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China Travel Guide

China Arrival Card: How to Fill the Digital Entry Form Before You Land (2025)

Passport with boarding pass ready for travel

Since November 2025, China requires a digital arrival card instead of the old paper form. You must fill it online within 72 hours before your planned entry date. The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes and generates a QR code receipt for immigration.

The digital arrival card is free and mandatory for all foreign travelers entering China.

What Changed in November 2025

Before November 2025, travelers filled out paper arrival cards distributed on planes or at border crossings. These paper cards are no longer the primary method.

The China Digital Arrival Card (CDAC) is now the standard. Some airlines may still distribute paper cards as a backup, but completing the digital version beforehand saves time and avoids queues.

Four Ways to Access the Form

You can access the digital arrival card through:

  1. NIA 12367 App - Download the official app
  2. QR Code Scan - Scan QR codes posted at airports and border crossings
  3. Mobile Browser - Visit the mobile portal directly
  4. Desktop Browser - Use the PC portal for larger screens

The mobile and desktop portals work well for most travelers. You do not need to download a separate app if you prefer using a browser.

What You Need Before You Start

Have these items ready:

  • Your passport (photo page for upload)
  • Your flight, train, or vessel number
  • Your accommodation address in China (a tentative address is acceptable)
  • Basic personal information

The system uses OCR to extract data from your passport photo, reducing manual entry.

Step-by-Step Filling Guide

Step 1: Access the Portal

Visit the official portal:

  • Mobile: s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPhone/
  • Desktop: s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC/

Avoid third-party websites that charge fees. The official portal is free.

Step 2: Upload Your Passport Photo

Take a clear photo of your passport photo page. The system will automatically extract:

  • Your name
  • Passport number
  • Nationality
  • Date of birth
  • Passport expiry date

Verify the extracted information is correct before proceeding.

Step 3: Enter Your Travel Details

Provide:

  • Your entry mode (air, land, or sea)
  • Flight, train, or vessel number
  • Your planned entry date
  • Your accommodation address in China

If you do not have a confirmed hotel, a tentative address is acceptable. Update it if needed.

Step 4: Complete Health and Customs Information

Answer the required health and customs declaration questions. These are standard entry questions about your travel history and items you are bringing.

Step 5: Review and Submit

Check all information carefully before submitting. Once submitted, you can still modify within the allowed timeframe.

Step 6: Save Your QR Code Receipt

After submission, you receive a QR code receipt. Save this to your phone:

  • Download the PDF version
  • Take a screenshot
  • Ensure you can access it offline

The QR code works offline, which is important if you do not have data upon landing.

What Happens at Immigration

When you arrive:

  1. Present your passport and QR code receipt
  2. The immigration officer scans your QR code
  3. Your information appears in their system
  4. Complete fingerprint scanning if required
  5. Receive your entry stamp

Travelers who pre-filled report clearing immigration in under 2 minutes while others were still filling forms.

Exemptions and Special Cases

The digital arrival card requirement applies to most foreign travelers. However, some categories may be exempt:

  • Permanent residents of China
  • Group visa holders traveling with organized tours
  • Transit passengers staying under 24 hours

Always check the official NIA website for the current exemption list, as policies can change.

Companion Filing for Families

If you are traveling with family members, you can use the companion filing feature. Add family members to your submission instead of creating separate entries. This keeps the group together during processing.

Common Questions

Can I Fill It on Arrival?

Yes, you can fill the form at the airport using QR codes posted in the arrival hall. However, this adds stress and delays your immigration clearance. Pre-filling is strongly recommended.

What If I Make a Mistake?

You can modify your submission within the allowed timeframe. If you notice an error after arriving, inform the immigration officer.

Do Airlines Check for the Receipt?

Some airlines may check for your digital receipt during check-in. Having it ready avoids questions at the counter.

Is the Paper Card Still Accepted?

Paper cards may still be distributed by some airlines, but completing the digital version is the preferred method. If you have both, the digital receipt takes priority.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Waiting too long - Fill within 72 hours, not earlier
  • Using unofficial websites - Only use the official NIA portal
  • Forgetting to save the QR code - Download the PDF for offline access
  • Entering wrong flight details - Double-check your flight number
  • Not updating accommodation changes - Modify if your hotel changes

Summary Checklist

Before you fly to China:

  • Access the official NIA arrival card portal
  • Upload your passport photo page
  • Enter your flight and accommodation details
  • Complete health and customs questions
  • Save the QR code receipt to your phone
  • Download the PDF for offline access
  • Present QR code at immigration

Filling the digital arrival card before you land is a simple step that saves time and reduces stress on arrival day.

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