What to prepare
- Passport
- Chinese visa or visa-exempt entry details
- Final flight, train or vessel number
- Entry checkpoint and arrival date
- Address and phone number in China
- Inviting party details when applicable
How to complete Foreigners Arrival Card for China
The original field name appears first, followed by its meaning and a practical completion tip.
Surname / Given Names
Enter exactly as shown in the passport.
Date of Birth / Sex
Use the passport details.
Nationality
Select the nationality of the travel document used.
Passport Number
Enter without spaces or extra symbols.
Visa Number / Visa-free Entry
Enter the visa number or applicable visa-free basis.
Port of Entry
Select the actual border checkpoint.
Flight / Train / Vessel Number
Enter the final flight, train or vessel into China.
Purpose of Visit
Select tourism for a leisure visit.
Address in China
Enter the first hotel or host address.
Inviting Person / Organization
Complete from the invitation when applicable.
After submission
Keep the confirmation until border inspection. The online card is free and does not replace a visa; a paper card remains available at the checkpoint.
Common mistakes
Wrong arrival flight number
Enter the final flight that arrives in your destination country, not the first flight in your itinerary.
Details do not match the passport
Copy names, document numbers and dates exactly as shown in the passport, using the required writing system.
Submitting outside the filing window
Check the permitted filing window for the destination and do not submit the form too early.
Using an intermediary website
Compare the portal address with the official link before entering your details, as third-party services may charge extra fees.
Questions and answers
Is the online card mandatory?
Foreigners must provide arrival information, but may use the website, a checkpoint device or a paper card; seven official exemptions apply.
Is there a fee?
No. Sites requesting payment are not the official NIA service.
Can it be completed on arrival?
Yes. A QR channel, checkpoint device or paper card can be used before inspection.
Who is exempt?
Examples include Chinese permanent-residence ID holders, direct 24-hour airside transit, certain groups, crew and fast-lane users.
More destinations in this region
Brunei
E-Arrival Card
Detailed informationโCambodia
Cambodia e-Arrival
Detailed informationโIndia
e-Arrival Card
Detailed informationโIndonesia
All Indonesia Arrival Declaration
Detailed informationโArrival cards for Asia
Brunei
E-Arrival Card
Detailed informationโCambodia
Cambodia e-Arrival
Detailed informationโIndia
e-Arrival Card
Detailed informationโIndonesia
All Indonesia Arrival Declaration
Detailed informationโJapan
Visit Japan Web
Detailed informationโMalaysia
Malaysia Digital Arrival Card
Detailed informationโMaldives
IMUGA Traveller Declaration
Detailed informationโNepal
Online Arrival Form
Detailed informationโ