If you are planning a trip to China, the China Arrival Card (officially known as the Foreigner’s Arrival Card) is a mandatory requirement for nearly all international visitors.
Recently modernized, this card is now available as a digital submission, allowing U.S. citizens to bypass the old-fashioned paper forms and streamline their entry through Chinese customs upon arrival. This guide provides the essential facts and the step-by-step process to complete your China Arrival Card digitally before you fly.
Important: The China Arrival Card is not a replacement for a visa. Visit our guide on Chinese visa requirements for U.S. Citizens for more or start your visa application now with the help of a registered visa expediting service.
Quick Summary: China Arrival Card
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Fee | Free. There is no government charge to submit the Arrival Card. |
| When to Fill | Can be completed up to 6 days before arrival. |
| Format | Digital (via QR code) or traditional paper (available at the port). |
| Requirement | Mandatory for all U.S. passport holders (unless exempt). |
What is the China Arrival Card?
The China Arrival Card is not a visa; it is a mandatory registration of your travel details, accommodation, and purpose of stay required by the National Immigration Administration (NIA). Whether you are traveling on a standard 10-year tourist visa or utilizing a visa-free transit policy, you must complete this card to enter the country.
The China Arrival Card is an entry document used by border officials to record the arrival of foreign nationals. While traditionally a yellow paper form handed out on airplanes, as of November 20, 2025, China has transitioned to a nationwide digital system. Travelers can now submit their travel information online and receive a QR code for faster processing at the border.
Do I Need a China Arrival Card?
Yes. Most U.S. citizens entering mainland China are required to complete an arrival card, even if they already hold a valid China visa.
You must have an arrival card if you are:
- Entering China for tourism, business, or visiting family with a valid visa (such as the L or M visa).
- Utilizing the 24-hour, 72-hour, or 144-hour Visa-Free Transit policies and plan to leave the airport.
- Visiting Hainan Province under the 30-day visa-free policy.
Exemptions: You do not need an arrival card if you are:
- a Chinese Permanent Resident,
- a crew member on duty, or
- a transit passenger staying "airside" (inside the secure transit area) for less than 24 hours.
These are the only exemptions to this policy.
To enter China, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of entry. You also need two fully blank visa pages for the visa and entry/exit stamps. If you do not meet these specific requirements, renew your passport before applying for a Chinese visa.
Check Expedited Passport Renewal Options (1-Week Service Available)
How to Apply for a China Arrival Card: Digital vs. Paper
The Chinese government now prioritizes digital submission to reduce wait times at major hubs like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.
- Digital: You can submit your details via the official NIA 12367 mobile app (available on iOS/Android), the NIA website, or through mini-programs within Alipay or WeChat.
- Paper Option: If you are unable to access the digital system, paper forms are still available at desks located immediately before the immigration counters at all Chinese ports of entry.
- Using an Assisted Service: For travelers who want to ensure their arrival cards—are handled correctly, using a trusted assisted service like iVisa is a great option. This is especially helpful for navigating the often-complex Chinese digital platforms and ensuring your travel details meet local requirements.
Completing the Digital China Arrival Card: A 3-Step Guide
The digital process is designed to take about 3 to 5 minutes to complete.
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
Before starting, ensure you have:
- Your valid U.S. passport (at least 6 months’ validity remaining after your trip).
- Your China Visa number.
- Your flight details (i.e., flight number and arrival city).
- Your address in China (i.e., hotel name and full street address).
Step 2: Fill Out the Online Form
Access the portal via the NIA 12367 app/website or through iVisa. You will be asked to:
- Upload a photo of your passport data page (the system will auto-fill your name and passport number).
- Enter travel details, including your port of entry (e.g., Shanghai Pudong) and your purpose of visit.
- Provide accommodation info. This is a critical step; ensure the address matches your hotel reservation exactly.
Step 3: Receive and Save Your QR Code
Once submitted, the system generates a unique QR code.
Take a screenshot of this code immediately. You will need to scan this code at a self-service kiosk or present it to an immigration officer upon arrival to print your entry record or proceed to the counter.
Beyond the Arrival Card: China Entry Requirements
The China Arrival Card is just one requirement for entry. Ensure you have the following to avoid being denied entry:
- Valid China Visa: Unless you qualify for specific visa-free transit, U.S. citizens must have a visa in their passport before arrival. For detailed information on the application process, visit our China Visa Requirements page or start your visa application now with the help of a registered visa expediting service..
- Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry and have at least two blank visa pages.
- Fingerprint Collection: Most foreign travelers aged 14–70 are required to have their fingerprints biometrically scanned upon arrival at the airport.
- 24-Hour Registration: By law, you must be registered with the local police within 24 hours of arrival. If you are staying at a hotel, the staff will handle this for you when you check in with your passport.
China Arrival Card Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A: No. A visa is your legal permission to enter the country, whereas the Arrival Card is a mandatory registration of your specific trip details and local address.
A: You can still fill out the traditional yellow paper Arrival Card at the airport or use the "Smart Terminals" (kiosks) provided in the immigration hall.
A: If you remain in the airport transit area for less than 24 hours, you do not need an Arrival Card. However, if you apply for a Temporary Entry Permit to leave the airport (e.g., for a 144-hour transit stay), you must complete the Arrival Card.
A: No. Every traveler, including children, must have their own Arrival Card (digital or paper); therefore, there must be a completed and approved form for each member of your traveling party, regardless of age.
