01｜What is the China Entry Card? Do I still need to fill it out in 2026?
If you plan to enter mainland China with a foreign passport in 2026, in addition to confirming your visa or visa exemption qualifications, you also need to understand an independent entry procedure: Foreigner Arrival Card (Arrival Card).
The Alien Entry Card is a registration form used by China's entry-exit border inspection authorities to collect relevant information about entry personnel. It is not a visa and does not replace a visa or entry permit.
Starting from November 20, 2025, the National Immigration Administration of China will officially implement the online filling service for foreigners’ entry cards. Foreign tourists can submit entry information through official channels before traveling to China, and do not have to wait until they arrive at a Chinese airport or other port to fill in a paper form.
There are currently three main ways to handle it:
- Fill in online before departure: Submit entry information through the official website of the National Immigration Administration, government service platform, "Immigration Bureau 12367" App, WeChat, Alipay mini program and other channels.
- Fill in the declaration online after arriving at the port: If the declaration has not been completed before departure, you can scan the on-site QR code with your mobile phone at the Chinese port, or use the smart device provided by the port to fill in the declaration.
- Fill in the paper entry card on site: For foreign travelers who do not have the conditions to fill in the online form, the port still retains the paper form.
Therefore, when foreign tourists come to China in 2026, the entry card will not be cancelled, but a convenient way to declare online before departure will be added.
Note: Filling in online is a way to apply for an immigration card in advance. It does not mean that all foreign passengers must complete the online operation before departure. Passengers who have not declared in advance can still apply on-site upon arrival at the port if they meet the processing conditions.
02｜Which foreign tourists need to fill in the China Arrival Card?
To determine whether you need to fill in an immigration card, you must first look at your immigration status and actual customs clearance method, not just whether you hold a visa.
Generally speaking, transit passengers who enter China with a personal visa, enjoy China's unilateral visa exemption or mutual visa exemption policy, and need to leave the restricted port area are usually required to fill in an entry card if they do not fall into the officially exempted situation.
The following categories of travelers need special attention.
1. Foreign tourists coming to China with personal visas
If you hold a personal tourist visa, business visa, family visit visa or other personal visa issued by China, you usually need to fill in a foreigner entry card.
For example:
- Traveling to China with an L tourist visa;
- Come to China with an M business visa to participate in business activities;
- Holding Q, S or other visas to visit relatives or handle related matters in China;
- Holding other personal visas, go through entry procedures in accordance with visa and entry regulations.
Whether a report needs to be filled in specifically should still be based on the type of document, mode of entry and the prompts from the National Immigration Administration system.
2. Foreign tourists who enjoy China’s visa-free policy
This is an area where misunderstandings can easily arise.
Visa-free entry does not mean no need to fill in an entry card.
If you hold an ordinary passport that complies with China's visa-free policy, you can enter the country without a visa under specified conditions, but this does not automatically mean that you are also exempt from filling in an entry card.
For example, individual visa-exempt travelers who come to China for tourism, family visits or business visits with eligible ordinary passports should still fill in the entry information as required if they do not fall into the officially exempted situation.
The visa policy addresses "whether you need to apply for a visa in advance", and the immigration card addresses "whether you need to declare entry information to the border inspection." The two are different procedures.
3. Foreign travelers applying for 240-hour transit visa exemption
If you plan to pass China's 240-hour transit visa-free policy and leave the airport or other port restricted areas during your stay in China, you usually need to go through the corresponding temporary entry procedures and fill out the temporary entry alien entry card.
For example:
- Fly from Europe to China, and then from China to Japan;
- Fly from Australia to Shanghai, stay in Shanghai for a few days and then head to South Korea;
- Transiting from the United States via Beijing, planning to travel to a third country after staying in China.
Passengers who meet the applicable conditions of the 240-hour transit visa-free policy need to apply for temporary entry to the border inspection agency in accordance with regulations and cooperate in completing the entry information declaration.
What needs to be distinguished is: Passengers who transit directly within 24 hours and do not leave the restricted port area are officially exempted from filling in the form. This is not the same as transit passengers who need to leave the port area and go through temporary entry procedures.
