Want to travel to China? Read the article and know all the information about China Arrival Card including how to fill out, who needs it and the latest updats.
What is the China Arrival Card
The China Arrival Card (officially titled: Arrival Card for Foreigners) is a mandatory legal document that all non-Chinese citizens (holders of foreign passports) must complete upon entering the Chinese border. Even if you benefit from a visa-exemption policy, you are still required to fill out this card. The purpose of this card is to provide Chinese border inspection authorities with the traveler's basic identity information, purpose of stay, and address in China, facilitating border management and subsequent public security registration.
Electronic Declaration Now Available
To streamline customs clearance, China is strongly promoting an electronic declaration system. Foreign travelers can now complete the declaration in advance via official platforms provided by the National Immigration Administration (NIA) and scan a QR Code upon arrival to complete the process.
- Official Channels: The NIA Government Service Platform website, the "NIA 12367" App, or the mini-programs available on WeChat / Alipay.
- Advantages: You can complete the form 24 to 48 hours before departure, avoiding the need to write by hand in crowded ports or cramped airplane cabins. The interfaces usually support multiple languages, which helps reduce filling errors.
Although electronic declaration is becoming widespread, all ports of entry (airports, land borders) still retain paper Arrival Cards (typically long blue or yellow rectangular cards) as a backup option for travelers who are unfamiliar with electronic devices or who experience poor internet connectivity.
Do Australians Need to Fill Out China Arrival Card?
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Yes, Australian citizens generally need to fill out a China Arrival Card (now largely digital) when entering China, even with visa-free entry, to provide immigration and customs with necessary details like passport info, flight number, and purpose of visit.
China Arrival Card | Do Australians need a Visa for China?
No, for short visits! Australian passport holders can now enjoy visa-free travel to China for stays of up to 30 days. This policy took effect on November 30, 2024, and is valid until December 31, 2026.
China Arrival Card | When is a Visa Still Required For Australians?
You will need to apply for a visa beforehand if:
- You plan to stay in China for more than 30 days.
- Your travel purpose does not fall under the permitted activities (e.g., work, study).
- You do not meet the other visa-free conditions.
China Arrival Card | Exempted Individuals
The following categories of foreign individuals may be exempt from filling out this card in certain circumstances:
- Holders of the People's Republic of China Permanent Residence Card for Foreigners.
- Those who have been approved for, and possess, other specialized entry certificates or approval documents.
- Those transiting directly within 24 hours who do not leave the restricted area of the port of entry.
Step-by-Step Guide for Filling Out China Arrival Card
China Arrival Card | Personal Identification Section
Field Name (English) | Content and Important Notes |
Name (Surname / Given Names) | Must be exactly the same as the name on your passport. Write your Surname first, followed by your Given Names. |
Nationality | Fill in the full name or standard abbreviation of your passport issuing country, e.g., USA, UK, AUSTRALIA. |
Passport No. | Carefully verify the number on your passport. Digits and letters must be accurate. |
Date of Birth | The required format is usually Year-Month-Day (YYYY-MM-DD). |
Gender | Select Male or Female. |
Visa No. | If you have a visa: Enter the red number located on the top right corner of your China visa page in your passport. If you are visa-free: Write "VISA-FREE" (in English capital letters). |
Purpose of Visit | Purpose of entry: Generally includes options like Tourism (L), Business (M), Transit, etc. Select the option that best matches your purpose for this trip. |
China Arrival Card | Travel Information Section
Field Name | Content and Important Notes |
Arrival Flight/Train/Vessel No. | Arrival Carrier Number: Airplane: Enter the flight number (e.g., CA987). High-speed rail: Enter the train number (e.g., G80). Land crossing: You may write "WALKING" or "MTR" (depending on the port; this field can sometimes be left blank for land entry). |
Address in China | Detailed Address in China: This is the field most often required to be rewritten. It must be specific, clear, and verifiable. Enter the name and city of your first accommodation in China, such as Grand Hyatt Beijing. If staying with a friend, you must provide the friend's detailed address. |
Contact Tel No. | Contact Phone Number: Enter a number where you can be reached in China, such as the hotel's phone, a mainland mobile number, or your own international number. |
Date of Arrival | The actual date you enter China. |
Signature | Signature: Do not omit this. The signature must match the one in your passport. |
Trip.com Tip: It is highly recommended that when booking your hotel through Trip.com, you save a screenshot of the hotel's Chinese and English name, address, and phone number. Directly copy this information when filling out the card to avoid confusion at customs.
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How to Submit China Arrival Card Online?
For added convenience, travellers can now complete the China Arrival Card online before landing. Previously, declarations were filled out on paper, and at a few airports like SHA, electronic forms were available. According to the latest policy, the declaration methods have been fully optimised and upgraded, and multiple electronic submission methods are now supported.
Just make sure to submit the form within 24 hours before your arrival. Once completed, you’ll receive a QR code. Keep a screenshot handy, as you’ll need to scan it in the self-service printing area of the entry card and print it out.
