China Launches Mandatory Online Arrival Card for All Foreign Visitors (2025) — What You Must Fill Out Before Entry
China's National Immigration Administration now requires all foreign visitors to complete a digital Arrival Card online before entry, effective November 20, 2025. The system replaces paper forms with web, app, and mini-program options — but paper cards remain as a fallback at immigration checkpoints.
Key takeaway
China's National Immigration Administration (NIA) now requires all foreign nationals to complete a digital Arrival Card online before entering the country, effective November 20, 2025. Travelers can submit through the NIA website, NIA 12367 mobile app, or WeChat and Alipay mini-programs up to days before departure. Paper cards and smart kiosks remain available at ports of entry for those unable to file online. The system replaces the traditional paper disembarkation card that travelers previously filled out on planes or at immigration counters.
How the rules work
What Changed
According to an official announcement by the National Immigration Administration, published through multiple Chinese embassies and consulates worldwide in early December 2025, the online Arrival Card system became mandatory for all foreign nationals entering mainland China as of November 20, 2025. The policy applies regardless of visa type — including the 30-day visa-free entry program for 50 countries, the 240-hour transit program for 55 nationalities, and standard visa holders.
The digital system requires travelers to provide the same information previously captured on paper forms: full name, nationality, passport number, date of birth, flight or vessel details, purpose of visit, and intended address in China. The key difference is that travelers can now complete this before departure, at home or at the airport, instead of scrambling for a pen on a crowded plane or standing at an immigration counter.
The NIA has made the system accessible through five channels: the NIA official website, the NIA Government Service Platform, the NIA 12367 mobile app (available on iOS and Android), and mini-programs within WeChat and Alipay — all accessible by searching "NIA 12367." A QR code displayed at ports of entry also links directly to the online form for travelers who arrive without having completed it in advance.
For travelers who cannot complete the online form — due to limited internet access, device compatibility issues, or other constraints — paper Arrival Cards remain available at all immigration checkpoints. Smart terminal devices at major international airports also allow on-the-spot digital submission. The San Francisco Chinese Consulate confirmed these fallback options in its official notice dated December 3, 2025.
Who this is for
All non-Chinese passport holders entering mainland China — including visa-free travelers from 50 countries, 240-hour transit passengers from 55 nationalities, standard visa holders, business travelers, and group tour participants. The Arrival Card requirement is universal regardless of visa type, nationality, or entry purpose.
What to do next
- Download the NIA 12367 app or locate the official mini-program on WeChat/Alipay before your trip by searching 'NIA 12367'. 2. Complete your Arrival Card 1-3 days before departure once you have your flight number and accommodation address. 3. Save a screenshot of your submission confirmation and keep your accommodation details accessible for immigration officers.
Watch for
Assuming visa-free entry means no paperwork at all — the visa exemption only waives the visa, not the Arrival Card. Fill it out online before your trip.
Waiting until you are at the immigration counter to start the form — officers may direct you to step aside, adding 10-15 minutes to entry processing.
Using third-party websites or paid services claiming to process Arrival Cards — these are scams. Only use the official free NIA channels: en.nia.gov.cn, NIA 12367 app, or official WeChat/Alipay mini-programs.
Entering an incomplete address like 'Beijing city center' — the system requires a specific hotel name or residential address. Vague entries may trigger re-submission at immigration.
What may vary
Language options differ by channel: the NIA website offers full English support, while WeChat/Alipay mini-programs may default to Chinese. Smart kiosks at smaller ports may have limited language options. Data fields may vary slightly by visa type — transit passengers must provide onward destination details. Technical implementation details may be updated by NIA without separate announcement.
Backup plan
If the online system is unavailable before your flight, paper Arrival Cards are distributed on most international flights to China and at all immigration checkpoints. Smart terminal kiosks at major airports (PEK, PKX, PVG, CAN) support on-site digital submission. Contact the NIA 12367 hotline (+86-12367) for 24-hour English assistance.
FAQ
Do I still need to fill out the Arrival Card if I have a valid Chinese visa?
Yes. The Arrival Card is a separate requirement from your visa. Every foreign national entering China — with or without a visa — must complete it. The online system digitizes what was always a mandatory paper form.
Can I fill out the Arrival Card for my whole family on one phone?
Yes. Complete separate submissions for each traveler using their individual passport details on the same device. WeChat and Alipay mini-programs may let you save profiles for faster family submissions.
What happens if I arrive at a Chinese airport without completing the online Arrival Card?
You will not be denied entry. Immigration will direct you to scan the QR code displayed at the checkpoint, use a smart terminal kiosk, or fill out a paper Arrival Card. Processing will simply take longer.
Is the NIA 12367 app available in English?
Yes. The NIA 12367 mobile app supports English language interface. The NIA website (en.nia.gov.cn) also offers full English support. WeChat and Alipay mini-programs may default to Chinese but include an English toggle.
Can I fill out the Arrival Card for my family members on the same device?
Yes. You can complete separate submissions for each traveler on the same phone or computer. Each submission must use that individual's passport details. The WeChat and Alipay mini-programs may allow you to save and switch between profiles for faster family submissions.
What happens if I arrive without completing the online Arrival Card?
You will be directed to complete it at the port of entry — either by scanning the QR code displayed at immigration, using a smart terminal kiosk, or filling out a paper Arrival Card. Entry is not denied, but your immigration processing will take longer. The [China Embassy in Oman](https://om.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/lsfw/tztx/202512/t20251203_11765622.htm) confirmed all three fallback options in its official notice.
Is the online Arrival Card the same as the Health Declaration form used during COVID-19?
No. The Arrival Card is a permanent immigration document that replaced the traditional paper disembarkation card. It is not a health declaration and does not ask about vaccination status, symptoms, or recent travel history. China discontinued its COVID-era health declaration requirement in late 2023.