China Arrival Card: Official Online Service and Port Backup
Use the free official NIA arrival card service and keep the port device or paper card as a simple arrival backup.
China's National Immigration Administration introduced free online arrival card filling on 20 November 2025. Use an official NIA channel before travel if you need the card. If you cannot complete it online, use a device at the arrival port or fill in a paper card there. Do not pay a third-party website.
Do the three stepsUse the official route and keep the port fallback
Open the service from an NIA page or another NIA channel, then follow the current official prompts. Check every condition before using an exemption. If the online route is unclear or unavailable, complete the process after arrival with the port equipment or a paper card.
Do these three things
These three actions cover the normal path. Special cases and deeper detail follow below.
- 1
Check whether you need the card
NIA lists seven specific exemption categories. If you are not certain that one applies to your exact documents and journey, prepare to complete the card.
- 2
Start from an official NIA channel
Use the NIA website, its government service platform, the NIA 12367 mobile app, or the official WeChat or Alipay mini-program route. Follow only the current official prompts.
- 3
Keep an arrival backup
If advance filling does not work, use the smart devices at the immigration inspection area or ask for a paper arrival card at the port.
Use the safest filling option for your situation
The online route is optional preparation, not the only way to complete the arrival card.
Use the free official online service
Open the filing page through an NIA source and follow the live official instructions.
Verify before relying on it
Check the NIA announcement or call the China Immigration Service Hotline at +86-12367. Keep the normal filling route ready while the answer is unclear.
Complete it at the port
Use an official port device or request the paper arrival card after arrival.
You are ready when...
- You know that the official online service is free.
- You can open the service from an official NIA channel.
- You will not rely on an exemption unless your exact case matches it.
- You know that port devices and paper cards remain available as backups.
Special cases and detailed steps
Use these sections when the normal path does not fit your conditions. They cover exceptions, extra checks, and longer recovery steps.
The arrival card is an immigration step. It is not a visa, a hotel address card, or a paid travel service. Complete it only through an official National Immigration Administration channel or at the immigration inspection area after arrival.
The online route started in November 2025
NIA introduced online arrival card filling on 20 November 2025. Its official channels include the NIA website, government service platforms, the NIA 12367 mobile app, and official WeChat and Alipay mini-program routes. The official service is free.
The official web filing page is an operation entry. Follow the prompts shown there when you use it. This guide does not reproduce a field list because the live form can change.
Exemptions are narrow, not a general shortcut
NIA lists seven types of foreign traveler who may be exempt:
- Holders of a People's Republic of China Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card.
- Holders of a Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents (Non-Chinese Citizens).
- Travelers holding a group visa or eligible for group visa-free entry.
- Travelers in direct transit within 24 hours who do not leave the restricted port area.
- Travelers entering and leaving on the same cruise ship.
- Travelers entering through fast lanes.
- Foreign employees of exit-entry transport vehicles.
These are specific categories. Do not treat the list as proof that you personally qualify. Check the current NIA wording and your exact documents and route. If the answer is unclear, call the China Immigration Service Hotline at +86-12367 or prepare to complete the card normally.
Keep the two arrival backups separate
At the port, travelers who did not complete the online process can use an official smart device or fill in a paper arrival card. These are the official completion backups.
Your China On Your Own offline first-hotel address card has a different purpose. It can help you show a hotel name or transport destination, but it is not the official arrival card and must never be presented as one.
Avoid fake filing sites
NIA has warned about counterfeit arrival card websites that charge travelers. Do not pay for the official filing service. Do not enter passport or travel information into a page reached through an unverified advertisement or message. Return to an official NIA source, or use the port device or paper card instead.
If something does not work
Match the issue to one recovery step, then move to the backup when time matters.
A website asks for a filing fee
Close it. NIA says its online arrival card service is free. Return to an official NIA page or use the port fallback.
The official online page does not open
Try another official NIA channel. If it still does not work, complete the card with a port device or paper form after arrival.
You think an exemption may apply
Do not rely on a general description. Match your exact document and journey to the NIA notice, or call the China Immigration Service Hotline at +86-12367 before travel.
You prepared an offline first-hotel address card
Keep it for transport and hotel help, but do not present it as the official arrival card. Complete the NIA process separately if required.
Do not struggle with an unofficial site. On arrival, use the equipment in the immigration inspection area or ask staff for the paper arrival card.
Sources and currentnessReviewed 19 Jul 2026; next review due 26 Jul 2026
Recheck when it matters: Reopen the NIA source shortly before departure. Check that the official filing route, exemption notice, and port instructions have not changed.
- Beware of Fraudulent Websites for Arrival Card FillingNational Immigration Administration
- Announcement on Implementing 10 New Measures to Support the Expansion of Opening-up and Serve High-quality DevelopmentNational Immigration Administration
- Official Online Arrival Card Filling PageNational Immigration Administration
- China Immigration Service Hotline 12367 Now Supports FrenchNational Immigration Administration
Frequently asked questions
Is the official online arrival card service free?
Yes. NIA says the official online service is free. A site that asks for a filing fee is not the route described by NIA.
Can I complete the arrival card after landing?
Yes. NIA says travelers who did not fill it online can use smart devices at the port or fill in a paper arrival card.
Does every foreign traveler need to fill it in?
NIA lists seven exemption categories, each with specific conditions. A short description is not enough to establish an exemption; check your exact case.
Can the site's offline address card replace the arrival card?
No. The offline first-hotel address card is only a personal travel backup. It is not an immigration form and does not replace the official arrival card.