China Arrival Card online guide
Submit your Arrival Card information through official free channels before flying, and avoid paid sites that imitate official services.
Quick answer
NIA introduced online Arrival Card filling for foreigners on November 20, 2025. Before traveling to China, foreign visitors may submit entry information through official channels such as the NIA official website, government service platforms, NIA 12367, and WeChat/Alipay mini-programs. The service is free of charge.
Use and recognize the official route
Open the NIA official online Arrival Card page: https://s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC/. NIA also lists its official website, Government Service Platform, “NIA 12367” app, WeChat and Alipay mini-programs, and the designated Arrival Card QR code as official channels.
- The direct web address is s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC/, on the official NIA host.
- The online Arrival Card filling service is free of charge.
- If a site imitates the official platform or asks for an Arrival Card service fee, stop and return to the official NIA link or another NIA-listed channel.
Preparation worksheet
Gather the information already identified on this page before opening the official service. This worksheet is a preparation aid, not a copy of the official form; follow the prompts shown by NIA.
| Have ready | Your notes |
|---|---|
| Passport | Keep the travel document you will use for entry within reach. |
| Arrival transport | Flight, train, or ship information. |
| Address in China | The address you plan to use for your stay. |
| Contact details | Your available contact information. |
| Travel purpose | Your basic purpose for entering China. |
Seven categories that may be exempt from filling
NIA states that the following seven types of foreigners may be exempted from filling in the Arrival Card.
| Category | Who this covers |
|---|---|
| 1 | Holders of a People’s Republic of China Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card |
| 2 | Foreign holders of the relevant travel document for Hong Kong and Macao residents; confirm the document category with NIA if uncertain |
| 3 | Holders of a group visa or travelers eligible for group visa-free entry |
| 4 | Travelers in direct transit within 24 hours who do not leave the restricted area of the port |
| 5 | Travelers entering and exiting with the same cruise ship |
| 6 | Travelers entering through fast lanes |
| 7 | Foreign employees of exit-entry transport vehicles |
Common mistakes
- Paying a website that imitates the official service instead of using an official free channel.
- Assuming that advance online submission is the only option and overlooking the port QR, smart-device, and paper fallbacks.
- Treating a possible exemption category as personal confirmation instead of checking the relevant document and current NIA instructions.
If advance submission is unavailable
Continue to the immigration inspection site at the port. NIA provides three ways to complete the Arrival Card there:
Use your mobile phone to fill in the entry information online.
Complete the online filling on a device provided at the port.
Paper Arrival Cards remain available at ports.
Useful phrase cards
FAQ
Do I have to pay for the online Arrival Card?
No. NIA states that the online Arrival Card filling service is free of charge.
Can I fill it at the airport?
Yes. NIA says travelers who cannot submit in advance may scan the designated QR code with a mobile phone, use a smart device at the port, or fill in a paper Arrival Card.
Should I use a paid third-party website?
Avoid paid third-party sites, especially sites that imitate official platforms. Use official NIA channels whenever possible.