China customs declaration vs arrival card: the arrival card from the National Immigration Administration (NIA) is the form every foreign visitor files. File it at https://s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC/.
This is an independent guide, not a government site, so check the rules on the NIA portal before you fly. It’s written for Singapore travelers.
China Customs Declaration vs Arrival Card
One form is about you, the other is about your bags. For a full overview of the immigration side, see our China arrival card guide.
| Topic | Arrival card (NIA) |
|---|---|
| Covers | Identity, flight details, purpose of entry, destination cities and visa number (if any) |
| Who files | Every foreign visitor |
| Where | Passport control |
Visa-free entry rules depend on nationality and change over time, so check current visa rules before you fly. Even when visa-free, you still need the arrival card — see our article on visa-free travelers and the China arrival card.
Customs rules for goods are set by the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC); check them before you travel. Confused about how the arrival card differs from a visa? Read about the difference between a China visa and the arrival card.
How to Complete the China Arrival Card
File online up to 24 hours before landing, including arrival day. Check that your passport meets China’s validity requirements before you fly, and have your flight number ready. For the full walkthrough of every screen, see how to fill out the China arrival card.
Open the filing channel
Go to https://s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC/, the “Immigration Bureau 12367” app, or the WeChat or Alipay mini-program.
Scan or type your passport details
Scan your passport page or type the details.
Fill in the rest
From flight number and entry port to destination cities.
Check and confirm
Compare each field with your passport, then confirm.
Save and print your card
Save a screenshot of the QR code and scan it in the self-service printing area to print your card.
No internet? Paper cards are handed out on the plane or at the airport immigration area. Learn more about the digital arrival card vs the paper form.
China Customs Declaration vs Arrival Card: Airport Order
Customs rules for goods are set by the General Administration of Customs of China; check them before you travel.
Fingerprint collection
First-time foreign visitors have their fingerprints collected on arrival in China.
Passport control
At NIA passport control, show your passport and your QR code or paper arrival card.
Common Mistakes and Related Entry Requirements
- Paying an intermediary or third-party site to file for you: you can file directly on the NIA portal at https://s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC/.
- Sharing one card in a family: each traveler files their own card — see the rules for families and children.
All visitors must register with the Public Security Bureau (PSB) within 24 hours of arrival. Your accommodation should be able to complete the registration at check-in; ask the staff. The NIA portal lists 住宿登记 (accommodation registration).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between a China customs declaration vs arrival card?
The arrival card is the immigration form you file through the NIA portal. Customs rules for goods are set by the General Administration of Customs of China; check them before you travel.
Do Singapore passport holders need an arrival card for 30-day visa-free entry?
Yes. Visa-free entry does not waive the arrival card; you file it online or on paper like any other foreign visitor. Check current visa rules before you fly.
Where do I file the China arrival card online, and is it free?
Use the NIA portal at https://s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC/, the 12367 app, or the WeChat or Alipay mini-program. Your QR code is what you show at immigration.
What if I have no internet or printer when I land?
Take a paper card on board or in the arrival hall and fill it in before passport control. Self-service devices at some entry ports can also be used to file the card online.
China customs declaration vs arrival card: do I need both?
Yes. Every foreign visitor files the arrival card. Whether you also need a customs declaration depends on what you carry; check GACC rules before you travel.
How much cash can I bring into China without declaring it?
Customs rules for cash and currency are set by the General Administration of Customs of China. Check them before you travel.
Is the China health declaration QR code still required?
The QR code from the NIA arrival card is the one the sources we reviewed describe for entry. Check current GACC rules if you’re unsure about other declarations.
Do I have to register with the police within 24 hours?
All visitors must register with the PSB within 24 hours of arrival. Your accommodation can usually do this at check-in. Registration does not replace the arrival card, so you still file the card before you land.
Sources and Further Reading
- NIA portal: arrival card filing, accommodation registration and visa information for foreigners.
Rules can change, so check the NIA portal before you fly.