In addition, the National Immigration Administration’s online reporting system clearly states that foreigners who are transiting in China, staying within the corresponding prescribed time limit (24 hours or 240 hours) and need to leave the port restricted area can fill in their entry information through the system. Whether the corresponding transit policy can be applied depends on the nationality, port, connecting itinerary and other policy conditions.
4. Other foreign tourists who are not exempt from filling in the form
If you enter the country with an ordinary personal passport and do not meet the official qualifications for exemption, you should complete the declaration in accordance with the system requirements.
For example, individual independent travelers, individual business travelers, individual travelers visiting relatives, etc. will not automatically qualify for exemption because they have a large number of people traveling with them, have booked products through a travel agency, or have a short stay in China.
03｜Which foreigners do not need to fill in the China Arrival Card?
Two official calibers need to be distinguished here:
- The policy announcement issued by the National Immigration Administration on November 3, 2025, as well as notices from some embassies and consulates abroad, list 7 categories of exemptions.
- The "Filling Instructions" of the National Immigration Administration's current online filing system actually lists 8 exemptions. The system has added “personnel who meet the courtesy conditions for centralized submission of entry and exit documents”.
For travelers who are preparing to make the actual declaration, it is recommended to refer to the "Instructions for Filling in Declaration" currently displayed on the National Immigration Administration's online system and the on-site certification of the border inspection agency.
The following are 8 instructions listed according to the current system.
1. Hold a permanent residence ID card for foreigners of the People’s Republic of China
Foreigners who have obtained permanent residence status for foreigners in China and hold a valid "Permanent Residence Identity Card for Foreigners of the People's Republic of China" are exempt from filling in the entry card.
Note: This refers to the permanent residence ID card for foreigners issued by China, not the permanent resident card of other countries, nor the ordinary residence permit or long-term visa.
2. Holders of Mainland Travel Permit for non-Chinese Hong Kong and Macao residents
Non-Chinese nationals holding a valid "Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents" are exempt from filling in the immigration card.
This provision is targeted at those holding this specific document, not all foreign passport holders, nor all foreigners living in Hong Kong and Macau.
3. Enter with a group visa or meet the conditions for group visa exemption
Members of foreign tour groups who meet the regulations, enter the country with a group visa, or comply with China's group visa-free policy are exempt from filling in the entry card.
Two concepts need to be noted here:
- Group visa: A group visa issued in the form of a tourist group in accordance with relevant Chinese regulations.
- Group visa exemption: Entrants who meet the group visa exemption arrangements and specific applicable conditions between China and relevant countries or regions.
Ordinary tour groups, family groups or friends traveling together are not automatically exempted from filling in the form.
If you book a group product through a travel agency, but use your personal passport and personal visa to enter the country, you cannot judge that you are exempt from filling in the form just based on "participating in a tour group".
4. Directly transit within 24 hours without leaving the port restricted area
If you stay in China for less than 24 hours and only transfer directly or transfer within restricted areas at airports, ports and other ports, and do not enter China, you are exempt from filling in the immigration card.
For example:
- Flying from London to Tokyo, connecting at Shanghai Airport;
- Fly from Singapore to the United States and transfer directly at Guangzhou Airport;
- Complete the connection between international flights at Beijing Airport without leaving the port restricted area throughout the journey.
However, if you need to leave the restricted port area and enter China, you cannot directly apply this exemption condition even if your stay does not exceed 24 hours. Whether you can enter temporarily will also need to comply with the corresponding transit policies and border inspection requirements.
5. Enter the country by cruise ship and return with the original cruise ship
Foreign passengers who meet the regulations, enter and exit China by cruise ship, and return with the original cruise ship after the trip are exempt from filling in the immigration card.
The emphasis here is “return with the original cruise ship”.
If you arrive in China by cruise ship, but then leave the country by plane, train or other means of transportation, you should not directly apply this exemption requirement. You should confirm whether you need to fill in the report based on your actual itinerary and border inspection requirements.
