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China Digital Arrival Card: Free, Mandatory, Online

Since 20 November 2025 every foreign visitor entering mainland China — including visa-free and transit travellers — completes the China Digital Arrival Card online before arrival. It is free, takes about ten minutes, and replaces the paper card.

Key facts

In force since
20 November 2025[1]
Cost
Free[1]
Time window
Within 72 hours before arrival[2]
Applies to
All foreign visitors, including visa-free and transit
Official channels
NIA 12367 app, NIA 12367 WeChat mini program, NIA 12367 Alipay mini program

How to complete it

  1. Open the official form. Go to https://s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC/ or open the NIA 12367 app or its WeChat or Alipay mini program. All are run by the National Immigration Administration and are free.
  2. Enter passport and travel details. Passport details and nationality; Visa or visa-free basis of entry; Flight, vessel or vehicle and date of arrival; Purpose of visit and length of stay; Address in China.
  3. Submit within the time window. Submit no earlier than 72 hours before arrival. A confirmation with a QR code is issued on screen.
  4. Show the confirmation at immigration. Keep the QR code on the phone or as a screenshot; the officer scans it at the border. Corrections are made by submitting a new card.

Who must complete it

Foreign nationals entering mainland China by air, land or sea, whether with a visa, visa-free or under a transit scheme.

Exemptions

  • Passengers who remain airside in international transit and do not pass immigration
  • Holders of Chinese permanent residence
  • A small number of further categories set out in the NIA notice (for example certain group arrivals and diplomatic travellers)

Frequently asked questions

Sources

  1. China Digital Arrival Card — official filling service — National Immigration Administration (retrieved 6 September 2026)
  2. China launches its digital arrival card: how to complete it — VisasNews (retrieved 6 September 2026)
  3. China Digital Arrival Card: how to fill it out and what travellers need to know — Wego (retrieved 6 September 2026)

By CHINANETZ Editorial Team · First published · Last updated · Sources last checked

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