You can complete China’s arrival card online before travelling, but advance online submission is not the only option. Travellers who cannot do it beforehand may complete it digitally at the arrival checkpoint or use a paper arrival card. Some travellers are exempt, so check the guidance below before starting.
Whether you’re heading to Club Med Lijiang, exploring the snowy scenery of Club Med Changbaishan, discovering the vibrant streets of Shanghai, wandering through Beijing’s historical landmarks, or visiting other major cities across China, it helps to check whether you need a China Arrival Card and prepare your trip details.
Information checked on 28 October 2026. Online completion has been available since 20 November 2025. The Chinese Embassy in Malaysia’s official notice confirms the on-arrival digital and paper alternatives. An arrival card does not replace a visa or establish eligibility to enter China.
The process is straightforward and only takes a few minutes, but completing it in advance can help make your immigration experience smoother and save time upon arrival.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to the online option. The screenshots show the form used when this guide was prepared; labels may change, so follow the current official prompts.
Who is exempt from the China arrival card?
The Embassy’s notice lists seven exempt categories:
- Foreign nationals holding a Chinese permanent-resident identity card.
- Non-Chinese Hong Kong or Macao residents holding the relevant Mainland Travel Permit.
- Travellers using a group visa or qualifying for group visa-free entry.
- Direct transit passengers staying within the port’s restricted area for no more than 24 hours.
- Cruise passengers entering and leaving on the same ship.
- Travellers entering through an immigration e-channel.
- Foreign staff working on cross-border transport.
Travelling with family does not by itself qualify you for the group-entry exemption. Check the official notice and your actual immigration route if you are unsure.
Use the free official service
The arrival card is free. Use the NIA website, NIA 12367 app or official WeChat/Alipay mini programme. The NIA warns against imitation sites charging fees. Do not pay a third-party site simply to submit this form.
Step 1: Access the Entry Declaration Portal
Click on the official China Entry Declaration link provided below.
China Arrival Card: https://s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC/entry-registation-home
For an ordinary tourist visit, use the standard Entry Declaration route. Read the Terms & Conditions and tap Agree to proceed.
The border-area-resident route is for travellers who qualify under that specific category. Do not select it solely because of your nationality; follow the official form’s eligibility instructions.
Step 2: Upload Your Passport
Upload a clear photo of your passport information page. The system will automatically extract your details. Once completed:
- Click ‘Next’
- Carefully review your personal details
- Ensure your name, passport number, nationality, and expiry date match exactly with your passport
If anything is incorrect, edit it before continuing.
Step 3: Enter Your Arrival Transportation Details
Fill in your transportation information for entering China. This includes:
- Mode of Transport
- Arrival Details
- City and Port of Entry into China
Once you enter your flight number, the system should automatically fill-in the city and port of entry. However, kindly double-check the details to avoid delays during immigration.
Step 4: Complete Personal Information
Enter the required personal information:
- Country of birth
- Contact phone number
For Malaysian travellers, answer according to the passport, visa or permit you will actually use. If you have confirmed that you qualify for visa-free entry for this trip:
- Answer the visa or entry-permit question truthfully. Select No only if that is correct for your circumstances.
- Select the applicable Visa-Free Entry option only when you meet its conditions.
Reminder for all travellers: Visa requirements depend on your nationality, passport type, travel purpose and intended stay. Before selecting your entry type, make sure to check whether you qualify for visa-free entry or if a valid China visa is required before departure.
(Always refer to the latest China immigration and visa policies applicable to your nationality before travelling.)
Step 5: Fill in Your Travel Information
Complete your trip details in China:
- Purpose of visit (Sightseeing/Leisure, Work, Permanent Residence, etc.)
- Destination city → Select the city where you will stay the longest
- Transit / visiting cities → Include other cities you are transiting through or visiting
- Address in China → Enter the hotel or accommodation where you will stay the longest
- Departure details → Flight information when leaving China
Example:
If you’re flying into Lijiang, staying mainly at Club Med Lijiang, and transiting through Kunming, choose:
- Destination city → Lijiang
- Transit city → Kunming
- Address → Club Med Lijiang hotel address
If you have an inviting entity or inviter in China, select ‘Yes’ and fill up the entity/inviter’s details. Otherwise, select ‘No’.
Accommodation Details for Digital Forms
| Resort | Address |
| Club Med Beidahu | Jilin Beidahu Sport Tourism, Economic Development Zone, Jilin Province, 132224 China |
| Club Med Changbaishan | Changbai Mountain Luneng Shengdi Resort, Manjiang Town, Fusong, Jilin, 134511 China |
| Club Med Guilin | Yuzi Paradise, Yanshan District, Guangxi, 541006 China |
| Club Med Lijiang | No. 200, Group 1 Xinshan Village, Baisha Town, Yulong County, Lijiang, Yunnan Province, 674101 China |
| Club Med Yabuli | Yabuli Ski Resort, Shang Zhi, Heilongjiang, 150631 China |
Step 6: Add Travel Companions (If Applicable)
If you are travelling together and all companions share:
- The same flight
- The same hotel
- The same travel cities
Select ‘Yes’ and upload each companion’s passport photo and verify the details. You’ll also need to indicate your relationship with each companion.
Step 7: Sign, Confirm & Save Your QR Code
Review all submitted information carefully. Then:
- Sign electronically
- Confirm submission
- Save a screenshot of the generated QR code
Keep the QR code accessible on your phone (and optionally save a backup copy) as it may be requested during check-in or immigration clearance upon arrival in China.
Travelution Specialist’s Tip: If you need an arrival card, completing it online before heading to the airport can save time. If that is not possible, follow the on-arrival digital or paper process at the checkpoint.
China Arrival Card: Final Tips!
If you need an arrival card, keep your passport, flight and accommodation details handy. Online completion before departure is convenient, while on-arrival digital and paper options remain available for those unable to complete it in advance.
When planning your next China adventure, whether it’s a relaxing escape, a family holiday, or exploring multiple cities, planning with Travelution Holidays helps ensure you stay updated on important travel requirements and don’t miss essential information before your trip. That way, you can focus on enjoying the journey instead of worrying about the paperwork.
When should travellers complete the China arrival card?
If you are not exempt, you can complete it online before travelling. If you cannot do so, the official notice allows digital completion at the arrival checkpoint or a paper arrival card. Keep your trip details ready and follow the border officers’ instructions.
