Effective Nov. 20, 2025, foreign nationals may fill out the entry information online before coming to China through the official website and government service platform of the National Immigration Administration (NIA), the “移民局12367” app, and the WeChat miniprogram “移民局12367”, or by scanning the QR code via a mobile phone. 

1. Online arrival card filling website:

https://s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC/ 

Learn to submit your arrival card to China online. Video from the NlA

2. QR code for arrival card filling

Foreigners who cannot fill in the information online in advance may complete the process upon arriving at the immigration inspection site at Chinese ports of entry by scanning the QR code via a mobile phone, using the smart devices on site, or filling out a paper-based arrival card. 

The following persons are exempt from filling out the arrival card:

1. Holders of a valid Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card of the People’s Republic of China

2. Holders of a valid Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents (non-Chinese citizens)

3. Holders of a group visa or those eligible for group visa-free entry

4. Passengers in 24-hour direct transit who stay within the designated area of the port

5. Cruise passengers entering and departing on the same vessel

6. Travelers entering through the E-channel

7. Foreign crew members of exit-entry transport vehicles

Beware of fraudulent websites for arrival card filling:

Recently, overseas fraudsters have been defrauding travelers of fees by setting up counterfeit websites posing as China’s official platform for arrival card filling. The NIA warns that the online arrival card filling is free of charge. Please access the service only through the aforementioned official channels. For foreigners unable to submit information online in advance, online filling may also be completed using smart devices offered at China’s exit-entry ports upon arrival. Paper arrival cards also remain available at these ports.