Planning a trip to China? Learn how to fill out the China Arrival Card online, the difference between a visa and arrival card, and specific entry requirements.
What is the China Arrival Card?
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The China Arrival Card (also known as the Arrival/Departure Card) is a mandatory legal document required by the National Immigration Administration (NIA) of China. It serves as a formal record of your entry into the country, detailing your personal info, travel purpose, and where you'll be staying.
While it used to be just a little yellow paper slip handed out on planes, China officially launched an online e-filling system in late 2025. Now, you can complete it digitally before you even land.
Do I Need to Fill Out a China Arrival Card?
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Yes. If you are a foreigner traveling on a standard passport, you must complete this card in most cases.
Who is exempt?
- Holders of a Chinese Permanent Resident ID.
- Travelers using the "E-channel" (usually for frequent travelers with pre-registered biometrics).
- Crew members of international flights or ships.
- Those on a specific group visa (where the tour leader handles the collective paperwork).
For the vast majority of Indian tourists and business travelers, this is a non-negotiable step.
How to Complete the China Arrival Card Online
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You have two main ways to get this done. Doing it online is highly recommended to save time at the immigration counter.
Option 1: Online (The "E-Filling" Method)
As of 2026, the official way to do this is through the NIA 12367 platform.
- Visit the Official Site: Go to the National Immigration Administration's e-filling page or use the NIA 12367 WeChat/Alipay mini-program.
- Enter Details: You’ll need your passport info, flight number, and the full address of your hotel in China.
- Submit & Save: Once submitted, you will receive a QR code. Screenshot this! You will need to scan it at the "Self-Service Arrival Card" machines or show it to the officer upon landing.
Option 2: The Paper Method
If you forget to do it online, don't panic.
- On the Plane: Flight attendants usually hand out the physical yellow cards about an hour before landing.
- At the Airport: There are desks with stacks of cards right before the immigration lines. You’ll need a pen and about 5 minutes to fill it out.
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When Should You Fill It Out?
- Online: You can generally fill it out within 24 to 48 hours before your flight.
- Paper: On the plane or immediately after landing.
What Happens if You Don’t Fill It Out?
If you arrive at the immigration counter without a completed card (or a valid QR code), the officer will simply send you to the back of the room to fill out a paper version.
- Delays: You will lose your spot in line, which can add 30–60 minutes to your wait time.
- Entry Denial: You cannot legally pass through immigration without it. In extreme cases, refusing to provide the information could lead to being detained for questioning or denied entry entirely.
China Arrival Card vs. China Visa: What’s the Difference?
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It’s common to confuse these two, but they are completely different requirements. Think of the Visa as your "ticket to enter the gate" and the Arrival Card as your "registration once you're inside."
Feature | China Visa | China Arrival Card |
Purpose | Legal permission to enter China. | Record of your specific trip details and stay. |
When to get it | Weeks before travel (via CVASC in India). | Within 24–48 hours before arrival or at the airport. |
Cost | Significant fee (varies by visa type). | Free of charge. |
Format | Sticker/Stamp in your passport. | Digital QR code or a small paper slip. |
Requirement | Mandatory for Indian citizens. | Mandatory for almost all foreign visitors. |
China Entry Requirements for Indians
Entering China involves a few "layers" of checks. Make sure you have these ready:
- Valid Passport: Must have at least 6 months validity left and 2 blank pages.
- Valid China Visa: Most Indians apply for the L (Tourist) or M (Business) visa. Ensure the "Entries" (Single/Double/Multiple) match your travel plan.
- Arrival Card: The digital QR code or the yellow paper slip.
- Hotel & Return Flight Proof: Immigration officers frequently ask to see your return ticket and a printed hotel confirmation.
- Health Declaration: While COVID-19 rules have faded, China still occasionally requires a quick digital health declaration via a WeChat mini-program (usually done at the same time as the arrival card).
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FAQs about China Arrival Card
Can I fill out one China arrival card for my whole family?
No. Every individual, including children and infants, must have their own Arrival Card.Do I need to pay for China Arrival Card?
Absolutely not. If a website asks for money to "process" your arrival card, it is likely a scam. The official NIA process is free.What if I make a mistake on the online form?
You can usually resubmit the form to get a new QR code, or simply fill out a physical paper card when you arrive at the airport to override the digital error.Is the China Arrival Card the same as the Health Declaration?
No, but they are often filled out on the same digital platforms. The Arrival Card is for immigration; the Health Declaration is for customs/health officials.