need to register with the police after filling in the arrival card?
Registration duties for foreigners staying in private accommodation are separate from the arrival card. Check the current requirements on the NIA portal and other official sources before you travel.
Sources and Further Reading
- NIA arrival card filing portal
- Israeli Consulate in Shanghai: CDAC update
- PRC Embassy in Manila: filing launch
Rules can change, so check the portal before you travel.
