China is introducing a digital arrival card from November 20, 2025. Find out what this permit is, how to fill it out online, and who will not be affected by these changes

Starting from November 20, 2025, China will officially introduce a digital arrival card for all foreign travelers, including citizens of Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova and the Dominican Republic. Now tourists and business travelers will be able to enter their entry details online, which will significantly simplify the process of passing border control. The innovation is part of the country’s large-scale digital transformation and a step towards creating more convenient and technological conditions for travel.

We tell you everything tourists need to know about the digital arrival card to China in this article.

Planning a trip to China? Be sure to take care of travel insurance that will cover medical expenses, lost luggage or other unforeseen situations.

A reliable insurance policy will provide peace of mind during your trip and will become a mandatory document for crossing the border in many cases.

Apply for travel insurance online in a few minutes - quickly, conveniently and without unnecessary risks.

What is a China Digital Arrival Card?

The China Arrival Card, also known as a digital arrival card, online arrival card or immigration arrival form, is an electronic application designed to simplify the entry procedures for foreign visitors to China.

Depending on their nationality and visa requirements, most travelers are required to complete this form prior to arriving in China, regardless of their point of entry. It is also often referred to as a Shanghai Arrival Card or Beijing Arrival Card, depending on the city the traveler is traveling to.

How does the new China Digital Arrival Card work?

All foreign visitors traveling to China can now complete their entry details online – even before arriving in the country. There are several official submission channels for this:

- National Immigration Administration (NIA) website;

- NIA 12367 mobile app;

- Mini-programs in WeChat and Alipay.

Important! Travelers who did not have time to go through the registration procedure before departure will be able to do so after landing by scanning the QR code or using the self-service terminal at the airport.

During the transitional phase, paper forms of arrival cards will also remain available, but over time they are planned to be completely replaced by digital ones.

Where to fill out a digital arrival card in China?

Officially, the platform for filling out the Chinese digital arrival card will not be launched until November 20, 2025, however, to access the portal as soon as it is operational, you can:

- Remember the website address to access the portal: https://s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC/.

- Save the QR code below in the photo.

How to fill out a digital form for China: a brief guide

According to official NIA materials, there will be two versions of the form – one for most foreigners, the other for “border zone residents” (DPRK, Mongolia, Pakistan, Nepal, Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam).

To complete the registration, the user will need to enter the following information:

- Upload a photo of a passport page or other identity document.

- Enter personal data, flight number and residential address upon arrival.

- Confirm the entered information and submit the form online.

The process is as simple as possible, and the system automatically generates a digital record that is read when passing border control.

Who is exempt from filling out a digital form before arriving in China?

According to the National Immigration Administration, seven categories of travelers are not required to fill out the new digital arrival card. These include:

- Foreigners with Chinese permanent resident cards;

- Hong Kong and Macao residents with Mainland travel permits;

- Group tourists traveling under a group visa or visa-free travel;

- Transit passengers who do not leave the airport;

- Cruise ship passengers who enter and exit on the same ship;

- Travelers using fast-track lanes;

- Foreign crew members of international vehicles.

China joins global trend of digital travel

The introduction of the digital arrival card is another step in the modernization of border procedures. China thus joins Asian countries that have already introduced similar solutions, including India, Indonesia and South Korea.

The main benefits for travelers:

- Faster control;

- Less bureaucracy;

- Secure storage of personal data;

- The ability to submit information in advance and without queues.

With the digital arrival card, entering China will become faster, more convenient and modern. This system not only improves the travel experience, but also aligns the country with global standards in the field of digital immigration.

China confirms its course for innovation - and for travelers, this means simpler travel without unnecessary paperwork.

To avoid mistakes when applying for a visa and plan the perfect trip, use the “Travel Guide” from Visit World. In it you will find:

- Step-by-step instructions for applying for a tourist visa to the country;

- Information about visa fees and processing times;

- An example of a completed application form and visa photo;

- Tips and life hacks for a successful trip;

- A complete list of documents to submit.

Download the “Travel Guide” for your travel country and prepare without stress!

Reminder! China has launched an updated online visa application system COVA for travelers from the USA. We have already told you how to apply, what documents are required and what has changed in the rules for obtaining a Chinese visa.

Photo – Illustrative/generated by Gemini

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