6. Entering the country through the entry-exit border inspection fast lane
Foreign passengers who meet the conditions for using China's border inspection fast lanes and actually enter the country through the corresponding fast lanes are exempted from filling in the entry card.
Need to pay attention to:
- Not all foreign passport holders can use the express lanes;
- Whether it meets the conditions for using the express lane must be subject to the on-site regulations at the port;
- Just because the airport has a self-service lane, you cannot automatically assume that you are exempt from filling in the form.
If you are not sure whether you qualify for the fast lane, you should confirm with the border inspection staff before departure or after arriving at the port.
7. Foreign employees of inbound and outbound transportation vehicles
Foreign employees of international transportation vehicles who meet the regulations are exempted from filling in the immigration card.
For example, foreign aircraft crew members, crew members, drivers and other transportation personnel who comply with relevant regulations.
This provision is aimed at relevant personnel performing transportation duties and does not apply to ordinary passengers.
8. Persons who meet the courtesy conditions for centralized submission of entry and exit documents
The current online filing system of the National Immigration Administration will also separately list those who meet the courtesy conditions for centralized submission of entry and exit documents as exempt objects.
This is a specific border inspection and customs clearance arrangement and is not an exemption that ordinary foreign tourists can apply for or enjoy by default.
If you are not sure whether you meet this condition, you should refer to the actual identification of the border inspection agency. Do not judge based on the status of a tour group, business group or other group.
Simple judgment: If you are an ordinary individual tourist who comes to China with a personal visa or meets the conditions for personal visa exemption, you should usually fill in the entry card as required; you do not need to fill it out only if you clearly meet the above exemption conditions.
04｜How do foreign tourists fill out the China Entry Card online?
The online application can be completed before departure. It is recommended to reserve some time before the flight takes off to avoid discovering incomplete information only after arriving in China.
Step 1: Enter the official application page of the National Immigration Administration
It is recommended to give priority to the official website published by the National Immigration Administration:
Official entrance for filling in the entry card for foreigners in China:
https://s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC/
After entering the page, choose the language that suits you.
At present, the official page provides multiple language options such as Chinese, English, Russian, French, Spanish, Arabic, Japanese, Korean, etc., and also provides some languages from surrounding countries to facilitate the operation of passengers from different countries.
If you use a mobile phone, you can also access the reporting service through the official government service platform of the National Immigration Administration, the "Immigration Bureau 12367" App, or the official mini-programs in WeChat and Alipay.
Please make sure you are entering the official service of the National Immigration Administration and do not fill in your personal passport information through search advertisements, strange text messages or unknown third-party websites.
Step 2: Select the foreigner entry card to fill in
After entering the system, select the foreigner entry card filling service and follow the page prompts to start the declaration.
Be careful not to enter the border immigration declaration entrance by mistake. The National Immigration Administration system also has a special entrance for filling in the border resident documents of specific countries. Ordinary foreign tourists should choose the general foreigner entry card to declare.
Step 3: Take a photo of the passport information page
Take a photo of the passport information page according to the system requirements.
The passport information page usually contains:
- Name;
- Country of Citizenship;
- date of birth;
- gender;
- passport number;
- Passport validity period;
- Passport photos and other information.
The system can identify some information in the passport information page and automatically fill in the relevant fields.
Automatic identification does not mean that all information is necessarily accurate. Each item should be checked before submission, especially name spelling, passport number, nationality, date of birth and passport validity.
If the recognition result is wrong, it should be corrected manually according to the system requirements.
Step 4: Fill in the entry information according to the actual situation
After completing the personal document information, fill in other entry-related information according to the prompts on the page.
The entry status and applicable policies of different passengers may be different, and the system will prompt corresponding content based on the declaration status.
It is recommended to prepare in advance:
- Valid passport;
- Flight or other transportation information;
- Estimated port of entry;
- Accommodation address or contact information in China;
- Purpose of entry;
- Other system required information.
