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China Digital Arrival Card 2025: Guide to Filling Out Arrival Card for Travelers

November 23, 2025 5:54 am

China Digital Arrival Card 2025: Guide to Filling Out Arrival Card for Travelers

As of November 20, 2025, China has launched an online system for travelers to fill out their arrival cards. This innovation enables international visitors to complete entry requirements digitally before departure, streamlining the arrival process significantly. With options to access the form via the National Immigration Administration (NIA) website, mobile app, or even WeChat, this update promises a quicker and easier entry experience.

If you’re planning a trip to China, this new system is a game-changer. Gone are the days of filling out cumbersome paper cards upon arrival. Instead, you can now complete the digital arrival card at your convenience, enhancing your travel experience and reducing wait times at customs.

Understanding the Digital Arrival Card

A digital arrival card is a straightforward online form that gathers essential personal and travel details from travelers. This system replaces traditional paper cards, aimed at expediting immigration checks and improving overall convenience for visitors entering the country.

Where to Fill Out the Form

Travelers have multiple accessible options to complete the digital arrival card. You can choose any of the following official platforms:

NIA Website: Ideal for desktop users.
NIA Web App: Perfect for smartphone access.
NIA 12367 Mobile App: For more features on your mobile device.
Mini-programs: Available on WeChat and Alipay for easy navigation.

Transitioning to a digital format aligns China’s system with other Asian countries like India and Indonesia, where such platforms are already in use.

What if You Forget to Fill It?

If you happen to overlook completing the form beforehand, don’t worry! You’ll still have the opportunity to fill it in after landing. Airports and ports will have kiosks and QR code stations available for your convenience. While the digital system rolls out, paper arrival cards will remain accessible.

Exemptions from the Online Form

Certain travelers are exempt from filling out the digital form. These groups include:

Holders of China’s Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card
Non-Chinese citizens with a Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong or Macao
Group travelers with collective visas or visa-free access
Transit passengers who stay within the airport or port
Cruise passengers who board and depart on the same vessel
Travelers using fast-track entry lanes
Foreign employees on international vehicles

How to Fill the China Digital Arrival Card

Follow these simple steps to complete the digital arrival form:

Upload Passport Photo Page: Log in to the system and upload a clear image of your passport’s identity page.
Enter Personal Details: You will see some fields auto-filled with your passport details. Complete any remaining fields, like full name, gender, date of birth, nationality, passport number, and your flight number.
Add Contact Information: Enter your phone number, email address, and place of birth. Specify if you have a visa; if not, select your entry option (like a 30-day visa waiver).
Provide Travel Plans in China: Share your reason for visiting (tourism, business, etc.), your travel dates, the city you’ll stay in, and your address. Include inviter details if relevant.
Review and Sign: Double-check all your information for accuracy, sign the declaration, and submit the form.
Retrieve Your Arrival Card: After submission, download your digital card or have it emailed to you. This card includes a QR code you’ll present during immigration checks.

Final Tip

Although the online system simplifies entry, it’s wise to complete your card before the journey. Doing so saves time and ensures a seamless experience at airports.

Embrace this digital evolution in travel. The China Digital Arrival Card will enhance your arrival experience, letting you focus more on your adventures and less on paperwork. Your smooth entrance into this vibrant country is just a few clicks away. Safe travels!