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China Introduces Digital Arrival Card and Broadens Visa-Free Transit Access

November 7, 2025 6:19 am

China Introduces Digital Arrival Card and Broadens Visa-Free Transit Access

Starting in November 2025, China will introduce a digital arrival card for all foreign travelers and broaden its visa-free transit options. This innovative step allows visitors to submit their entry information online, enhancing their travel experience at airports and ports. With these changes, China continues its journey toward modernizing travel for international visitors.

How the Digital Arrival Card Works

From November 20, 2025, all foreign travelers, regardless of their visa status, can fill out their entry details online prior to their trip. There are several ways to apply for the Digital Arrival Card:

National Immigration Administration (NIA) Website
NIA 12367 App
Mini Programs on WeChat and Alipay

If you forget to complete the form before your flight, don’t worry! After landing, you can finish it by scanning a QR code or using a self-service kiosk at the airport. For a limited time, the traditional paper forms will still be available at airports to assist travelers during this transition.

By adopting this digital arrival card, China aligns itself with other Asian nations like India, Indonesia, and South Korea, which have already embraced digital solutions for entry.

Who Is Exempt from the Digital Form?

The NIA specifies that seven categories of travelers do not need to complete the new digital arrival card:

Foreigners with a Chinese Permanent Resident ID
Hong Kong and Macao residents possessing a Mainland Travel Permit
Group travelers entering on a collective visa or as part of a visa-free group
Transit passengers who remain in the airport
Cruise passengers departing on the same vessel
Travelers using dedicated fast-track lanes
Foreign crew members of international transport vehicles

New Visa and Transit Changes

The introduction of the digital card is part of China’s broader strategy, featuring ten new measures designed to streamline travel and bolster its commitment to global openness. Many of these measures aim to enhance visa and entry processes.

Expanded 24-Hour Visa-Free Transit

Beginning November 5, 2025, China will extend its 24-hour visa-free transit policy to ten additional international airports, including:

Tianjin
Dalian
Nanjing
Fuzhou
Qingdao
Wuhan
Nanning
Haikou
Chongqing
Kunming

Travelers en route to a third country can transfer at these airports without undergoing immigration checks, provided they remain in the terminal.

240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Expands to More Ports

China will also add five new ports in Guangdong Province to its 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit program, raising the total to 65 ports across 24 provinces. Travelers from 55 countries can now enter through designated ports and stay for up to 10 days for tourism, business, or family visits. The new ports include:

Guangzhou Pazhou Ferry Terminal
Hengqin Port
Hong Kong Zhuhai Macao Bridge Port
Zhongshan Passenger Port
West Kowloon Station Port of the Guangzhou Shenzhen Hong Kong high-speed rail

Simplified Family Visit Visa Renewals

In a significant update, mainland residents visiting Hong Kong or Macao for family reasons can now renew their travel permits directly at China Travel Service offices in those regions, eliminating the need to return to the mainland.

Conclusion

These initiatives reflect China’s ongoing commitment to simplifying entry for foreign visitors and business travelers. The digital arrival card and expanded visa-free options promise a smoother travel experience, aligning China with international travel standards. Ultimately, entering China is set to become quicker, more efficient, and more accessible for international travelers.