To further facilitate the entry of foreigners into China and improve clearance efficiency at ports of entry, the National Immigration Administration (NIA) will implement online completion of the Arrival Card for Foreigners at all ports nationwide starting from November 20, 2025.

Before traveling to China, foreigners may fill in the required arrival information online through the government service platform on the official website of the National Immigration Administration, the “NIA 12367” mobile APP, the WeChat (Alipay) mini-program, or by scanning the QR code of the arrival card on mobile devices. Website for online completion of the Arrival Card: https://s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC/

For foreigners who are unable to complete the form online in advance, the arrival information may be submitted online upon arrival at a Chinese port of entry by scanning the QR code on site with a mobile device or using the smart service terminals available at the inspection area, or alternatively by completing a paper Arrival Card for Foreigners.

Foreigners falling under any of the following seven categories may be exempt from completing the Arrival Card:

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

2. Holders of the Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents (non-Chinese nationals);

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

4. Persons making direct transit within 24 hours without leaving the port-restricted area;

5. Cruise passengers entering and exiting on the same vessel;

6. Travelers entering through fast-track channels;

7. Foreign crew members on cross-border transportation vehicles.