We are an independent information and assistance service, not the Chinese government or the National Immigration Administration.
Information about this new digital system is still being updated, and more details are expected around and after November 20, 2025.
Since November 20, 2025, many foreign travelers must complete a digital China Arrival Card before entering mainland China. This new system replaces, in most cases, the old paper card handed out on planes or at the border.
On our site, you can:
- Understand how the China Arrival Card works
- Check if you are likely to need it
- Use our simple online form to prepare your application details in advance
Start preparing your China Arrival Card information now and make your arrival in China smoother and less stressful.
What is the China Arrival Card?
The China Arrival Card is a short entry form. It collects your basic details when you enter mainland China. Immigration officers use it to confirm who you are, how you travel, and where you stay.
The card usually asks for:
- Personal information: Full name, date of birth, nationality
- Passport details: Passport number, issuing country, expiry date
- Travel information: Flight or transport number, port of entry, date of arrival
- Contact in China: Hotel name and address, or host/company details
- Purpose and length of stay: Tourism, business, family visit, study, transit, and planned duration
The China Arrival Card is not a visa. It does not replace:
- A visa (if your nationality needs one)
- Visa-free entry policies
- Transit rules and stay limits.
You must still follow the standard visa and entry rules that apply to your situation.
Who needs a China Arrival Card to enter mainland China?
Most foreign nationals entering mainland China can expect to complete a China Arrival Card. You may be asked to do it:
- Online before your trip, or
- On arrival, by scanning a QR code, using a smart device, or filling out a paper card.
You are likely to need a China Arrival Card if you:
- Hold a foreign passport, and
- Visit China for tourism, business, family, study, or transit, and
- Enter mainland China by air, sea, or land.
What about travelers from Hong Kong, Macao, Myanmar, Vietnam, or Taiwan?
Many travelers enter mainland China from or via:
- Hong Kong (HK)
- Macao (MO)
- Myanmar (MM)
- Vietnam (VN)
- Taiwan (TW)
If you are a foreign traveler crossing from these places into mainland China, you should be ready to complete a China Arrival Card, unless you clearly belong to an official exemption group.
Are there any exemptions or special cases regarding the China Arrival Card application?
Some travelers may not need to complete the full card or may follow a simplified process, such as:
- Certain permanent residents or long-term permit holders
- Some group tours with special arrangements
- Transit passengers who stay only a short time without leaving the port area
- Travelers using fast-track or dedicated entry lanes
Because the digital China Arrival Card is relatively new, rules may change or be clarified over time. If you are unsure, the safest choice is to prepare your details as if you need the card.
What documents do you need to apply for the China Arrival Card?
You can make the process easier by gathering the following before you start our online form:
Having these details ready makes our online process faster and helps you avoid mistakes when you submit your information.
How to apply for the China Arrival Card online?
Instead of trying to navigate forms alone at the border, you can prepare everything in advance through our simple online application form.
Here is how our process works:
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Fill out our short online form
- Answer clear, step-by-step questions in plain English.
- Enter your personal, passport, and travel details using guided fields.
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Upload or confirm your travel information
- Check your flight, accommodation, and contact details.
- Make sure everything matches your passport and your tickets.
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Let our team review your details
- We check your information for common errors and missing data.
- If something looks unclear, we contact you to clarify it.
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Receive clear instructions for arrival
- Once your information is ready, we send you simple instructions for using it with the official arrival process.
- You travel knowing your details are organized and easy to show if requested.
China uses a digital arrival card system, and travelers may still need to interact with an official website, app, or device. Our role is to prepare your data, guide you, and reduce errors, so any official step you complete is faster and easier.
How long is the China Arrival Card valid for your trip?
The China Arrival Card usually covers one specific entry into China. It relates to:
- One trip
- One arrival date
It does not change how long you can stay in the country. Your allowed stay still depends on:
- Your visa
- Any visa-free policy for your nationality
- The transit rules that apply to your journey
Because the digital system is still developing, details such as data storage and whether you must submit a new card for each entry may change over time. Always check close to your trip for updates from official sources.
Why use our services?
You can apply using government or official channels directly. However, many travelers choose our China Arrival Card application service because it gives them more support and clarity.
Comparison: our application service vs the government
Our goal is not to replace official channels, but to make them easier to use. With our service, you travel feeling informed and prepared, instead of guessing at the border.
What service options do we offer for China Arrival Card applications?
Depending on how much help you want, you can choose between:
Standard application support
- Access to our easy online form
- Step-by-step guidance to prepare all required details
- Simple checklists for the documents and data you need.
Priority application support
- All features of Standard support
- Faster replies during busy travel seasons
- Extra reminders so you do not forget to complete your application before departure.
Before you confirm any request, you see:
- What each option includes
- Expected response times
- Any service fees in clear terms
Frequently asked questions about the China Arrival Card
Is the China Arrival Card the same as a visa? Toggle faqs
No. The China Arrival Card is an entry form, not a visa. It helps immigration officers review your trip and basic details. You must still follow the visa rules, visa-free policies, or transit rules that apply to your nationality.
When did the digital China Arrival Card start? Toggle faqs
The digital China Arrival Card system was introduced around November 20, 2025. As with any new system, details can evolve. It is a good idea to check for updated information before each trip.
Do I have to complete the China Arrival Card online? Toggle faqs
Online completion is strongly recommended because it saves time and reduces stress on arrival. If you do not prepare in advance, you may still be able to:
- Scan a QR code at the port of entry
- Use a self-service kiosk or smart device
- Or fill in a paper Arrival Card
However, these options usually take longer and offer less guidance than using our online application service before you travel.
Can I still enter China if I forget to prepare the Arrival Card in advance? Toggle faqs
In most cases, yes. You can usually fill out the Arrival Card on arrival, either on a paper form or on a digital device at the border. But this can mean:
- Extra time spent in line
- More stress after a long flight
- A higher chance of errors because you are in a hurry
Preparing your information with our application service in advance helps you avoid unnecessary waiting and gives you more confidence when you reach immigration.