Apply for your China Arrival Card online
Skip the queues on arrival. Get your mandatory China Arrival Card in minutes with iVisa.
China Arrival Card requirements
Most foreign travelers entering the People's Republic of China are required to complete the China Arrival Card (also known as the Arrival/Departure Card) before passing through immigration. This applies whether you are arriving by air, land, or sea, and regardless of whether you hold a valid visa or are eligible for visa-free entry.
Required documents for the China Arrival Card
Requirements verified against official government sources
- Valid passport (minimum validity: 6 months from arrival)
- Travel and accommodation details
- A valid email address
Requirements may vary depending on nationality.
China Arrival Card pricing and validity
One all-in price. The checkout total includes our service fee, expert review, and support — no surprises.
China Arrival CardArrival card
From$69.99
- Who it's for
- Foreign travelers entering mainland China, with or without a visa. Permanent resident ID card holders and residents of Hong Kong and Macao with a valid mainland travel permit are exempt.
- Permitted activities
- Tourism, business and transit. It is an immigration and customs form, not a visa, and it does not replace a visa where one is required.
- How you travel
- Valid for entries by air, land and sea. It is not required for a short layover where you stay inside the restricted area of the port, which also covers cruise passengers leaving on their original ship.
- Delivery format
- The completed card can be downloaded or emailed to you, then shown to immigration on arrival. Travelers who did not file online can still complete it at a self-service kiosk or by QR code at the border.
- Good to know
- This replaces the paper forms once handed out on planes and at the border, though paper remains available during the transition. Minors are included on a parent's application. Tourist groups, crew and transport staff are exempt.
- Validity
- Valid for 30 days
- Entry
- Single entry
- Length of stay
- Stay up to 30 days per entry
- Processing time
- Get it in as fast as 15 minutes
How to apply for your China Arrival Card
Three simple steps — iVisa prepares, reviews, and files your China Arrival Card for you.
Complete the application
Answer a few simple questions and upload your documents, choose your processing speed, and pay securely. Most travelers finish in minutes.
We review and submit your application
Our experts check your application for the errors that cause government rejections, fix them with you, then submit it directly to the China government on your behalf.
Receive your China Arrival Card
Once approved, your China Arrival Card arrives by email — ready to travel, with clear instructions on how to use it.
Easy and quick service. 1 tip: inform about costs at starting point form
The steps for submitting a visa application are clearly outlined. The process is automated and fast.
This was an easy process and a very speedy outcome. Recommend IVisa
IN the pass very difficult to do visa, I understand why at the time but wasn't easy and it was expensive. This time was simple with good instruction and easy to fill in.
There was issues getting images accepted but the support system quickly sorted it.
Very easy process. Not all countries use it but for those that do, it is a hassle saver!
Ease of preparation of the code was important and prompness is also important
The experience was great.We applied we we received the answer in a very short time.This is great .
Chose this last minute for 4 of us. Obviously I was late. I requested a refund and it wasn’t a problem. Just had to keep in touch and follow process. Really easy.
Easy and understandable instructions, a short registration form, smooth passage between screens.
China visa FAQs
Quick answers to the most common questions about the China Arrival Card.
Still have questions?
Our visa experts are available 24/7 on chat, email, and WhatsApp.
Do I need a China Arrival Card even if I don't need a visa?
Yes. Even if your nationality allows for visa-free entry, the China Arrival Card is mandatory for almost all foreign visitors. Even those eligible for 72/144-hour visa-free transit must complete an arrival registration.
Who needs a China Arrival Card?
According to the NIA, you do not need to fill this out if you are: A holder of a Permanent Resident ID Card (Green Card), In 24-hour direct transit (and not leaving the airport/restricted area), Entering through the E-channel (automated gates for certain residents/frequent travelers), A member of a tour group with a group visa.
How will I receive the China Arrival Card?
After processing, you will receive an email confirmation. Depending on the specific port of entry requirements, you may need to show a QR code on your phone or a printed confirmation. When you arrive at the immigration counter, the officer will verify this against your passport and visa. You can also find your Arrival Card confirmation or QR code in your iVisa dashboard if applied through us.
How long can I stay in China with the Arrival Card?
The Arrival Card itself is not a stay permit; it is a declaration. Your allowed duration of stay is determined by the type of visa you hold or the specific visa-free policy applied to your nationality at the border. Generally, this ranges from 15 to 90 days for tourists.
When should I apply for the China Arrival Card?
You can complete the card within 72 hours before your arrival in China. With iVisa, you can submit your information earlier, and we will time the submission perfectly to ensure your declaration is valid and active the moment you touch down.
Do children/minors need a China Arrival Card?
Yes, every traveler, regardless of age, must have their own registered Arrival Card for China. You can use iVisa's "Add another person" feature to easily manage applications for the whole family in one session, saving time and effort.
Do I need the China Arrival Card for transit?
If you are remaining in the international transit area and not passing through immigration, you generally do not need an arrival card. However, if you intend to leave the airport (even for a few hours) under the 24, 72, or 144-hour visa-free transit rules, you must complete the arrival registration.
Can I reuse my China Arrival Card?
No. The card is for single entry only. A new registration must be submitted every time you enter mainland China, even if you are returning from Hong Kong or Macau.
What happens if I forget to submit the China Arrival Card before landing?
You will be forced to wait in long lines at manual kiosks or fill out paper forms at the airport before you can join the actual immigration queue. To avoid these delays and ensure a smooth entry, it is highly recommended to complete the digital version before you board your flight.
iVisa vs. the official China Arrival Card site
Why travelers choose iVisa
On your own
- Mostly easy, but with some tricky steps.
- Chinese or English only.
- No support offered.
- User-friendly forms with tools that smooth the experience.
- 14 languages and counting.
- Several support channels with quick answers.
China visa requirements for other passport holders
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