Arrival Card Hub
The Great Wall of China winding over green hills at Jinshanling, Hebei
China

Complete your China arrival card online

Every traveller entering China needs this document, whatever their visa status. Fill it in online with Arrival Card Hub before you fly and arrive with it ready.

Processed in as little as 2 days

China arrival card requirements

The China Arrival Card is a document mandatory for all foreign citizens entering Chinese territory.

A new digital system launched on November 20 allows visitors to complete the form online, simplifying border procedures for international travelers.

You can fill out the China Arrival Card directly on the Passporta website – we offer a user-friendly interface and experts who check your application for compliance with Chinese regulations.

To complete the China arrival card you need:

  • Last name
  • First name
  • Gender
  • Date of birth
  • Nationality
  • Passport number
  • Chinese name (optional)
  • Country/region and city of birth
  • Phone number
  • Email address
  • Whether you hold a valid visa or other entry permit
  • Mode of transport (plane, train, vessel, car and on foot)
  • Number of arrival flight/train/vessel
  • City of entry
  • Port of entry (airport, railway station, or port of arrival in China)
  • Purpose of travel (tourism/leisure, conference/business, visiting friends/family, etc.)
  • Expected arrival date
  • Destination and transit cities in China
  • Address in China
  • Whether you have any inviting entities or inviters in China
  • Confirmed departure itinerary

China entry documents through Arrival Card Hub

What the document covers, who needs it, and how it is issued.

China Arrival Card

Arrival Card

The online arrival document for entering China, issued electronically.

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When to complete it
Processing takes about 2 days. Complete it a few days before you travel so the confirmation is in your inbox before check-in.
Delivery format
Your confirmation is sent to your email as a PDF, usually with a QR code, and is linked to your passport. Travel with the passport you entered in the form.
Processing timeAbout 2 days

Prices and processing times are just below. See prices →

China arrival card price and processing time

One all-in price. It includes any government fee and our service fee for preparing, checking and submitting your arrival card.

China Arrival Card

From€39

  • Processed in about 2 days
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How the China arrival card works

  1. 1

    Fill in the form

    Answer a few simple questions about you and your trip, upload what is needed and pay securely.

  2. 2

    We check and submit it

    Our team checks your answers for the errors that lead to a rejected or delayed card, fixes them with you, then submits the arrival card to the China authorities on your behalf.

  3. 3

    Receive your China arrival card

    Your confirmation arrives by email, with clear instructions on what to show at the border.

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2 days

Fastest processing time

Why complete it with Arrival Card Hub?

Government arrival-card portals change often and are easy to get wrong. Arrival Card Hub keeps one guided form per country, checks your answers and keeps you updated, so there are no surprises at the border.

Start my arrival card
By yourselfArrival Card Hub
One guided form in plain language
Your answers checked before submission
Help by email and phone
Status updates by email
Card or PayPal, secure checkout

China arrival card FAQs

What travellers commonly ask about the China arrival card.

Still have questions?Our travel-document team answers by email and phone.
Is the China Arrival Card a visa?

No, the China Arrival Card and China visa are two separate documents. While the arrival form is mandatory for all foreign travelers, only selected nationalities must have a visa.

Do I need the China Arrival Card to transit?

You don’t need a China Arrival Card if you have a 24-hour direct transit and remain within the designated area of the port. In other situations, the form is required.

Do children need the China Arrival Card?

Yes, all travelers to China must have a completed Arrival Card. The forms for underage visitors can be submitted by their parents or guardians.

How can I check the progress of my China Arrival Card?

You can easily see the status of your China Arrival Card on our website by providing your application number. Alternatively, you can call or send an email to our support team.

Do I need to print my China Arrival Card?

It’s best to prepare a printed copy of your Arrival Card, as it may be required upon arrival. It is especially beneficial in case of technical issues.

How long does it take to process a China Arrival Card?

Usually, the processing for a China Arrival Card takes a few working days. Nevertheless, delays may happen, so we recommend that you apply beforehand.

How will I receive my China Arrival Card?

The approved China Arrival Cards are sent to our customers via email in PDF form. It is recommended to save a digital copy on your device and make a printout.

Can I work in China with the Arrival Card?

The Arrival Card does not allow employment on its own. To pursue work purposes, you must obtain a work permit or an appropriate visa.

What do I do if I make a mistake in the China Arrival Card form?

In case of mistakes or typos, contact our support team as soon as possible. We will let you know whether corrections are possible or if you need to submit a new form.

How long can I stay in China with the Arrival Card?

The Arrival Card only grants permission to enter China; the allowed stay is regulated by the visa requirements.

Do you have any questions? Contact us
Phone

Phone support:

  • English (EN): +44 20 8089 4595

Support by phone - Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm (GMT+2)

Complete your China arrival card today

We handle the form, the check and the submission, so you just show up ready to enter.

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Other entry documents for China

Arrival cards for other countries

China arrival card for popular nationalities

China arrival card guide

China guide Who Can Apply for the China Arrival Card?

The China Arrival Card is mandatory for completion by all foreign nationals entering China. The only categories exempt from this requirement are:

  • Holders of a valid Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card of the People’s Republic of China
  • Holders of a valid Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents (non-Chinese Citizens)
  • Holders of a group visa or those eligible for group visa-free entry
  • Passengers in 24-hour direct transit who stay within the designated area of the port
  • Cruise passengers entering and departing on the same vessel
  • Travelers entering through the E-channel
  • Foreign crew members of exit-entry transport vehicles

The China Arrival Card is necessary regardless of visa status. If you are not a national of a country with visa-free access, you must obtain a Chinese visa before your trip.

Review the entry conditions for your country by using Passporta checker at the top of the page.

China guide How to Apply for a China Arrival Card?

The process of completing the China Arrival Card at Passporta is simple and not time-consuming.

All steps take place completely online, so you just need to be careful and follow the instructions:

  1. Click the “Apply Online” button to start the procedure.
  2. Fill out the form valid for at least 6 months from arrival.
  3. Upload a copy of your passport and wait for your application to be processed.
  4. Cover the fees with one of the selected online payment methods.
  5. Receive the approval at the email address provided in the form earlier.

It is necessary to prepare a paper copy of the obtained PDF document and have it on hand upon arrival.

IMPORTANT: It is essential to apply in advance to protect yourself in case of issues or delays.

China guide Possible Reasons for China Arrival Card Rejection

There are several reasons why your China Arrival Card application could face rejection.

Common issues include incomplete or inaccurate information, such as incorrect passport details, travel dates, or the omission of required fields.

Additionally, previous violations or criminal history may also lead to your form being denied.

To avoid potential rejection, it is essential to carefully review all details for accuracy and comply with immigration regulations.

When submitting a card with Passporta, our specialists will do an extra check of your details to guarantee the highest chances of approval.

China guide China Arrival Card – Sample

Below you can review what the approved China Arrival Card looks like. You must print your document and present it upon arrival in China.

China AC – Sample
Arrival Card Hub is a private service operated by Passporta, not a government website. We charge a service fee for preparing, checking and submitting your arrival card. You can also complete it yourself on the official government portal.