China Arrival Card Guide: How to Fill Out & Submit

Planning a trip to China? We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know about the China Arrival Card—how to fill it out, who needs one, and all the latest updates to make your entry smooth.

What is the China Arrival Card?

Officially called the Arrival Card for Foreigners, this is a must-have document for all non-Chinese citizens entering China—even if you’re using a visa-exemption policy. It’s how Chinese border authorities collect key info like your identity, travel purpose, and accommodation details, making border checks faster and easier, plus helping with your post-arrival public security registration.

Electronic Declaration: Save Time at the Border

Good news: China has rolled out a convenient electronic declaration system to make your customs experience a breeze! Foreign travelers can fill out the form in advance via official platforms from the National Immigration Administration (NIA), then just scan a QR code when you arrive to skip the hassle.

Official Channels: NIA Government Service Platform website, the “NIA 12367” app, or the Mini Programs on WeChat or Alipay.

Why It’s Great: You can complete the form 24 to 48 hours before your departure—no more rushing to fill out a paper form in a crowded airport or cramped plane. Most interfaces also support multiple languages, so you’re less likely to make mistakes.

Do Canadians Need to Fill Out a China Arrival Card?

Short answer: Yes! Travelers from Canada generally need to fill out a China Arrival Card (now mostly digital) when entering China—even with visa-free travel. In fact, all foreign nationals entering China must complete entry information declaration online. It helps immigration and customs get essential details like your passport info, flight number, and why you’re visiting.

Do Canadians Need a Visa for China?

No visa needed for short trips! Canadian passport holders can travel to China visa-free for stays up to 30 days. This policy is currently active and valid until December 31, 2026.

When Do Canadians Need a Visa?

You’ll need to apply for a visa in advance if:

• You plan to stay in China for more than 30 days.
• Your travel purpose isn’t covered by visa-free rules (like working or studying).
• You don’t meet other visa-free requirements.

Who’s Exempt from the Arrival Card?

Certain foreign nationals don’t need to fill it out in specific cases:

• Holders of the People’s Republic of China Permanent Residence Card for Foreigners.
• Those with approved special entry certificates or documents.
• Travelers in direct transit (within 24 hours) who stay in the restricted area of the entry port.

Step-by-Step: Filling Out the China Arrival Card

Personal Identification Section

Travel Information Section

Pro Tip: Save a screenshot of your hotel’s name (Chinese and English), address, and phone number when booking. Copy it directly into the form to avoid confusion at customs!

How to Submit the Arrival Card Online

You can now fill out the Arrival Card online before landing—way more convenient than paper forms! Just submit it within 24 hours of arrival, and you’ll get a QR code. Save a screenshot of it—you’ll need to scan it at the self-service kiosk to print your entry card.

Online Submission Methods

• Visit the official website: https://s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC/
• Use the “Immigration Bureau 12367” app
• Find the “移民局 12367” mini-program on WeChat or Alipay
• Scan the official QR code to complete the form

Submitting via the Official Website

Once you’re on the site, select “Entry Declaration” and follow these steps:

1. ID Information: Choose your ID type (e.g., Ordinary Passport) and upload a copy of your passport page.
2. Basic Information: Enter your name, gender, date of birth, nationality, passport number, transportation mode, flight/train/vessel number, and entry city/port.
3. Personal Information: Provide details like your birthplace, contact number, and visa number (if applicable).
4. Travel Information: Confirm your travel purpose, arrival date, destination cities, etc.
5. Confirm Information: Double-check all details before submitting.

Submitting via “Immigration Bureau 12367” (App/Mini-Program)

Search for “移民局 12367” to download the app or find the WeChat mini-program. Then:

1. Open the app/mini-program
2. Select “Foreigner Service”
3. Select “Arrival Card”
4. Select “Entry Declaration”
5. Fill in your ID, personal, and travel info (same as the website process).

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Completing the China Arrival Card

• Name Order Mix-Up: Chinese format puts the surname first—don’t reverse it (many international travelers accidentally do this!). Match your passport exactly.
• Vague Address: Just writing a city or province (e.g., “Guangdong”) isn’t enough. Use a specific street address or hotel name.
• Date Format Confusion: China uses YYYY-MM-DD (international standard), not the DD-MM-YYYY many Western countries use. Follow the form’s required format.
• Missing/Mismatched Signature: Don’t forget to sign, and make sure it matches your passport signature.
• Illegible Handwriting: If using a paper form, write clearly—messy handwriting might make it invalid.

Filling Out Forms for Families (Minors)

For travelers under 18 entering with a parent/guardian:

• Kids under 16: Parents/guardians fill out the Arrival Card for them.
• Passport Number: Each child needs their own passport number (don’t share one).
• Visa/Visa-Free: If the child is on a family visa, double-check the visa number. If visa-free, write “VISA-FREE”.
• Fingerprints: Kids under 14 are usually exempt from fingerprinting; parents/guardians aged 14–70 must provide fingerprints.

What to Expect at the Border for China Entry

Biometrics & Registration

• Biometric collection: Some ports may require fingerprinting and photographing upon arrival
• Accommodation registration: Hotels will automatically register your stay with local authorities within 24 hours of check-in
• Residence registration: For stays exceeding 24 hours in non-hotel accommodations, complete registration at a local police station within 24 hours

Customs Declaration

If you have items to declare, fill out a customs declaration form (available electronically or in paper) and submit it to customs officers.

If you have no items to declare, you can go through the "Green Channel"—if you’re unsure, choose the "Red Channel" for help.

Post-Arrival: Police Registration & Next Steps

Filling out the Arrival Card is just the first step! Under Chinese law, all foreign passport holders must complete Accommodation Registration during their stay—and it’s tied to the info on your Arrival Card.

Accommodation Registration Guide

• Staying in a Hotel: If you booked via Trip.com, the hotel front desk will handle the Accommodation Registration (Record of Temporary Residence) when you check in—it’s a legal requirement for hotels.
• Staying in Non-Hotel Accommodation: If you’re staying with a friend/relative or in a short-term rental:
  
• • You or your host must go to the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) police station within 24 hours of arrival to register and get a Temporary Accommodation Registration Form.
  • The address on your Arrival Card must match the one you register with the police. Update it if your plans change.

Keep Your Entry Voucher

Even if you use electronic clearance or automated gates, print your entry record at the “Entry Voucher Printing” kiosk after passing immigration. It has your arrival date, location, and allowed stay duration—you might need it for check-in or when leaving China!

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