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Since November 2025, most foreign visitors must fill the China arrival card online before arrival. Fill it wrong or skip it, and you risk denied entry. This guide walks you through who needs it, how to fill it, and what to do if something goes wrong.
Quick Answer
Do I need to fill the China arrival card?
Direct answer: Most foreign visitors do. Check the 7 exemption categories first. If you hold a Foreign Permanent Resident ID, are on a group visa, transiting within 24 hours without leaving the port, on a cruise returning on the same ship, using the e-channel, or are a crew member, you are exempt. Everyone else must fill it, either online before arrival or on-site at the port.
When should I fill it?
Direct answer: Fill it online within 24 hours before your arrival in China. The QR code you receive is valid for exactly 24 hours. Fill it too early and the code expires. Fill it at the airport during a layover or before boarding your final flight to China.
Which method is easiest?
Direct answer: The WeChat or Alipay mini-program "移民局12367" is the fastest option. No app download needed, just scan the official QR code, fill in your details in about 3 minutes, and save the receipt screenshot. The NIA government website has an English interface if you prefer a desktop computer.
Quick Decision Table
| Scenario | Best Option | Risk | Time Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| First-time visitor, anxious | Online pre-fill via WeChat mini-program | Low | 3 min before flight |
| Last-minute, at the gate | On-site QR scan at port | Medium | 5 min at counter |
| Frequent traveler | Online pre-fill via APP (recall past records) | Low | 1 min |
| Transit under 24h, not leaving airport | Exempt | None | 0 |
| Group tour | Exempt (group visa) | None | 0 |
| No smartphone | Paper form at port | High | 10 min at counter |
| Arriving at Daxing Airport | On-site smart device | Low | 2 min |
TripChina Verdict
Fill the arrival card online before your flight. Use the WeChat or Alipay mini-program "移民局12367", it is free, takes about 3 minutes, and lets you walk through immigration in under 2 minutes. Save the receipt screenshot on your phone. If you lose it or forget, you can fill a new one at the port, but that adds time and stress.
Best Route by Destination
| Destination or scenario | Recommended route | Why it fits | Alternative | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-time visitor, anxious | Online pre-fill via WeChat mini-program "移民局12367" | No app download needed; takes ~3 min; low risk | NIA website (English interface) | WeChat mini-program is Chinese-only; website has English but requires desktop |
| Last-minute, at the gate | On-site QR scan at port | No pre-planning needed; fill in ~5 min at counter | Paper form at port | QR scan requires smartphone; paper form is slowest (~10 min) and error-prone |
| Frequent traveler | Online pre-fill via "移民局12367" APP | Recalls past year records; fill in ~1 min | WeChat mini-program | APP requires download; mini-program works without install |
| Transit under 24h, not leaving airport | Exempt (no form needed) | Zero time or risk | N/A | Must stay within port restricted area |
| Group tour | Exempt (group visa) | No form needed | N/A | Only if on valid group visa or eligible for group visa-free entry |
| No smartphone | Paper form at port | Only option without device | On-site smart device at Daxing Airport | Paper form is slowest (~10 min) and error-prone; smart device requires staff assistance |
| Arriving at Daxing Airport | On-site smart device | ~2 min with staff guidance; English signs | Pre-fill online | Only available at Daxing; pre-fill is still faster if done before flight |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Filling too early: The QR code expires after 24 hours. Fill it during your layover or the morning of travel, not days in advance.
- Skipping the form entirely: This can lead to denied entry. Even if you plan to fill it on-site, pre-filling saves time.
- Not saving a screenshot: You need the QR code to show at immigration. Without internet access at the counter, a screenshot is essential.
- Entering incorrect visa or flight details: Double-check your visa number and flight number. Errors can cause delays or rejection.
- Assuming exemption without checking: Review the 7 exemption categories carefully. Many travelers mistakenly think they are exempt.
Do You Even Need to Fill It? (7 Exemption Categories)
Before you start, check if you are exempt. These 7 categories of travelers do not need to fill the China arrival card:
- Holders of a Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card
- Holders of a Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong/Macau Residents (non-Chinese nationality)
- Group visa holders or those eligible for group visa-free entry
- 24-hour direct transit passengers who do not leave the port restricted area
- Cruise passengers entering and exiting on the same ship
- E-channel (Fast Track) users
- Foreign crew members of transport vehicles
If you fall into any of these categories, you are done. Skip the rest of this guide. If not, read on.
Option A: Fill Online Before Your Flight (Recommended)
This is the fastest and least stressful method. You fill the form on your phone or computer before you board your flight to China, get a QR code, and show it at immigration.
