Quick answer
How to fill in China's digital arrival card
Fill it free on the official NIA portal (s.nia.gov.cn) up to 72 hours before arrival — or scan the QR codes at the border when you land. Third-party sites that charge for it are unnecessary.
Fact-checked 2026-09-16
- 1Open the official portal s.nia.gov.cn (National Immigration Administration) — it's free; third-party 'filling services' are not.
- 2Fill in passport details, flight info and your first accommodation address within 72 hours before arrival.
- 3Submit and keep the confirmation on your phone (screenshot it — airport Wi-Fi may be slow).
- 4At the border, show your passport as usual; the e-card record is already linked to your entry.
Using 240-hour visa-free transit?
Transit passengers fill a smaller dedicated transit form at the border instead of the standard arrival card. You can still e-file — the official portal covers both.
What you'll need
- Passport (number, expiry, issue place)
- Flight number and arrival date
- First night's address in China (hotel name or full residential address)
Prefer paper? Arrival QR codes are posted throughout immigration halls — filling on arrival remains fully supported. The digital card just saves you the counter time.