For anyone planning a trip to China, a new digital form has changed the entry routine. Instead of fumbling for a pen on the plane, travelers now fill out an online arrival card before landing, a shift that has been quietly rolling out since late 2025. This guide walks through the official system, how to use it, and what to watch for in 2026.

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Official website: s.nia.gov.cn ·
Available since: November 20, 2025 ·
Mandatory for: All foreign travelers entering mainland China ·
Processing time: Instant after submission ·
Validity: Single entry ·
Languages: Multiple (including English, Chinese)

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Whether paper arrival cards are still accepted at some ports of entry.
  • If submission edits are allowed after confirmation.
  • Exact submission window (reported as 24 hours vs. 72 hours before arrival).
3Timeline signal
4What’s next
  • Digital card expected to remain the standard for all entries.
  • Possible integration with visa-free transit and port systems.
  • Travelers advised to monitor official NIA site for updates.

Six key facts, one pattern: the shift from paper to digital is complete, and the official source is the only one travelers should trust.

Label Value
Official name China e-Arrival Card (Digital Arrival Card)
Launch date November 20, 2025
Cost Free
Submission method Online via s.nia.gov.cn
Validity Single entry
Languages English, Chinese, and others

The table confirms a free, single-use digital system that replaces paper.

Is there an online arrival card for China?

What is the China e-arrival card?

  • A digital declaration system operated by the National Immigration Administration (NIA), the government body overseeing border control.
  • Replaces the traditional paper arrival card for foreign nationals.
  • Free to use and processes submissions instantly.

The implication: the NIA has digitized a formerly analog step, reducing friction at immigration counters and cutting down on paper handling.

Official government system vs. third-party forms

  • The only official domain is s.nia.gov.cn (Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China in Chicago).
  • Several travel sites (e.g., Trip.com, a major travel platform) provide guidance but are not submission portals.
  • Beware of third-party sites charging fees; the official service is free (You-China).

The catch: third-party guides can be helpful, but any site asking for payment is not official. The NIA domain is the only place to submit.

Do I need an e-arrival card for China?

Who is required to complete the e-arrival card?

  • All foreign nationals (including foreign border residents) entering mainland China by air, land, or sea (Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China in Chicago).
  • This includes travelers under visa-free transit schemes, such as 24-hour or 240-hour transit (IGO2China).
  • Failure to complete may result in delays or denial of entry (You-China).

Exemptions (if any)

  • No official exemptions have been announced from the NIA.
  • Diplomatic passport holders should confirm with their mission; general guidance recommends all foreign nationals complete the form.
  • Children are also required to submit an e-arrival card (IGO2China).

What this means: the rule is sweeping. Practically every foreign arrival needs to fill the card, and doing it online before travel is the expected method.

The upshot

For travelers accustomed to paper cards, the shift is straightforward: no fee, no pen, no last-minute scramble. The bottleneck now is knowing the correct portal.

How to fill up an arrival card for China?

Step-by-step filling guide

  1. Go to s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC/ on a smartphone or computer (Trip.com).
  2. Select “Arrival Card Filling” from the menu.
  3. Enter passport details exactly as shown in the machine-readable zone (no spaces or hyphens) (IGO2China).
  4. Provide flight or transport details, including flight number, port of entry, and estimated arrival time.
  5. Enter accommodation information (hotel name and address; Chinese characters are preferred but not required).
  6. State the purpose of visit, length of stay, and onward travel plans if applicable.
  7. Review and submit. A QR code will be generated for presentation at immigration (IGO2China).

Required information fields

  • Full name (as in passport)
  • Passport number and issuing country
  • Date of birth and nationality
  • Flight or vessel number and port of entry
  • Accommodation details in China
  • Purpose of visit (tourism, business, transit, etc.)
  • Duration of stay

Why this matters: accuracy is critical. A mismatch with the passport’s machine-readable zone can trigger manual verification, slowing entry.

What to watch

Third-party sites may ask for a fee. The official NIA site charges nothing. If you land on a page asking for payment, you are not on the government site.

How early can you fill out a China arrival card?

