China Arrival Card and immigration

What you need to know

Most ordinary foreign visitors should expect to provide arrival information when entering China.

Since November 20, 2025, foreign visitors have been able to submit the China Arrival Card (外国人入境卡) online before arrival.

The official service is:

free.

Do not pay an unofficial website simply to submit the card for you.

Official submission options

Current official channels include:

• National Immigration Administration platforms;
• NIA 12367 App (移民局12367 App);
• NIA 12367 WeChat Mini Program (移民局12367微信小程序);
• supported Alipay (支付宝) services.

If you have not submitted online, ports may also provide QR-code submission, electronic devices or paper cards.

Have this information ready

Keep accessible:

• passport details;
• flight or transport information;
• accommodation address;
• purpose of visit;
• expected departure information.

For your hotel, save:

English name + Chinese name + Chinese address.

Immigration process

A typical arrival looks like:

1. Follow Immigration / Border Inspection (边检) signs.
2. Complete any remaining Arrival Card requirement.
3. Queue for foreign-passport inspection.
4. Present your passport.
5. Answer simple questions if asked.
6. Complete required border procedures.
7. Enter China after approval.

Immigration help

The China Immigration Service Hotline 12367 (中国移民管理服务热线12367) provides immigration assistance.

Re-verify before travel

Arrival Card procedures and exemption categories can change. Use official NIA channels for the latest instructions.