Thankfully, those days are over. China's National Immigration Administration (NIA) has officially modernized border entry with the launch of the China Digital Arrival Card (CDAC). This completely digital system replaces the traditional paper arrival cards with a streamlined online declaration process.
Whether you are traveling under a traditional tourist visa, taking advantage of China’s expanding unilateral visa-free policies, or utilizing a 144-hour Transit Visa-Exempt (TWOV) stay, filling out this card online before you touch down is the absolute best way to breeze through customs.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through exactly what the digital arrival card is, step-by-step instructions on how to fill it out, and critical insider tips to ensure a stress-free entry at any Chinese airport.
Important Information!!
- Now there is no such thing as filling out the arrival card on a paper slip in China
- You can register 100$ FREE. Any sites that request money are FAKE !!
- You can fill out either before or after landing the airport
- The system is open to input 72 hours before your departure.
- If you fill out prior to your arrival, you can avoid the hassle and save time
What is the China Digital Arrival Card (CDAC)?
The China Digital Arrival Card is a mandatory electronic entry declaration form for foreign nationals entering mainland China by air, land, or sea. Launched to make border control faster and entirely paperless, it registers your basic identity data, flight information, and local contact details before you interact with an immigration officer.
Upon successful submission, the system generates a unique Arrival Card QR Code. When you reach the border checkpoint, the immigration officer simply scans this QR code from your phone screen, instantly pulling up your records and saving you precious time.
⚠️ Important Anti-Scam Warning: The official online arrival card system provided by the Chinese government is 100% FREE. Beware of counterfeit third-party websites or phishing agencies attempting to charge you fees for processing this form. Only use the official channels outlined below.
Who Needs to Fill Out the Digital Arrival Card?
Almost all international tourists arriving in China must complete this form. This includes:
Standard tourist and business visa holders (L, M visas, etc.).
Foreign nationals utilizing visa-free entry policies.
Transit travelers (TWOV) who plan to exit the airport restricted area.
Who is Exempt?
According to the NIA, you do not need to fill out the arrival card if you belong to one of the following groups:
- Holders of a valid Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card of the P.R.C.
- Holders of a Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents (Non-Chinese Citizens).
- Travelers transiting directly within 24 hours without leaving the airport's restricted transit area.
- Foreign tour group members traveling under a group visa-free arrangement.
- Foreign crew members of international transport vehicles.
When and Where to Fill Out the Form
The Best Timing
The optimal time to fill out the China Digital Arrival Card is 24 to 48 hours before your departure, or while waiting at your departure airport gate. While you can technically fill it out up to 72 hours in advance, doing it closer to your departure ensures your flight status and landing times are entirely accurate.
Official Access Channels
You can access the official form via three main digital pathways:
Official Website (Recommended for Desktops/Laptops):
https://s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC/ Official Mobile Portal (Best for Smartphones):
https://s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPhone/ The "NIA 12367" Super-App/Mini-Programs: Available as a standalone mobile app or as an integrated mini-program inside WeChat or Alipay by searching for "NIA 12367" (移民局12367).
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Fill Out the Form Online
The system is highly intuitive and fully supports multiple languages, including English, Korean, and Japanese. Before you open the portal, gather your passport, your flight itinerary, and your hotel booking confirmation.
Step 1: Upload Your Passport Photo Page
Once you open the portal and agree to the user declaration, the system will prompt you to take or upload a photo of your passport's bio-data page.
Pro Tip: Ensure the photo is clear, entirely flat, and free of camera flash glare. The integrated AI will automatically scan the image and fill in your name, date of birth, and passport number to save you typing time.
Step 2: Verify and Complete Personal Information
Double-check the data auto-filled by the scanner. If any letters are misread, manually correct them. You will need to confirm:
Full Name (Exactly as written on your passport).
Passport Number and Expiration Date.
Nationality and Date of Birth.
Step 3: Enter Travel Plan and Flight Details
Next, provide the logistics of your entry into mainland China:
Arrival Port: The exact airport where you will clear immigration (e.g., Shanghai Pudong PVG, Beijing Capital PEK).
Mode of Transport: Select "Flight" and input your precise Flight Number (e.g., MU508, KE855).
Purpose of Visit: Select "Tourism", "Business", or "Transit" depending on your travel intent.
Step 4: Input Accommodation Address in China
This is the step where most travelers encounter errors. You must provide the exact address of where you are staying on your first night.
How to pass this step easily: Open your hotel booking platform (such as Trip.com), locate the hotel address, and copy both the Chinese Hanzi characters and the English address. Paste the complete address into the text box. If you are staying at a friend’s house, input their full residential address and contact number.
Step 5: Final Review, Sign, and Submit
Review all information for absolute accuracy. Omissions or fraudulent concealment can lead to border delays or denied entry. Digitally sign the screen to confirm your declaration and hit Submit.
The Most Critical Step: Saving Your QR Code Offline!
Once submitted, the portal will instantly generate a digital arrival card complete with a prominent QR Code.
🚨 CRITICAL TRAVELER TIP: Take a screenshot of this QR Code immediately and save it directly to your phone's photo album. Do not rely on the internet, your email inbox, or an open browser tab. When you land at a Chinese airport, your foreign mobile data roaming might take a few minutes to connect, and airport public Wi-Fi networks frequently require a local SMS code to log in. Having an offline screenshot in your photo gallery ensures you can instantly present the QR code to customs officers or scan it at airport kiosks without needing an internet connection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What happens if I forget to fill it out before my flight?
Don't panic. If you land without a pre-filled digital card, Chinese airports are equipped with rows of self-service Smart Digital Kiosks located right before the immigration lines. You can scan your passport at these terminals and fill out the digital form on the touchscreens. Alternatively, paper arrival slips are kept as a secondary backup at designated tables, though using them will mean waiting in significantly longer manual processing lines.
Q2: Do families or groups need to fill out individual cards?
Yes. Every single traveler—including young children and infants—must have their own individual digital arrival card and unique QR code. However, the system allows a lead traveler to add "accompanying persons" during the process. If you are traveling as a family, the parents can save multiple screenshots of their children’s QR codes on a single smartphone to present to the officer sequentially.
Q3: Do I need a new digital arrival card if I leave and re-enter China?
Yes. The digital arrival card QR code is strictly for single-entry use. If your itinerary involves leaving mainland China to visit Hong Kong or Macau and returning a few days later, you must complete a fresh online arrival card declaration for your second entry into the mainland.
Summary: A Smooth Landing Awaits
By transitioning to the China Digital Arrival Card system, the Chinese government has taken a major step toward welcoming global tourists with modern efficiency. Taking just three minutes to complete this form from the comfort of your couch or departure gate completely eliminates the chaotic paperwork rush at the border.
Bookmark the official portal link, capture your confirmation screenshot, and look forward to a fast, stress-free start to your incredible journey through China!
