Last reviewed: July 22, 2026.
China’s Official Online Arrival Card
China’s National Immigration Administration introduced online arrival-card filing for foreign travelers on November 20, 2025. The official service is free.
Open the official NIA Arrival Card Filling page
If you cannot complete the form before travel, the NIA says you can fill it in using available devices or QR codes at the port, or use a paper arrival card.
Who may be exempt?
According to the NIA notice, exemptions include travelers who:
- hold a PRC Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card;
- hold a Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents (Non-Chinese Citizens);
- hold a group visa or qualify for group visa-free entry;
- transit directly within 24 hours without leaving the restricted port area;
- enter and leave on the same cruise ship;
- enter through designated fast lanes; or
- are foreign employees of exit-entry transport vehicles.
Use only official NIA channels and avoid websites that charge a fee. Source: National Immigration Administration warning and guidance.