For most foreign travellers, the China Arrival Card is still required even when entering visa-free, unless an exemption applies. Visa exemption waives the visa, not the declaration. File it free of charge at s.nia.gov.cn or at the border, and keep your confirmation or QR code accessible until you have cleared immigration. For a full overview of the rules, see our China Arrival Card guide.
This is an independent guide, not a government site. We don’t charge fees or file anything for you. Check details on the National Immigration Administration (NIA) portal, s.nia.gov.cn, before you fly.
China Arrival Card for European Citizens Explained
Visa-free entry skips the visa, not the declaration. Most foreign passport holders file one, including visa-free travellers, unless they fall into one of the exempt categories listed below.
On the NIA service portal it appears as 外国人入境卡填报. It is also commonly called the China Arrival Card or Digital Arrival Card. The filing is free of charge. You file a new one for each entry to mainland China — if you’re unsure how the declaration differs from a visa, read our comparison of the China visa vs arrival card.
Because the visa-free country list changes, check your own entry requirements before you travel. If you’re planning a multi-city route, our rules for visa-free travellers are worth a look.
Several groups skip it, but most tourists aren’t in one:
- Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card holders
- Foreigners holding a mainland travel permit for Hong Kong and Macau residents
- Group visa or group visa-free travelers
- Direct transit under 24 hours without leaving the restricted area
- Cruise passengers entering and leaving on the same ship
- Eligible fast-track lane users
- Crew working on international aircraft, ships, trains or other exit-entry transport.
Where to Submit and What to Prepare
Start at s.nia.gov.cn, section 外国人入境卡填报. The NIA 12367 app, WeChat and Alipay mini-programs, and immigration QR codes also work. At the border, depending on the checkpoint, you may find a QR code, a service device or a paper card. Our page on the digital arrival card vs paper form explains which one you need. You can also file via the WeChat and Alipay mini-programs.
Our sources set no filing window. File shortly before you travel, once dates and hotel are confirmed, with these ready:
- A clear scan of the passport biodata page.
- Arrival date, contact details and port of entry
- Final flight, train or ship number and first hotel address
Fake sites exist. The NIA has warned travellers about imitation sites that demand payment for this free service. Check the address before uploading your passport. Learn how to avoid paying for the China Arrival Card and use the free direct option.
Step-by-Step: China Arrival Card for European Citizens
Upload your passport
Upload your biodata page and check each pre-filled field against your passport.
Enter your arrival flight
Enter the date and number of the flight that brings you into mainland China, not your earlier flight from Europe.
Select your purpose of travel
Select your purpose of travel.
Enter your accommodation address
Enter the full address of your hotel or other accommodation in China.
Review and submit
Review, submit and save the confirmation or QR code offline.
Transiting through Singapore? Complete the card shortly before travelling, and save the confirmation so you can access it without mobile data. For a screen-by-screen walkthrough, see how to fill out the China Arrival Card.
At the Border and After Landing
Keep your confirmation or QR code accessible until you have cleared immigration. If you’d rather sort it out at the airport, see the arrival hall steps, kiosks and dead-phone backup.
Accommodation registration for foreigners can be completed through the NIA online service (住宿登记).
Common Mistakes and Re-Entry Rules
- Make sure the details match your passport exactly.
- Enter the arrival flight into mainland China, not the flight from Europe, and check the date.
- The system may read details from your passport image, so check every pre-filled field and use a clear scan.
Planning a Hong Kong or Macau side trip? Returning to the mainland from Hong Kong or Macau requires a new card — our Hong Kong to China arrival card procedures cover the land and ferry checkpoints.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do European citizens need a China arrival card visa-free?
Yes. Most foreign travellers, including visa-free ones, still file the declaration. Only the exempt categories listed above skip it. If you’re unsure, file it before you reach the immigration counter.
Is the China arrival card for European citizens free?
Yes. Filing on the NIA service is free of charge. Third-party sites that charge for it are not the NIA service, and you can file the same card for free on the official portal.
Where do I fill it out online?
Go to s.nia.gov.cn and open the section 外国人入境卡填报. The NIA website has an English version, so check the language options on the filing page itself. The NIA 12367 app and the WeChat and Alipay mini-programs work too. File shortly before you travel, once dates and hotel are set.
What hotel address do I enter?
Use the full address of your first accommodation in China, including the hotel name and street. If you are staying with friends or relatives, enter the address where you will stay and check their accommodation registration with them.
Do children need their own card?
The declaration is filed per foreign passport holder, so a child travelling on their own passport generally needs their own declaration. Check the requirements on the NIA portal before you travel.
Which flight number do I enter via Singapore?
Enter the flight that lands in mainland China, not an earlier leg of your journey. Check the number on your boarding pass for that connection.
What if I visit Hong Kong and return?
Each entry to the mainland needs its own card. A route with one Hong Kong or Macau side trip means two cards: one for your first arrival and one for your return. Keep both confirmations saved on your phone.
How do I fix a submitted mistake?
Check whether the portal lets you edit the submitted card. If it doesn’t, file a new declaration with the correct details and keep the latest confirmation. Make sure it matches your passport, route and accommodation, and recheck it if your dates change.
Sources and Further Reading
- s.nia.gov.cn: the arrival card filing service, section 外国人入境卡填报.
- en.nia.gov.cn: the NIA English website with news and notices.
Rules can change, so check the portal before you travel.
