China replaced its old paper arrival card with a digital system on November 20, 2025. The process is faster, available in English, and takes most travelers under 5 minutes. Instead of scrambling to handwrite your hotel address on a paper form in the arrivals hall, you complete it before you fly, save a QR code, and walk through immigration in seconds.
This guide covers everything: the official website, the step-by-step process, who is exempt, and what to do if you forget before landing.
Key Takeaways
- Complete it within 72 hours before arrival — not earlier.
- Official website: s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC (desktop) or s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPhone (mobile).
- Also available via NIA 12367 app, WeChat mini-program, or Alipay mini-program.
- It is free. Any site charging you to fill this out is a third-party scam.
- Required even for visa-free travelers — only 7 specific groups are exempt.
- Paper backup available at all ports if you forget.
What Is the China Digital Arrival Card?
The China Digital Arrival Card (CDAC) is an online immigration entry declaration form. It collects your basic travel information — passport details, flight number, accommodation address, and visit purpose — and submits it to China’s National Immigration Administration (NIA) before you arrive.
Once you submit, the system generates a unique QR code. Immigration officers scan that code at the border. It replaces the yellow paper card that flight attendants used to hand out before landing.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill It Out
Step 1: Go to the Official Website
On a smartphone, go to s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPhone. On desktop, use s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC. Select English from the language menu. The form is also accessible via the NIA 12367 app (search in your app store) or through WeChat and Alipay mini-programs by searching “”arrival card.””
Important: Do not use any third-party website that charges a fee. The official NIA form is completely free.
Step 2: Upload Your Passport
The system will prompt you to photograph or upload your passport’s data page. The OCR reader will auto-fill your name, passport number, nationality, and date of birth. Check the auto-filled fields carefully — if the scan misreads any character, correct it manually before proceeding.
Step 3: Fill In Your Travel Details
- Purpose of visit: Select from tourism, business, visiting family, transit, etc.
- Flight number: Your arriving flight number (e.g., CA937, MU568).
- Expected arrival date.
- Main destination city.
- Accommodation address: Full hotel name and address. If staying with a friend, use their exact address. This is the field most people leave incomplete — have your hotel confirmation open when filling this in.
- Contact number in China: Your hotel’s number is fine if you do not have a local SIM.
Step 4: Submit and Save Your QR Code
Review all fields, agree to the declaration, and tap Submit. The system generates a QR code linked to your record. Screenshot this QR code immediately. You need to show it at immigration — and you will not have internet access in the immigration queue. Print a copy as backup if you tend to have phone battery issues on long flights.
Who Can Skip the Digital Arrival Card?
Seven groups are officially exempt from completing the form:
- Holders of a Chinese Permanent Residence ID Card (Foreign Permanent Resident)
- Non-Chinese nationals holding a Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents
- Holders of a group visa or those entering under group visa-free arrangements
- Transit passengers staying entirely within the airside restricted area for under 24 hours
- Passengers entering and departing on the same cruise ship
- Two additional categories per NIA guidelines — check the official website for the current complete list
Note: Visa-free travelers are NOT exempt. If you qualify for the 30-day visa-free entry or the 240-hour transit, you still need to complete the Digital Arrival Card unless you fall into one of the 7 groups above.
What If I Forget to Do It Before Arrival?
No need to panic. All major Chinese ports of entry have self-service digital kiosks in the arrivals area. Scan your passport at a kiosk, fill in the form, and you will get a QR code on the kiosk screen or on your phone. Paper forms are also available at immigration counters.
Arriving without a pre-completed card will add 5–15 minutes to your immigration experience, especially during peak arrival times. It will not cause denial of entry on its own.
Frequently Asked Questions
After immigration, your next step is usually setting up connectivity and payments. Our complete visa and entry guide covers every requirement for getting into China in 2026. If you are traveling on visa-free status, double-check our 30-day visa-free country list to confirm your eligibility before you fly.