China will launch a digital arrival card system starting November 20, 2025, allowing foreign travelers to complete entry information online before arriving in the country. The new system can be accessed through the National Immigration Administration’s website, mobile app, or WeChat/Alipay mini-programs.
As part of a comprehensive package of ten facilitation measures, the announcement also includes significant expansions to China’s visa-free transit policies. The 24-hour visa-free transit policy will extend to 10 additional international airports effective November 5, 2025, while the 240-hour transit policy adds five new entry ports in Guangdong Province.
The digital transformation marks China’s continued commitment to facilitating international travel and positions the country alongside India, Indonesia, and South Korea in adopting modernized entry procedures. Seven specific traveler categories will be exempt from the digital arrival card requirement, and paper forms will remain available during a transition period.
How to Complete the Digital Arrival Card
Foreign travelers will have multiple options to submit their entry information online:
- National Immigration Administration website (PC version or smartphone version)
- “NIA 12367” mobile application
- WeChat or Alipay mini-programs
Travelers unable to complete the process before arrival can still do so upon reaching China through self-service kiosks or by scanning QR codes at entry points. Traditional paper forms will continue to be available during the transitional period.
Who Is Exempt from the Digital Arrival Card?
The National Immigration Administration has designated seven categories of foreign nationals who are exempt from completing the arrival card:
- Holders of China’s Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card
- Non-Chinese citizens with Mainland Travel Permits for Hong Kong and Macao
- Group travelers (with collective visas or visa-free entry)
- Transit passengers remaining within designated port areas
- Cruise passengers entering and departing on the same vessel
- Travelers using fast-track entry lanes
- Foreign employees of exit-entry transport vehicles
Expanded Visa-Free Transit Policies
24-Hour Transit: Ten New Airports
Beginning November 5, 2025, international passengers transiting through the following airports for less than 24 hours can transfer to a third country without immigration inspection, provided they remain within the airport:
Tianjin Binhai | Dalian Zhoushuizi | Nanjing Lukou | Fuzhou Changle | Qingdao Jiaodong | Wuhan Tianhe | Nanning Wuxu | Haikou Meilan | Chongqing Jiangbei | Kunming Changshui
240-Hour Transit: Five New Entry Points in Guangdong
Travelers from 55 eligible countries can now enter through five additional ports in Guangdong Province and stay visa-free for up to 10 days in designated regions for tourism, business, or family visits.
The new entry points are:
- Guangzhou Pazhou Ferry Terminal
- Hengqin Port
- Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Port
- Zhongshan Port (Passenger)
- West Kowloon Station Port of Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link
This expansion brings the total to 65 ports across 24 provinces covered under the 240-hour visa-free transit policy.
Additional Facilitation Measure
Mainland Chinese residents traveling to or from Hong Kong and Macao on family visit visas can now renew their visas directly at China Travel Service offices located in Hong Kong and Macao, eliminating the need to return to the mainland for renewal.
Ready to experience China with these new conveniences? Our team is here to help you navigate the digital arrival card system, determine your visa-free transit eligibility, and plan your journey seamlessly. Contact us at info@atrails.cn for expert assistance with your China travel needs.
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