China’s Digital Arrival Card: Streamlining Entry for Global Travelers from November 20

Last updated on 15 minutes ago

China is taking another decisive step toward frictionless international travel with the launch of its fully digital arrival card system, effective November 20, 2025. Announced as part of a 10-measure package by the National Immigration Administration (NIA) to bolster “high-level opening up,” this online platform allows foreign visitors to submit entry details in advance, ditching paper forms at the border for good. Coming on the heels of the visa-free policy extension to December 31, 2026, for citizens of 45 countries, the initiative is designed to accelerate tourism recovery, with international arrivals already surpassing 13.6 million in the first half of 2025 alone—a 70% share of all foreign entries.

The digital card—mandatory for all non-Chinese nationals entering mainland China—covers essential declarations like personal info, flight details, accommodation, and health/customs attestations. It’s a game-changer for efficiency: No more scribbling at immigration counters, potentially slashing clearance times by 20–30 minutes per traveler and reducing queues at major hubs like Beijing Capital and Shanghai Pudong. This aligns China with regional leaders like India (e-Arrival Card), Indonesia (e-CDAC), and South Korea (K-ETA), as Asia’s economies digitize borders to compete for the $1.8 trillion global tourism pie.

“This is about convenience and confidence—making China as welcoming digitally as it is culturally,” said NIA spokesperson Wang Bingnan during a November 3 briefing.

The system supports the post-pandemic surge, where visitor spending hit $1.2 billion USD on average per trip, fueling sectors from high-speed rail to street-food stalls.

Who Needs It and How It Works: A Seamless Process

The digital arrival card applies to all foreign travelers entering mainland China, regardless of visa status—be it visa-free tourists from France or Germany, business visitors on e-visas, or students with long-term permits. It’s not a visa replacement but a streamlined health, customs, and entry declaration, valid for the duration of your stay.

Here’s the step-by-step rollout:

1. Pre-Arrival Submission: Complete the form at least 24 hours before departure via the NIA website (nia.gov.cn), the “NIA 12367” app, or mini-programs on WeChat and Alipay. Upload a photo of your passport’s bio page, enter flight/accommodation details, and declare any restricted items (e.g., fresh foods or large cash sums).
2. QR Code Generation: Upon submission, receive a QR code via email or app—your digital “golden ticket.” Save it to your phone for scanning at entry points.
3. On-Arrival Options: Forgot? No sweat—major airports feature self-service kiosks for QR-based submissions, document scanners that auto-fill basics, or even paper backups. Transit passengers under the 24-hour visa-free policy (now expanded to 10 new airports like Tianjin Binhai and Kunming Changshui, effective November 5) get priority lanes.

Processing is free, multilingual (English, Chinese, etc.), and takes 5–10 minutes. Results sync directly with border systems, minimizing human error. For families or groups, one submission can cover multiples if details match.

Pro Tip: Download the NIA app now for offline drafting—essential in spotty Wi-Fi zones. Pair it with Alipay’s global eSIM for seamless connectivity upon landing.

Broader Impacts: Boosting Tourism and Economic Flows

This launch is a linchpin in China’s “Ten Measures for Visa Facilitation,” which also includes faster e-visa approvals and group tour exemptions. Early projections: A 15–20% uptick in short-haul arrivals from Europe and Asia-Pacific by Q1 2026, as digital ease draws impulse travelers. For visa-free eligible nations (now 45, including Sweden from November 10), it’s a seamless on-ramp to hotspots like the Great Wall or Zhangjiajie’s glass bridges.

Economically, it’s potent: Each inbound tourist injects ~$1,200 USD, with 70% recirculating locally via homestays and artisan markets. Sustainability nods include paperless ops, cutting waste at ports, while data analytics will refine health screenings amid ongoing global recoveries.

Challenges? Privacy hawks note data-sharing with customs, but NIA assures GDPR-like protections. For non-digital natives, kiosks ensure inclusivity.

Ready to Jet to the Middle Kingdom?

With flights from hubs like London to Shanghai dipping under $500 round-trip, now’s prime time to book—especially for winter festivals or spring cherry blossoms. Non-eligible? e-Visas process in 3 days via the NIA portal.

China’s borders are evolving from barriers to gateways. This digital card isn’t just tech—it’s an invitation to explore a nation blending ancient wonders with cutting-edge ease.