The accommodation address should be filled in as accurately as possible. Passengers who have already booked a hotel can save the hotel's English name and complete address in advance; if they plan to stay in multiple cities, they should fill in the specific field requirements of the system and do not make up undetermined information on your own.
If the system requires you to fill in your contact person or other information in China, you should fill it in based on the actual situation.
Step 5: Check the information and submit
It is recommended to check the following points before submitting:
- Whether the passport number is consistent with the original passport;
- Whether the name is spelled correctly;
- Whether the nationality is chosen correctly;
- Whether the entry date is correct;
- Whether the port of entry is consistent with the actual itinerary;
- Whether the purpose of entry is consistent with the true situation;
- Is the contact address in China accurate?
After confirming that it is correct, follow the system prompts to submit the declaration.
Step 6: Save the electronic QR code or declaration voucher
After successful submission, follow the system prompts to save the generated electronic QR code or corresponding declaration voucher.
suggestion:
- Save the QR code screenshot;
- Keep the declaration page or voucher generated by the system;
- Make sure your phone can open pictures normally after arriving in China;
- Also have your original passport ready.
According to the National Immigration Administration, after passengers fill out the application form online, the system will generate a unique electronic QR code. After arriving at the port, the border inspection agency can obtain the entry card information through the system, or scan the QR code with a special device to read the declaration information.
Important reminder: The electronic QR code is not a visa, nor does it mean that you have obtained a Chinese entry permit. Whether to allow entry is still subject to review and decision by China’s entry-exit border inspection authorities in accordance with the law.
05｜What should I do if I didn’t fill it out online in advance? Can I still fill it out after arriving in China?
Can.
The National Immigration Administration clearly retains the on-site processing method. If you have not completed the online declaration in advance, you can usually complete it according to the on-site instructions after arriving at the Chinese port.
There are currently two main ways.
Method 1: Use your mobile phone to scan the on-site QR code
After arriving at an airport, port or other port in China, pay attention to the entry card filling instructions in the entry-exit border inspection area.
If an official QR code is provided on site, you can scan it with your mobile phone to enter the official filling page of the National Immigration Administration and fill in the information according to the prompts.
It is recommended to ensure that the mobile phone meets the following conditions in advance:
- Can be booted normally;
- There is an available network connection;
- You can take photos of the passport information page;
- Ability to save electronic QR codes or declaration vouchers.
If your overseas SIM card cannot be used normally in China, you can prepare available international roaming services or other network connection methods in advance.
Method 2: Use on-site smart equipment at the port or paper immigration card
If you don’t have a smartphone, can’t connect to the Internet, or are inconvenient to use the online system, you can ask on-site staff for help.
The National Immigration Administration clearly stipulates that foreigners who do not have the conditions to fill in the application online can use on-site smart devices to fill in entry information after arriving at the port, or they can fill in a paper alien entry card.
Therefore, there is no need to assume that you are unable to enter the country just because you have not filled out the application form online in advance.
However, on-site processing may require additional time. When flights arrive intensively or inbound passenger flow peaks, it is recommended to allow sufficient time for customs clearance.
06｜Do family trips, children and accompanying passengers need to be filled in separately?
A question often faced by family travelers: If parents and children are traveling together, do they only need to fill out an arrival card?
It should be noted that immigration card registration is for individuals who actually enter the country. Family members traveling together cannot be automatically exempted from declaration just because one adult is handling the trip.
The relevant introduction released by the National Immigration Administration in May 2026 mentioned that the online filing system supports the operation of companion information. You can select companions during the filling process and jump to the companion information filling page to achieve basic information sharing.
Pay attention to the following during actual operation:
- Adult travelers should check their personal information;
- Children should also complete the corresponding entry information in accordance with the system requirements;
- A parent or guardian can assist the child in filling it out;
- Do not use an adult’s passport information directly for other family members;
- Each passenger's declaration information should be consistent with his or her valid travel document.
If the system supports the sharing of travel companion information, you can follow the page prompts, but you still need to confirm that each travel companion's information is complete and accurate.
For minors, infants or passengers under special circumstances, if you have any questions about the system operation, you can confirm with the port immigration staff.
