The arrival card is an entry declaration, not a visa, and you file it yourself online. Submit on s.nia.gov.cn and, after you submit, the portal shows an Entry Declaration Receipt. Save a copy of it. Misread characters or wrong details can cause problems at the border, so it pays to know how to fix errors on the form.
This is an independent guide, not a government site. Filing through official channels is free, so check details on the National Immigration Administration (NIA) portal before you fly.
Processing Time for China Arrival Card Online
Unlike a visa, the arrival card has no approval queue. It’s a free entry declaration for mainland China, and the online system launched on 20 November 2025.
After you submit, you receive an Entry Declaration Receipt.
If no receipt appears, check your connection and the fields you entered.
What Happens When You Click Submit
The form can read details from a photo of your passport’s photo page, so check the extracted data before submitting.
| Field | What to enter | Typical trap |
|---|---|---|
| Name, passport number | Check against your passport | 0 vs O misreads |
| Flight number | Flight, train or vessel number, as on your ticket | Mistyped flight number |
| Hotel address | Chinese characters or Pinyin; see how to format the hotel address correctly. | Address that doesn’t match your booking |
Two more slips to avoid:
- Don’t rely on airport Wi-Fi; submit before you travel.
- Trusting autofill without rechecking it.
Submitting from Singapore: Timing and Steps
Go to s.nia.gov.cn; it’s free. You can file once your arrival and accommodation details are settled — check the submission windows and cut-off deadlines — before you travel, or on arrival.
Open the portal
Open s.nia.gov.cn or the NIA 12367 app.
Enter your details
Enter passport, flight and Pinyin address details.
Check and submit
Check every field, then submit.
Wait for the receipt
Wait for the Entry Declaration Receipt.
Save a copy
Save a copy of the receipt so you don’t need Wi-Fi at the airport.
Avoid sites that charge fees. The NIA has warned about fake websites, so learn how to spot unauthorized agencies and stick to free direct options.
After You Submit: Edits, Validity, Border Scan
Unless you’re exempt, you need a new arrival card for each entry into mainland China. The arrival information relates to a specific entry.
At the counter, the official QR code is scanned.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the processing time for China arrival card online?
The arrival card is not a visa, so visa processing times don’t apply. If no receipt appears, check your connection and the fields you entered, then resubmit at s.nia.gov.cn.
Does the processing time for China arrival card online grow at the airport?
Filling it in before you travel lets you correct errors without time pressure at the airport. On-site devices and paper forms are available if needed.
Is the China arrival card free to submit?
Yes. Filing through official NIA channels, starting at s.nia.gov.cn, is free. Sites that ask for payment are not official channels.
When should I submit before my flight?
The card can be filed before you travel, once your arrival and accommodation details are settled. Filing early leaves time to correct errors.
Can I edit the China arrival card after submitting?
Unless you’re exempt, you need to complete a new arrival card for each entry into mainland China.
Do Singapore citizens need it without a visa?
Yes. The requirement applies even to visa-exempt travellers entering mainland China, so entering visa-free doesn’t skip it. Some groups are exempt. Check current exemptions on the NIA portal at s.nia.gov.cn before you fly.
Where can I submit the China arrival card online?
Go to s.nia.gov.cn, the NIA portal. The NIA 12367 app and WeChat or Alipay mini-programs are also channels, and the form is available in 13 languages on the NIA portal. A kiosk and paper form exist at the border.
How is the China arrival card different from a visa?
A visa comes from a consulate, while the arrival card is a free declaration you file yourself online. The card gives you an Entry Declaration Receipt once you submit. It registers entry details but doesn’t replace a required visa.
Sources and Further Reading
- The Entry Declaration Receipt: the NIA confirmation page.