Recommended timing

  • Most guides recommend filling within 24 hours before arrival (IGO2China).
  • Some sources suggest up to 72 hours ahead (LyrikTrip).
  • The official NIA site does not specify a fixed window, but submissions are linked to a specific travel date.

Validity period of the submission

  • The submission is valid only for the specific entry; a new card is required for each trip (Brivience).
  • Multiple entries under a single visa require a separate e-arrival card for each arrival.
  • If travel plans change, a new submission is recommended.

The trade-off: filling early reduces stress, but if plans shift, the submission becomes invalid. It’s safest to complete the card after all travel details are final.

Where can I find the China arrival card form for 2026?

Official link for 2026 form

  • The form is hosted at s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC/ (National Immigration Administration).
  • The same link is used for 2025, 2026, and future entries — no separate annual renewal.
  • The NIA English-language homepage is en.nia.gov.cn.

Mobile and desktop access

  • The site works on both mobile browsers and desktop computers (Trip.com).
  • Alternatively, travelers can use the “NIA 12367” app, WeChat mini-program, or Alipay mini-program (Koryo Tours).
  • Airport QR codes are also available for same-day submission (Koryo Tours).

The implication: access is broad and flexible. The NIA has made the form available through nearly every common digital channel.

The paradox

The system is designed to be accessible, yet confusion persists — primarily because third-party sites and inconsistent guidance on timing create noise. The NIA domain is the single point of truth.

Timeline

  • November 20, 2025: NIA launches online e-arrival card system for foreign nationals (Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China in Chicago).
  • December 4, 2025: Chicago consulate publishes notice confirming the launch and official website (Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China in Chicago).
  • 2026: System remains in effect for all entries; no paper alternative announced.

What’s clear — and what’s still uncertain

Confirmed facts

  • Official website is s.nia.gov.cn (National Immigration Administration).
  • E-arrival card is mandatory for all foreign travelers (Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China in Chicago).
  • No fee for the service (Brivience).
  • Submission is valid only for the specific entry (Brivience).

What’s unclear

  • Whether paper arrival cards are still accepted at all ports of entry.
  • If the e-arrival card can be used for multiple entries (likely not).
  • Whether changes can be made after submission; official guidance is silent.
  • Exact submission window, with sources varying between 24 and 72 hours.

“Foreigners who intend to enter China can fill in their entry information through this system.”

— National Immigration Administration instruction page

“Effective November 20, 2025, foreign nationals may fill in the relevant entry information online before coming to China.”

— Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China in Chicago

For any traveler flying to mainland China in 2026, the choice is clear: fill the e-arrival card at s.nia.gov.cn before you board, or risk delays at immigration. The paper form’s quiet retirement is already in effect, and the digital alternative is free, instant, and accessible from any device.

Additional sources

reddit.com, landingin.syncosmic.com, trip.com, arrivalcardchina.com

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the e-arrival card and the paper arrival card?

The e-arrival card is a digital form submitted online before travel, replacing the physical card handed out on planes. It is faster, eliminates handwriting errors, and generates a QR code for scanning at immigration.

Can I use the e-arrival card for all ports of entry?

Yes, it is accepted at all air, land, and sea ports of entry into mainland China, including those used for visa-free transit.

Do I need to print the e-arrival card?

No. The QR code generated after submission can be presented on a smartphone, though some travelers prefer to print it as a backup.

How do I change my information after submission?

Official guidance does not confirm an edit function. For changes, most travel guides recommend submitting a new card rather than attempting to modify the existing one.

Is the e-arrival card required for transit passengers?

Yes. Travelers transiting through mainland China, including under 24-hour and 240-hour visa-free transit, must complete the e-arrival card.

What if I don’t have internet access?

Airport kiosks and QR codes are available at major ports for same-day submission, as noted by Koryo Tours. Travelers without internet should plan to submit at the airport.

Does the e-arrival card replace the visa or visa waiver?

No. The e-arrival card is an entry declaration, not a visa or visa waiver. Travelers still need a valid visa or visa-free eligibility to enter China.

Related reading: China Digital Arrival Card Guide · China Arrival Card – How to Fill Online