5 Channels Compared
| Channel | How to Access | Best For | Language | Download Needed? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NIA Government Website | https: //s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC/ | Desktop users, English interface | English + Chinese | No |
| "移民局12367" APP | Download from app store | Frequent travelers (recall past year records) | Chinese + English | Yes |
| WeChat Mini-Program | Search "移民局12367" in WeChat | Most users, no download | Chinese | No |
| Alipay Mini-Program | Search "移民局12367" in Alipay | Alipay users, no download | Chinese | No |
| Scan QR Code at Port | Use phone camera to scan on-site QR | Last-minute arrivals | Chinese | No |
Step-by-Step: Using the NIA Website (English Interface)
- Open
https: //s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC/on your browser. - Click "Entry Declaration" (or the right-side option if you are from North Korea, Mongolia, Pakistan, Nepal, Laos, Myanmar, or Vietnam).
- Read the terms and click "I Agree."
- Select your passport document type and upload a photo of your passport information page.
- Verify the auto-filled fields: name, gender, country of birth. Add your flight number.
- Enter your phone number and visa number.
- Fill in your purpose of visit, entry date, arrival city, and first night address. If you do not know your departure date, select "NO."
- If you have no accompanying travelers, select "NO."
- Read the declaration statement, sign, and submit.
- Save the receipt page as a PDF or screenshot. You can also email it to yourself.
Step-by-Step: Using the WeChat Mini-Program
- Open WeChat, tap "Discover" at the bottom, then "Mini Programs."
- Search for "移民局12367" and open it.
- Tap "外国人入境登记卡网上填报" (Foreigner Arrival Card Online Filling).
- Upload your passport photo or scan it with your camera.
- Fill in the same details: flight number, visa number, address in China.
- Sign and submit.
- Save the receipt screenshot to your phone.
QR Code Rules
- The QR code on your receipt is valid for 24 hours from the time you submit.
- Save a screenshot on your phone. You do not need internet to show it at immigration.
- If your QR code expires before you arrive, fill a new one. It is free and takes 2 minutes.
Pro Tip: Frequent Travelers
If you have entered China before, use the "移民局12367" APP. It can recall your personal filing records from the past year. You do not need to retype your basic information, just verify and update your flight number and address.
Option B: Fill at the Airport (Backup Plan)
If you did not fill the form before your flight, you can still do it at the port. Three methods are available:
Scan the QR Code at the Port
Most international airports and land ports have QR codes posted near the immigration area. Scan with your phone camera, fill the form on the spot, and show the receipt to the officer.
Use On-Site Smart Devices
Some airports, especially Beijing Daxing International Airport, have dedicated smart filling devices. These are touchscreen kiosks that guide you through the form. At Daxing, staff are available to help.
Fill a Paper Form
Paper arrival cards are still available at the port. This is the slowest method and most error-prone. Use it only if you have no smartphone and no one to help you.
Daxing Airport Special Services
Beijing Daxing Airport has made extra efforts for foreign visitors:
- Optimized entry guidance signs in English and Chinese
- Smart filling devices placed in the arrival hall
- Dedicated staff to help elderly travelers, families, and anyone without a smartphone
If you arrive at Daxing without a pre-filled form, use the smart device. It takes about 2 minutes with staff guidance.
What If You Lose the Receipt?
As of the latest update, there is no official method to retrieve a lost receipt. If you lose the screenshot or PDF, do not panic. You have two options:
- Fill a new form online using the same channel. It is free and takes 2 minutes.
- Use the on-site QR code or smart device at the port.
If you are unsure, call the 12367 hotline for guidance.
What Happens If You Don't Fill It?
Filling the arrival card is mandatory for most foreign visitors. The consequences of not filling it range from inconvenient to severe:
- Denied entry: The border officer can legally refuse you entry if you have not filled the arrival card. This is the most common outcome.
- Fines and deportation: If you refuse to fill it or provide false information, you may face fines, deportation, or future entry restrictions.
- Delayed processing: Even if you fill it on-site, you will wait longer at the counter. This can cause you to miss connecting flights or transport.
The official hotline for questions is 12367. Call if you are unsure about your situation.
This article is part of the China Basics Travel Guide Hub.
Explore all China Basics travel guides here → China Basics Hub
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don't have a smartphone for the arrival card?
Use the paper form available at the port. Ask airline staff or a fellow traveler for help if needed. At Daxing Airport, staff can assist you with the smart device or paper form.
What if my arrival card QR code expires?
Fill a new one. The QR code is valid for 24 hours. If you filled it too early or your flight was delayed, simply open the same channel and submit again; it is free and takes about 2 minutes.
Can I edit the arrival card after submitting?
No. Once you submit, you cannot edit the form. If you made a mistake, fill a new one, and the new submission will override the old one.
What happens if I don't fill the China arrival card?
You will likely be denied entry at the border. In serious cases, you may face fines, deportation, or future entry restrictions. Always fill it before arrival or on-site.
Local Truth: Why Timing Matters More Than You Think
Many travelers assume they can fill the arrival card on the plane or at the gate. But the 24-hour QR code validity means you must time it carefully. If you fly from Europe, fill it during your layover. If you fly from Asia, fill it the morning of your travel. Do not fill it days in advance, the code will expire.
The 12367 hotline is your safety net. Call if you are unsure about your exemption status, lost your receipt, or have any other question. It is free and available in multiple languages.
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