Here're the methods you can submit China Arrival Card online:
- Visit the official website: https://s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC/
- Use the "Immigration Bureau 12367" APP
- Search for "Immigration Bureau 12367" on WeChat (Alipay) mini-programs
- Scan the official QR code to fill out the form
Submit China Arrival Card Online Through Official Website
After entering the official website of submitting China Arrival Card, choose Entry Declaration. Then you can add detailed information.
- ID Information: You will need to submit your ID type (Ordinary Passport, Diplomatic Passport, Service Passport, Passport for Public Affairs, Seaman's Book), and upload your ID document page.
- Basic Information: Fill out your name, gender, date of birth, country/region you're from, passport number, entry transportation mode, flight/train/vessel number, and your entry city/port.
- Personal Information: Here you will need to submit your birthplace, contact number, visa number (if there is), etc.
- Travel Information: You will also need to confirm your purpuse of entry, date of entry, destination cities, etc.
- Confirm Information: Last, confirm the information you have submitted.
Submit China Arrival Card Online Through "Immigration Bureau 12367"
You can search "移民局12367" or "Immigration Bureau 12367" to download the app. If you have WeChat, search for it on WeChat mini-programs to submit.
Here's how:
- Open 12367
- Choose "Foreigner Service"
- Choose "Arrival Card"
- Choose "Entry Declaration"
The submission process is the same as the website. Just fill out your ID information, personal information, travel information, etc.
China Arrival Card | Common Filling Errors
China Arrival Card | List of Common Filling Errors
- Name Order Inversion: The Chinese format places the Surname first. Many foreign travelers are accustomed to writing their Given Name first, leading to a mismatch with passport information. Please strictly follow the order of the Surname / Given Names fields as they appear on your passport.
- Inaccurate Address Information: Only writing the city or province name (e.g., "Guangdong"). The correct procedure requires detailing the street or the hotel name.
- Date Format Confusion: Western countries typically use Day / Month / Year (DD-MM-YYYY), but China usually adopts the international standard Year / Month / Day (YYYY-MM-DD). Please fill in the date according to the format required on the card or the electronic declaration interface.
- Missing or Mismatched Signature: Forgetting to sign the signature box at the bottom, or signing with a signature that does not match the one in your passport.
- Illegible Handwriting: Especially on the paper card, sloppy handwriting will be considered invalid.
China Arrival Card | Guidance for Filling Out the Card for Family Members
For children under the age of 18 who are entering with a parent or guardian:
- Children under 16: The Arrival Card is typically filled out by the parent or guardian on their behalf.
- Passport Number: Every child must independently fill in their own personal passport number.
- Visa/Visa-Free Status: If the child is included in a family tourist visa with the parents, ensure the visa number entered is accurate. If they are citizens of a visa-exempt country, write "VISA-FREE".
- Fingerprints: Children under the age of 14 are generally exempt from fingerprint collection, but parents or guardians aged 14 to 70 must complete the fingerprint collection process.
China Arrival Card | Police Registration and Post-Arrival Procedures
Completing and passing the China Arrival Card only finalizes half of the procedure. According to Chinese law, all travelers entering the country with a foreign passport must also complete the Accommodation Registration procedure during their stay in China. This is closely related to the information provided on the Arrival Card.
China Arrival Card | Accommodation Registration Regulations
- Staying in a Hotel: If you booked your accommodation through Trip.com, the hotel reception will complete the Accommodation Registration (Record of Temporary Residence) for you concurrently when you check in. This is generally a legal obligation for the hotel.
- Staying in Non-Hotel Accommodation: If you choose to stay at a friend’s or relative’s home, or a short-term rental apartment:
- You, or the homeowner, must report to the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) police station within 24 hours of arrival to register and receive the Temporary Accommodation Registration Form.
- The address you entered on the Arrival Card must be consistent with the address you register at the police station. If your itinerary changes, the address must be updated.
China Arrival Card | Retain Your Entry Voucher
Even if you choose electronic clearance or use an automated gate, it is recommended that after clearing immigration, you print your entry record at the machine labeled "Entry Voucher Printing." This voucher contains your entry date, location, and allowed duration of stay, and may be required when completing subsequent accommodation registration or when exiting the country.
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FAQs about China Arrival Card
Does China have arrival cards?
According to the latest notice from the National Immigration Administration of China, starting from 20 November 2025, foreign nationals (excluding residents of Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan) may complete their Arrival Card online when entering China.Where can I download a China Arrival Card?
From November 20th, 2025, foreigners can visit the National Immigration Administration (NIA)'s official website, Government Service Platform, “NIA 12367” APP, WeChat (Alipay) mini program or scan the QR code on the entry card with mobile phonesDo I need to register when I arrive in China?
Foreigners who stay elsewhere need to register residence at the local police station within 24 hours upon arrival. Foreigners can register residence at the local police station by presenting a valid passport or other international travel documents, along with the rental contract or property ownership certificate.