China Arrival Card: How to Complete the Arrival Form

What Is the China Arrival Card?

The China Arrival Card is an arrival declaration for foreign travelers entering mainland China. It provides immigration authorities with relevant entry information, such as the traveler’s identity and travel details.

It is not a visa and does not replace any separate entry requirement that may apply to your passport or travel purpose. Completing an arrival declaration does not guarantee admission to China.

Is the China Arrival Card Mandatory?

Many foreign travelers entering mainland China need to complete the China Arrival Card. This can include travelers entering with a visa as well as some travelers using a visa-free entry arrangement.

Whether you need to complete it depends on your travel situation and whether you fall within one of the official exemption categories. Do not assume that being visa-free also means you are exempt from the arrival declaration.

Who Is Exempt from the China Arrival Card?

The National Immigration Administration identifies seven categories of foreign travelers who may be exempt from completing the Arrival Card:

Category	Official exemption
Foreign permanent residents	Holders of a People’s Republic of China Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card.
Eligible Hong Kong and Macao residents	Holders of a Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents who are non-Chinese citizens.
Group travel arrangements	Holders of a group visa or travelers eligible for group visa-free entry.
Restricted-area transit	Direct transit passengers staying for less than 24 hours without leaving the restricted area of the port.
Same-ship cruise travel	Passengers entering and leaving on the same cruise ship.
Fast-lane users	Travelers using eligible fast immigration lanes.
Transport crew	Foreign crew members of cross-border transport vehicles.

These are arrival-card exemptions, not general visa exemptions. If you are unsure whether an exemption applies to your trip, verify your circumstances before departure.

How to Fill Out the China Arrival Card Online

The China Arrival Card can be completed online before your trip. You have two options:

Through the official Chinese immigration website, where you can complete and submit your declaration directly, or with optional private assistance, which can provide a simplified form and a review of the information entered before submission.

1. Enter your personal details. Provide your information exactly as it appears on your passport.
2. Complete your arrival details. Enter the requested information about your trip, your point of entry and your stay in China.
3. Check your information. Review your passport number, arrival date and transport details. Optional assistance can also include a review of the information entered.
4. Submit your declaration. Follow the instructions provided by the official system or your chosen assistance service to complete the process.
5. Keep your confirmation. If a QR code or reference number is generated, keep it accessible for your arrival in China.

Submission procedures can change. Follow the instructions displayed by the system you use and make sure the details still match your travel plans.

What Information Do You Need?

Prepare your travel information before starting the China Arrival Card form. The online system requests entry-related details, and the fields shown can depend on the traveler’s situation.

• Passport details: your name, passport number, nationality and other identity information exactly as shown in your travel document.
• Travel details: your intended arrival date, transport information and entry checkpoint.
• Stay details: your intended address or accommodation information in mainland China where requested.
• Contact details: the contact information requested by the form.
• Additional declarations: any further information that the system requires for your particular journey.

Use the same passport for the form and for travel. If your plans change after completing the declaration, check whether the submitted details still accurately reflect your arrival.

When Should You Complete the China Arrival Card?

You can complete the online arrival declaration before travelling to China. The National Immigration Administration describes the online service as a pre-travel option, but its published notice does not set a general filing window or a universal deadline for all travelers.

As a practical step, complete the form once you have the travel details it requests, then review it before departure. Travelers who cannot complete it in advance can use the available options at the immigration checkpoint.

How Do You Get and Present Your Confirmation?

The online process may generate a confirmation, including an electronic QR code. Keep any QR code or reference information available on your phone and consider saving a backup that you can access without relying on mobile data.

At the entry checkpoint, follow the instructions from immigration officers and use the confirmation method requested there. If you cannot retrieve a confirmation, use the on-site facilities or ask checkpoint staff for guidance rather than relying on an old or incomplete submission.

Can You Complete the China Arrival Card at the Airport?

Yes. Travelers who have not completed the China Arrival Card online before travel can use QR codes and smart devices available at China’s immigration inspection sites. Paper arrival cards also remain available at entry ports.

Completing the declaration before arriving can help you keep your travel information organised, but it does not guarantee faster clearance or admission. Allow enough time to complete any remaining arrival formalities at the border.

How to Correct Mistakes on Your China Arrival Card

Check every entry carefully before you submit the form, especially your passport number, full name, arrival date, transport details and entry checkpoint. A mismatch between the declaration and your travel documents can create problems at arrival.

The National Immigration Administration’s public notice does not describe one general correction process for every type of change. If you need to amend submitted information, follow any options shown in the system. If no suitable option is available, use the facilities at the checkpoint and ask immigration staff for guidance. Do not assume that a new flight, changed accommodation or passport error can be ignored.

China Arrival Card vs. Chinese Visa: What’s the Difference?

The China Arrival Card is an arrival declaration that provides immigration authorities with information about your entry. A Chinese visa, where required, is a separate permission or entry requirement connected to your passport and purpose of travel. Travelers entering under a visa-free arrangement may still need to complete the arrival declaration, while some travelers are exempt from the Arrival Card itself. Visa requirements depend on your nationality, passport and purpose of travel. See our guide to Chinese visas and visa-free entry for more information.

Can You Complete the China Arrival Card in English?

The National Immigration Administration provides official information about the online arrival-card service in English. When using the official form, review the language and instructions displayed in the system before submitting your details.

Travelers who prefer help can also choose optional private assistance with a simplified form and a review of the information entered. This assistance is separate from the immigration authority and does not determine the border decision.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Entering the wrong passport number: copy it exactly from the passport you will use for travel.
• Misspelling your name: match the passport spelling, including the order of names where shown.
• Using the wrong arrival date: enter the date you expect to reach the Chinese entry checkpoint.
• Confusing your entry checkpoint with your final destination: provide the port or airport where you will actually enter mainland China when the form asks for it.
• Leaving stay details incomplete: prepare your accommodation information if it is requested by the system.
• Using outdated transport details: check the form again if your flight, train, ship or other transport changes.
• Submitting without a final review: check all details before confirming the declaration.
• Confusing the arrival card with a visa: the arrival declaration does not replace separate entry requirements.

China Arrival Card Checklist Before Departure

• Passport: have the passport you will use for travel ready.
• Arrival-card requirement: check whether you need the declaration or meet an official exemption.
• Transport details: confirm your flight, train, ship or other arrival information.
• Entry checkpoint: know where you will first enter mainland China.
• Accommodation: keep your intended stay address available if required.
• Form completion: complete the online declaration before travel when practical.
• Confirmation: save any QR code or reference information issued by the system.
• Final review: make sure your form still matches your passport and current travel plans.
• Separate entry requirements: check the requirements that apply to your passport and purpose of travel.