How to fill in China's arrival card online
Since November 20, 2025, you can submit China's arrival card online before you fly, through the National Immigration Administration (NIA) website, the "NIA 12367" app, or official mini programs in WeChat and Alipay. It's optional. You can still fill it in at the airport.
Why bother
Filling it in before you fly means less time with a pen at the airport. You still queue for the normal passport check.
Step by step
- Use an official channel: the NIA website, the NIA 12367 app, or the official arrival card mini program in WeChat or Alipay.
- Upload a photo of your passport's photo page.
- Enter your details: flight, purpose of visit and where you'll stay. Use your hotel's Chinese address if you have it.
- Submit. At the airport, go through the passport check as normal.
Didn't do it in advance? No problem. At the airport you can scan a QR code, use a self-service machine or fill in a paper card.
Avoid fake websites. Search results include look-alike "arrival card" sites that charge fees or collect passport data. Only use the official NIA channels.
What else to have ready at immigration
- Passport.
- Return or onward ticket.
- Hotel booking.
Using Hainan's visa-free entry? Read how it works first.
Source: Shanghai government notice on the online arrival card.