Quick answer: The China Digital Arrival Card is an online arrival declaration many foreign visitors can complete before flying to China. It is free, should be submitted through official channels, and usually gives you a QR code or confirmation to save before immigration. It does not replace a visa, visa-free transit eligibility, or airline document checks.
Last reviewed: 2026-07. Entry forms, official channels, and airport procedures can change. Follow the current instructions from your airline, airport, or Chinese immigration authority.
Who needs it and when to fill it out
If your airline, airport, or immigration channel asks for an online China arrival card, fill it out before departure or before landing while you still have internet. Do not pay a third-party site for a simple arrival card. It is a declaration form, not a visa application.
What you need before starting
- Passport information exactly as printed.
- Flight number, arrival city, and entry date.
- Hotel name, address, or host contact details in China.
- Phone number and email you can access while traveling.
- Visa, visa-free transit, or other entry basis if requested.
| What you need | Why it matters | Where to find it |
|---|---|---|
| Passport details | Name, number and country must match your airline and entry records exactly | Your physical passport |
| Flight + arrival | Immigration needs the flight number, arrival city and entry date | Your airline booking or e-ticket |
| Address in China | A specific hotel address saves delays; enter the Chinese address if you have it | Hotel booking confirmation |
| Contact reachable | Keep a phone number or email you can actually use while traveling | Your normal phone / email |
| Entry basis | Visa, visa-free transit or other basis may be requested | Your visa / passport / entry notice |
How to fill the China arrival card
- Open the official form or the link provided by your airline/airport.
- Enter passport details carefully. Avoid nicknames or shortened names.
- Add arrival flight and travel information.
- Enter the first hotel or address in China. Save the Chinese address from your booking if available.
- Review the declaration and submit.
- Screenshot the QR code or confirmation page. Keep it offline.
Common mistakes
- Using a paid unofficial site for a free form.
- Entering the wrong passport number or name order.
- Leaving the China address vague.
- Forgetting to screenshot the QR code.
- Assuming the arrival card replaces a visa or transit eligibility check.
If you forgot before landing
Do not panic. Many airports provide QR codes, counters, or staff instructions for travelers who did not complete the form before arrival. The problem is time: airport Wi-Fi, phone signal, and queues can make it stressful. If possible, complete it before your flight and keep screenshots ready.
FAQ
Is the China Digital Arrival Card free?
Yes. The arrival card itself should be free through official channels. Be careful with paid third-party pages that look like official forms.
Does it replace a visa?
No. It is an arrival declaration. You still need the correct visa, visa-free policy, or transit eligibility for your route and passport.
Do I need to print the QR code?
A screenshot is usually the most practical backup. Print only if your airline or official instructions specifically ask for it.
Prepare the arrival form without delaying immigration
Information to have ready
Keep your passport, flight or train arrival details, first hotel address and a reachable contact method available. Enter names and passport numbers exactly as shown on the document. A spelling mismatch is more serious than imperfect formatting of a hotel address.
Online form and airport backup
Use the official channel presented by Chinese immigration or at your port of entry. Save any generated code or confirmation offline. If the online form fails, follow airport staff instructions and use the available arrival-card process rather than submitting repeated conflicting forms.
- Complete the form close enough to travel that flight and hotel details are final.
- Take a screenshot because airport Wi-Fi or roaming may be unreliable.
- Keep onward and accommodation evidence accessible in case an officer asks.
What happens after submission
The arrival card is only one part of entry. You still pass immigration inspection and may need fingerprints or additional questions. It does not replace a visa when a visa is required.
Frequently asked questions
Does the China arrival card replace a visa?
No. It records arrival information and does not replace a required visa or other entry permission.
What hotel address should I enter?
Use the first confirmed accommodation in China and copy the address from the booking, preferably with Chinese text available.
What if the digital arrival card does not work?
Follow official instructions at the airport or border and complete the available alternative process. Avoid third-party sites requesting unnecessary payment.
Continue planning
Related guides
- First trip to China
- China visa-free transit guide
- China tourist visa guide
- China arrival day survival guide
Arrival card and transit searches
Related searches include China digital arrival card, China arrival card online, China entry QR code, China visa-free transit, and layover in China without visa. The arrival card is separate from your visa or transit eligibility: completing the form does not by itself grant entry permission.