To avoid paying for China arrival card fees, file it yourself: the declaration is free. A site that asks for card details or a “processing fee” is not an NIA channel. Some such sites are paid intermediaries; others imitate the government. Use the National Immigration Administration (NIA) portal at https://s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC/, or a paper form. For a full breakdown of what the declaration costs on every channel, see Is China Arrival Card Free? Fee Facts for Singapore Travelers.
This is an independent guide, not a government site. We do not charge you or file anything on your behalf. Check current rules on the NIA portal before you fly.
Avoid Paying for China Arrival Card Fees
The NIA declaration is free, so any fee for it is charged by a third party.
Online filing opened on 20 November 2025. The card isn’t a visa and doesn’t grant entry.
Flying from Singapore? The visa waiver doesn’t replace the card. If you’re entering on a waiver, read the rules for visa-free travelers before you go.
| Requirement | Status |
|---|---|
| Visa | Visa-free entry for eligible visits; check the conditions on the NIA portal. |
| Digital arrival card | Still needed; the waiver covers the visa only |
| Accommodation registration | Stays outside a hotel generally require registration within 24 hours. |
Seven groups don’t need to file, but verify the list on NIA channels — our eligibility and exemptions guide explains who must file and who is exempt:
- Holders of a Chinese permanent residence card for foreigners
- Non-Chinese holders of a Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong or Macau
- Group travelers (group visa or visa-free group entry)
- Transit within the port zone, without entering the city
- Cruise passengers who board and leave on the same ship
- Travelers in an expedited clearance lane
- Foreign crew of transport vehicles
Spotting Unauthorized Agencies Before You Pay
The NIA declaration does not ask for card details, so a payment screen points to a third-party site. Watch for:
- Payment fields or a “processing fee” requested for the card.
Before entering passport data:
- Compare the address with https://s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC/ before you enter passport data.
- Type the NIA address yourself instead of clicking paid results, and watch for extra words in lookalike addresses.
Unsure about a page? Close it and restart from the NIA address.
Free Online Filing: Portal, App and Mini-Programs
Not sure where to start? File free on the NIA website, the NIA 12367 app, or the WeChat and Alipay mini-programs. The form typically takes about 10 to 15 minutes. For a screen-by-screen walkthrough of the free form, see how to fill out the China arrival card.
| Channel | Device | How to verify | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| NIA website | Computer or phone | Domain ends in .gov.cn | Free |
| NIA 12367 app | iOS or Android | Download it from the App Store or Google Play. | Free |
| WeChat or Alipay mini-program | Phone | Search for “NIA 12367” inside WeChat or Alipay. | Free |
Open the NIA channel
Open the NIA 12367 app, or go to the NIA portal.
Upload your passport photo page
Make sure the MRZ is clearly visible and there is no glare.
Enter your details
Provide personal details, an emergency contact outside China, and your flight and entry date.
Enter the hotel address
Use Chinese characters or Pinyin, and ask the hotel for its Chinese version.
Answer health and customs questions
These questions are built into the form.
Save the QR code
Take a screenshot for offline use at immigration.
Avoid Paying for China Arrival Card: Paper and On-Site Options
Prefer paper? Paper forms remain available during a transitional period — see our comparison of the digital arrival card vs the paper form to decide which one suits you.
Ask your airline’s check-in agent about blank forms.
If online filing fails, use a self-service kiosk after landing. Self-service kiosks are available on arrival for travelers who could not file in advance. Common problems — SMS codes, captchas, timeouts and crashes — are covered in our guide on what to do when the China arrival card website isn’t working.
Already Paid? Chargebacks and Next Steps
Paid an intermediary already? Freeze the card, dispute the charge, then refile through a free channel.
Freeze the card
Call your card issuer to freeze or replace the card and stop recurring charges.
Dispute the charge
Ask for a chargeback dispute and check the bank’s filing deadline. Refunds aren’t guaranteed.
Refile for free
Refile through a free channel. Don’t alter MRZ details or enter false data.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How can I avoid paying for China arrival card fees online?
Skip sponsored results and go straight to NIA, either by typing the address or using the NIA 12367 app. Filing is free at https://s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC/, so a page that asks for card details isn’t an NIA channel. Compare the address with the official NIA link before entering passport data.
Can I avoid paying for China arrival card forms if I fly from Singapore?
Yes. Paper cards stay available during the transition period, so you can skip online filing. Airline practice isn’t guaranteed, so confirm with your carrier at check-in. Filing ahead on NIA channels is free as well.
Which web address lets me fill in the China arrival card for free?
The NIA desktop address is https://s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC/. Confirm it on the NIA portal before you enter data. You can also use the NIA 12367 app or its WeChat and Alipay mini-programs, all free, and none needs a payment.
Do Singapore passport holders still need an arrival card for visa-free entry?
Yes. Visa-free entry covers the visa only, not the arrival card. Not needing a visa doesn’t remove that step. Check the current rules on the NIA portal before you travel, because requirements can change.
How do I get my money back from a third-party site?
Contact your card issuer and ask for a chargeback on a fee charged for a free declaration. Banks set filing deadlines and don’t guarantee refunds, so call soon. Then refile through a free channel.
Who is exempt from the digital arrival card?
There are seven groups, including permanent residence card holders, group travelers, cruise passengers on the same ship and foreign transport crew. Airside transit without entering the city is exempt, but leaving the city means you need a card. Verify the full list on the NIA portal.
When should I submit my online arrival card?
Guidance on timing varies, so file before you depart and check the current window on the NIA portal. Treat NIA guidance as final.
Do I need a new card for a Hong Kong or Macau side trip?
Yes. Each entry into mainland China needs its own card, so a route from the mainland to Hong Kong and back requires a separate submission. Free channels charge nothing for the extra card.
Sources and Further Reading
- National Immigration Administration (NIA) portal, the official channel for the arrival declaration.
Rules can change, so check the NIA portal before you travel.