07｜What is the difference between China entry card, visa, visa exemption and customs declaration?
Foreign tourists coming to China may be exposed to several different declaration and entry procedures. They don't work the same way.
| project | Main function | Can they be substituted for each other? |
|---|---|---|
| China visa | Allow qualified foreigners to apply for entry or stay | Not a substitute for the arrival card |
| Visa-free policy | Qualified foreigners can enter the country without a visa | It does not mean that you will automatically be exempted from filling in the immigration card. |
| Alien arrival card | Declaring entry-related information to China Border Inspection | Not a substitute for a visa or entry permit |
| Customs declaration | Declaring items, cash or other items that need to be declared to China Customs | It is a different procedure than the immigration card |
| Accommodation registration | Register foreigners’ accommodation information in China | Not a substitute for the arrival card |
What needs to be distinguished in particular is the immigration card and customs declaration.
The entry card is managed by the National Immigration Administration and the entry-exit border inspection agency; customs declaration falls within the scope of customs supervision.
For example, when you carry cash, specific items or controlled items that need to be declared, you should go through relevant procedures in accordance with Chinese customs regulations. Completing the entry card does not mean that the customs declaration has been completed.
Likewise, filling out the immigration card does not mean that you have met all the conditions for a visa, visa exemption or transit visa exemption.
08｜The most common mistakes that foreign tourists make when filling out the China Arrival Card
1. Misunderstanding that visa-exempt passengers do not need to fill in the form
The visa exemption solves the visa problem and does not mean exempting you from the obligation to declare an entry card.
If you hold a personal passport and enjoy China’s visa-free policy, you should still check whether you are one of the officially exempted persons.
2. Confusing 24-hour transit and 240-hour transit visa-free
The processing requirements in the two situations are not exactly the same.
Passengers who transit directly within 24 hours and do not leave the restricted port area are exempted from filling in the entry card.
Passengers who need to leave the restricted port area and apply for temporary entry should fill in their entry information in accordance with the corresponding regulations. Passengers who qualify for the 240-hour transit visa exemption cannot just rely on the word "transit" to judge that they are exempt.
3. Passport information was not checked again after identification.
The system can recognize the passport data page, but it may still recognize names, numbers, or other fields incorrectly.
Each item should be checked before submission to avoid inconsistency between the declared information and the original passport.
4. Use unknown websites to fill in passport information
The National Immigration Administration has issued a warning to guard against counterfeit websites selling foreign entry cards.
The online application service is free. You should be wary of any website that requires payment of service fees, expedited fees or so-called official processing fees in the name of immigration card declaration.
5. Think electronic QR code is equivalent to entry permit
The QR code of the immigration card is only a declaration document, not a visa, nor is it proof of entry approval by border inspection.
Passengers still need to bring their valid passports and other applicable travel documents and undergo inspection by the port immigration inspection agency.
6. I thought the paper immigration card had been cancelled.
At present, officials still retain the on-site smart equipment and paper immigration card processing methods.
If you cannot fill it out online, you can follow the staff's instructions after arriving at the port.
09｜FAQ about China Entry Card for Foreign Visitors
Q1: When foreign tourists come to China in 2026, do their entry cards have to be filled out online in advance?
uncertain.
Foreign tourists can fill in the application online through the official channels of the National Immigration Administration before coming to China. If you have not handled it in advance, you can complete the relevant procedures after arriving at the Chinese port through on-site QR codes, smart devices or paper immigration cards.
Q2: Do I need to pay to fill in the China Entry Card?
unnecessary.
The National Immigration Administration has made it clear that the online filling service for foreigners’ entry cards is free of charge. Please use official channels and do not pay so-called immigration card processing fees to third-party websites.
Q3: Can foreign tourists use overseas mobile phone numbers to fill in the form?
The public policy announcement of the National Immigration Administration does not list a mainland Chinese mobile phone number as a unified prerequisite for all travelers to fill out online applications.
