The transformation from “paper-based forms” to “smart customs clearance”-China Arrival Card
Major Policy Update:
Starting November 20, 2025, the National Immigration Administration of China will officially implement a new measure for online completion of entry cards for foreigners. This means that the traditional paper-based entry card completion model, which has been in operation for many years, has been officially upgraded to a new digital model that is “primarily online, with offline supplementary measures.”
This change aims to implement the national strategy of high-level opening up, significantly improve port clearance efficiency, and optimize the entry experience for international travelers.
1. Applicable Groups
In principle, all persons holding foreign passports entering China (including those for tourism, business, visiting relatives, transit, etc.) are required to declare their entry information.
2. Special Circumstances:
For direct transit within 24 hours, an arrival card is not required: Hold a connecting flight ticket and depart within 24 hours of arriving at a Chinese port, without leaving the designated area of the port (i.e., entering China without going through border control and only staying within the international transit area). However, if you intend to leave the Chinese port and enter a city, you will need to fill out an arrival card.
3. Seven Categories of People Exempted from Filling Out the Entry Card
According to the official announcement, the following seven categories of people are exempt from filling out the entry card and can pass through customs directly with valid documents:
Passengers can choose any of the following official free channels to complete the form according to their own habits. Beware of any paid form-filling services to avoid being scammed.
Website：https://s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC/
Features: Spacious interface, suitable for carefully verifying information on a computer beforehand. Supports multiple languages including Chinese, English, French, Spanish, and Russian.
Download: Search for "Immigration Bureau 12367" in the Apple App Store or Android app market.
Features: Most comprehensive functions, supports OCR photo recognition of passport information, automatic filling, reducing manual input errors.
Entry: Search "Immigration Bureau 12367" on WeChat or Alipay.
Features: No download required, ready to use and go, suitable for temporary form filling or helping colleagues and relatives fill out forms.
Scenario: Passengers who did not fill out the form before departure.
Procedure: After arriving at the Chinese port of entry, scan the "Entry Card Filling Code" posted on site, or use the on-site smart declaration terminal to fill in the form.
Additional notes: First-time visitors to China need to have their fingerprints (all ten fingers) and passport information recorded at a smart terminal. However, this is not required for people who frequently visit China.
1. Operation Steps
5. Submit and Generate Receipt: After confirming that everything is correct, submit it. The system will generate an electronic receipt QR code.
2. Clearance Procedures
1. Pre-registration:
It is recommended to complete the form before flight departure or during flight (if there is internet access) to avoid network congestion or queues after landing.
2. Information Accuracy:
All information must be completely consistent with your passport and visa. False declarations may result in legal liability or refusal of entry.
3. Keep the Receipt:
The QR code after submission is your clearance document; please keep it safe until you complete border inspection.
4. Children’s Declaration:
Minors can have their declarations completed by their guardians, but the guardianship relationship must be indicated in the system.
5. Paper Card as a Backup:
For special circumstances such as the elderly, those without smartphones, those with malfunctioning phones, or those experiencing system abnormalities, paper arrival cards will still be available at the port of entry to ensure smooth passage for all passengers.
6. Common question
Q: Is there a fee for filling out the form?
A: Completely free. Any service claiming to charge for filling it out is a scam.
Q: Can I fill it out for family or friends?
A: Yes. One account can fill out the form for multiple people in the mini-program or app; simply enter their respective passport information.
Q: Can I correct mistakes?
A: You can correct mistakes at any time before submission. Once a receipt is generated, if you need to change key information (such as passport number or name), it is recommended to re-enter the form and generate a new QR code, or explain this to staff on-site.
Q: Do I need to fill out the form if I’m transiting through the airport without leaving?
A: If you qualify for the 24/72/144-hour visa-free transit policy and plan to enter the country (leave the airport’s restricted area), you need to fill out the form. If you are only transiting through the airport’s international transit area and not leaving the country, you usually do not need to fill out an arrival card (please consult your airline or border control for details).
"Preparing in advance can save a lot of time."
The digitalization of China’s entry card is a microcosm of China’s efforts to create an internationalized, rule-of-law-based, and convenient business environment.
From “filling out forms with pen and paper” to “touching your fingertips,” the change is not just in form, but also in the warmth and speed of service.
Before your next trip to China, remember to take a few minutes to complete the online form, ensuring a smooth and worry-free journey from the moment you enter the country.
The Chinese G visa, also called the Transit Visa, is a special short-term entry permit designed for international travelers
who need to pass through mainland China as a connecting point on their journey to a different final destination.
China Travel Itinerary: How to Craft a Winning Plan
Regarding the itinerary section that many clients have inquired about, we have emphasized the core pain point of “how to deal with inquiries from the immigration authorities.” For travelers to China, a logically sound and detailed itinerary is the most powerful weapon to prove a “pure tourism purpose” and avoid being offloaded.
For first-time visa applicants, the process can be daunting due to unfamiliarity with consular procedures and the high stakes of the interview.
Below are common topics and specific situations frequently encountered by first-timers, along with strategies to handle them effectively in 2026.
The transformation from “paper-based forms” to “smart customs clearance”
Macau manages its own immigration system, separate from mainland China and Hong Kong.
To apply, follow the official steps from Macau’s Public Security Police (PSP) and government website.
Every country has its own types of visa; some countries don’t require a visa to enter
Some countries require a visa, and some countries provide a visa on arrival.
The Chinese J visa is a visa category specifically issued to foreign journalists and media workers. Depending on the length of stay and the nature of their work in China, it is divided into the J1 visa (resident journalist) and the J2 visa (short-term reporting journalist).
If you’re planning to go to China soon or to another country, there are many types of entry options available.
you should decide how many entries you want to apply for and how much you want
to stay in China, if you’re planning to go to China or in that country just once, or go back again, or go back every time,
without needing to apply for a visa again.
The online visa application management system on the account terminal is currently undergoing updates. Business is temporarily being conducted offline. We will reopen the online application system once the system is updated and complete.
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused.
Published: March 29, 2026
