China Launches Online Arrival Card System for International Travelers

China has launched an online arrival card system to simplify border procedures for international travelers. The system went live on November 20 under the direction of the National Immigration Administration (NIA).

Foreign travelers can now complete and submit their arrival cards electronically before reaching China. The online form is available through the NIA’s official website, the “NIA 12367” mobile app, the Government Service Platform, and Alipay mini-programs or WeChat. QR codes are also provided to access the form quickly.

If travelers are unable to complete the form in advance, they can submit their information upon arrival. Entry data may be entered at immigration checkpoints using QR codes, smart devices, or by filling out a paper card.

The NIA stated that seven traveler categories are not required to fill out the arrival card:

• Those holding a valid Foreign Permanent Resident ID issued by China
• Individuals who have a Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong or Macao and are not Chinese nationals
• Travelers entering as part of a tour group on a group visa, or eligible under group visa-free arrangements
• Passengers in transit who remain inside the port’s controlled zone and leave within 24 hours
• Cruise ship travelers who both arrive and depart on the same vessel
• Persons using specially designated fast-track immigration lanes
• Foreign crew on transportation vehicles entering or leaving the country

Separately, authorities expanded the 240-hour visa-free transit policy on November 5. Five new ports have been added: Hengqin Port, Guangzhou Pazhou Ferry Terminal,  Zhongshan Passenger Port, Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Port, and West Kowloon Station on the Guangzhou–Shenzhen–Hong Kong Express Rail Link.

This update brings the total number of eligible entry ports to 65. The policy allows citizens from 55 countries to enter Guangdong province without a visa for up to 10 days, provided they are transiting to a third country.

Both developments reflect China’s push to modernize its border management and improve travel convenience.