During actual operation, the current page requirements of the official system should prevail. If you encounter problems with the verification code, network or account, you can try the official website channels, or handle it on site after arriving at the port.
Q4: When traveling with a Chinese visa-free passport, do I still need to fill in an immigration card?
Usually required.
Individual visa-exempt travelers do not automatically belong to those who are exempted from filling in the entry card. If you do not meet the officially announced exemption conditions, you should declare as required.
Q5: If I am eligible for 240-hour transit visa exemption, can I not fill in the entry card?
You cannot just rely on the 240-hour transit visa-free status to avoid filling in the form.
Passengers who meet the conditions of the 240-hour transit visa-free policy and need to leave the restricted port area and go through temporary entry procedures should fill in the temporary entry alien entry card in accordance with regulations.
Q6: I am only transiting at a Chinese airport and not entering China. Do I need to fill it out?
If you are transiting directly within 24 hours and not leaving the restricted port area, you are not required to fill in the entry card.
If you need to leave the port restricted area, you should confirm whether a report is required based on the actual entry and transit arrangements.
Q7: Do children and infants need to fill in an immigration card?
Children and infants are not automatically exempt from filling in because of their young age. Personal information should be declared in accordance with system requirements, and parents or guardians can assist in this process.
Q8: Can I modify it after filling it in?
If information errors are found after submission, you should promptly check whether the official system provides the ability to modify or re-fill the form. If you cannot handle it yourself, you should contact the National Immigration Administration service hotline 12367, or explain the situation to the border inspection staff after arriving at the port. Do not assume that the original declaration information has been automatically corrected.
Q9: What should I do if the electronic QR code is lost?
You can try to re-enter the official system to check the declaration information or follow the system prompts to apply again. If it cannot be retrieved, you can explain the situation to the staff after arriving at the port and handle it according to on-site instructions.
Q10: After completing the entry card, do I still need to bring the original passport?
need.
The electronic QR code of the immigration card cannot replace the passport. Foreign tourists should bring their valid passport and applicable visa, transit or other travel documents to the border inspection agency.
Q11: Do I need to fill out the immigration card every time I come to China?
The judgment should be based on the actual identity, documents and applicable policies at each time of entry. Do not assume that your last declaration record will automatically be used for your next entry. Before coming to China again, it is recommended to check the official system of the National Immigration Administration and the latest filing requirements.
10｜Checklist before departure: prepare the immigration procedures in advance
If you plan to travel to China in 2026, you can check in the following order before departure:
- [ ] Confirm that the passport is valid and meets the relevant requirements of the destination and airline.
- [ ] Confirm whether you need a Chinese visa or whether you meet the applicable visa-free and transit visa-free policies.
- [ ] Determine whether you are exempt from filling in the foreign entry card.
- [ ] If you need to fill it out, priority is given to completing the online declaration through the official website of the National Immigration Administration or the official App or mini-program.
- [ ] Verify name, passport number, nationality, date of entry and other declared information.
- [ ] Save the electronic QR code or declaration voucher generated by the system.
- [ ] Prepare your accommodation address, itinerary and necessary contact information in China.
- [ ] Bring your original passport and applicable travel documents when entering the country.
- [ ] Complete customs declaration and other necessary procedures according to the actual situation.
Official consultation hotline: 12367 (China National Immigration Administration government service platform and service hotline).
Conclusion
When foreign tourists come to China in 2026, the entry card will have to be filled out on paper instead of the traditional on-site method, and an online declaration method will be added before departure.
For most individual travelers, the most important thing is not to remember complex policy provisions, but to clarify three questions first:
First, whether you need a visa, or whether you comply with China's visa-free and transit visa-free policies; second, whether you are exempt from filling in the foreign entry card; third, if you need to fill in a report, whether you have completed the declaration through official channels and saved the relevant vouchers.
Preparing this information in advance can reduce temporary operations after arriving at the Chinese port and make the entry process smoother.
The entry policies, exemption conditions and online declaration methods involved in this article shall be subject to the latest regulations announced by the China National Immigration Administration’s online reporting system and the port and border inspection authorities at that time.