China Arrival Card
From$69.99
- 30 days validity
- Stay up to 30 days per entry
- Single entry
- As fast as 15 minutes
China
Apply for your China visa online
Find out whether you need a Chinese visa, then let iVisa prepare, review, and file your mandatory Arrival Card online.
Trusted by 3M+ travelersApproved in as fast as 15 minutes
China visa requirements
Most travelers need an L (tourist) or M (business) visa to enter mainland China. Apply through a Chinese embassy, consulate, or visa application center, as iVisa does not currently offer this service. Some travelers may qualify for 240-hour visa-free transit if they are continuing to a third country, or for up to 30 days of visa-free entry to Hainan Province.
Almost all foreign travelers must also complete the China Arrival Card before entering by air, land, or sea.
Let iVisa help you prepare your Arrival Card and enjoy our experts review and guidance to avoid mistakes and delays.
General China entry requirements are:
Requirements verified against official government sources
- Valid passport (minimum validity: 6 months from arrival)
- Travel and accommodation details
- A valid email address
- Your Chinese visa (if required) or proof of visa-free eligibility
- The China Arrival Card, mandatory for all travelers regardless of visa status
China travel documents through iVisa
What each document covers, who it suits, and how it is issued.
China Arrival CardArrival card
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.
- Who it's for
- The China Arrival Card is for most foreign travelers entering mainland China, whether arriving by air, land, or sea, and regardless of whether they hold a valid visa or are eligible for visa-free entry.
- When it's required
- It is mandatory for almost all foreign visitors, and even those eligible for 240-hour visa-free transit must complete an arrival registration. Some travelers are exempt, including Permanent Resident (Green Card) holders, those in 24-hour direct transit, E-channel users, and members of a tour group with a group visa.
- Duration and entries
- The Arrival Card is a declaration for a single entry. A new registration must be submitted every time you enter mainland China, even when returning from Hong Kong or Macau.
- When to apply
- You can complete the card within 72 hours before your arrival in China. With iVisa, you can submit your information earlier, and we time the submission so your declaration is valid and active the moment you touch down.
- Delivery format
- After processing, you receive an email confirmation. Depending on the port of entry, you may need to show a QR code on your phone or a printed confirmation, which is also available in your iVisa dashboard.
- Validity
- 30 days
- Length of stay
- 30 days per entry
- Entry
- Single entry
- Processing time
- Get it in as fast as 15 minutes
Prices and processing times for every document are just below. See prices
China visa prices and processing times
Clear, all-in pricing by visa type. The final checkout total includes our service fee.
Our China visa application process
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 travel document
Once approved, your China travel document arrives by email — ready to travel, with clear instructions on how to use it.
10 minutesTime it takes to apply
Why choose iVisa?
Applying for a visa on your own can be confusing and time-consuming. iVisa simplifies the process, reviews errors, and gives you peace of mind — so you just show up and travel.
Start my application By yourselfiVisa
Simple, easy forms
24x7 support from visa experts
Error detection to prevent rejections
World's easiest passport scan
Multiple payment methods
- 3M+happy customers
- 24/7customer support
- 13+years of experience
- 99%approval rate across all destinations
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
What travelers commonly ask about China visas.
Still have questions?
Our visa experts are available 24/7 on chat, email, and WhatsApp.
Do I need a visa to visit China?
Most travelers need an L visa for tourism or an M visa for business. You must apply through a Chinese embassy, consulate, or visa application center, as iVisa does not currently provide this service.
Some travelers may qualify for visa-free transit for up to 240 hours at selected ports. This applies only if you hold a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region; entering on the transit policy without one is treated as illegal entry. Eligible nationalities may also visit Hainan Province without a visa for up to 30 days.
Regardless of whether you need a visa, you must complete the China Arrival Card. iVisa can prepare and file this form for you.
How do I apply for a Chinese visa?
Apply for a tourist (L) or business (M) visa through a Chinese embassy, consulate, or approved visa application center in your home country. iVisa does not currently process Chinese visa applications.
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 240-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 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.
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.
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.
Start your China visa application today
Get approved quickly — we handle the paperwork, the review, and the government filing, so you just show up ready to travel.
Apply nowOther travel documents for China
Travel visas for other countries
China visa for popular nationalities
Download the iVisa app
Track your application status in real time and keep every travel document in one place — wherever you are.
