Apply for your China Arrival Card online

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.