The difference between China visa and arrival card comes down to this: a visa is advance permission to travel, while the Arrival Card for Foreigners (Arrival Card) is a declaration officers check at the border. Neither a visa nor visa-free entry waives it. Filing is done through the NIA portal at s.nia.gov.cn.
This is an independent guide for Singapore travelers, not a government site. We don’t charge fees or file anything for you. Check details on the National Immigration Administration (NIA) portal.
Difference Between China Visa and Arrival Card
A visa is permission you get before you travel, such as an L (tourist) or M (business) visa. The Arrival Card is a legal border declaration, not an entry permit. Border officers still check your entry. For a full overview of the declaration itself, see our China Arrival Card guide.
The digital card launched on 20 November 2025, and paper cards were offered as a temporary option during the initial rollout, so check whether your port still provides them — our comparison of the digital arrival card vs the paper form explains the difference. Foreign travelers, with or without a visa, file one.
At launch, seven groups were exempt, including holders of a Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card. Direct 24-hour transit without leaving the sterile area is exempt too — the full eligibility and exemption rules list who must file.
On a Singapore passport? If you enter visa-free, you still file the card. In the entry policy field, choose the visa-free option that applies to you. On the paper card, write “VISA-FREE”. Confirm the current visa-free conditions on the NIA portal, and see our rules for visa-free travelers.
China Visa vs Arrival Card: Four Options Compared
| Option | Issued by and when | Entry permit? |
|---|---|---|
| Consular visa (L or M) | Embassy, consulate or visa center, before travel | Yes. Card still needed |
| Visa exemption | Under bilateral agreements, with conditions | Conditional. Card still needed |
| Arrival Card for Foreigners | NIA, before or at the border | No. It’s a declaration |
Visa-free transit under the 240-hour rule applies to a list of countries. Check the current list on the NIA portal.
Filling in the Arrival Card Step by Step
You can file before you leave Singapore. Use s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC on a computer or s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPhone on a phone, in 13 languages. Check the portal for the allowed filing period, or read our guide to submission windows and cut-off deadlines.
Gather your documents
Passport, flight number, first hotel’s address and phone, email and return itinerary
Upload and enter details
Passport photo page, your details, entry port, purpose and entry date as YYYY-MM-DD
Enter visa number or policy
Red visa number from the top right of your visa page, or your visa-free entry policy
Sign to match your passport
Your signature must match the one in your passport
- Enter the flight number exactly as on your ticket.
- Give the first night’s hotel, not just a city — see how to format the hotel address correctly.
- Pick the right purpose: tourism (L), business (M) or transit.
- At land crossings you may write WALKING or MTR in the flight or train number field, depending on the port.
Penalties and Related Filings
False information on the card can lead to an entry ban of up to five years.
Be careful with websites that charge for filing or imitate the official portal. Some paid agents handle filing for travelers, but the form itself is on the NIA portal. Submit the card only through the NIA portal. Learn how to avoid paying for the China Arrival Card and spot unauthorized agencies.
Two other filings are separate:
- The customs declaration is a separate process handled by the General Administration of Customs — see our comparison of the China customs declaration vs arrival card.
- Accommodation registration for foreigners is a separate, nationwide online filing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between China visa and arrival card in simple terms?
A visa is permission to enter, granted before you travel. The Arrival Card is a declaration you file for border inspection. It doesn’t replace a visa, and a visa doesn’t replace it. Visa-free travelers file it too.
Do I need an arrival card if I already have a valid China visa?
Yes. Your visa and the card are separate documents, so you file both. The visa number goes into the card form. The groups exempt at launch, such as permanent resident ID holders and direct transit passengers in the restricted area, skip it.
Do Singaporeans need a China arrival card if entering visa-free?
Yes. Visa-free travelers also file the card. Start on the NIA portal at s.nia.gov.cn before you fly and choose the visa-free entry policy instead of a visa number.
Is the China arrival card the same as a visa on arrival?
No. A visa is permission to enter, while the Arrival Card is a declaration that you file for border inspection. A visa does not replace the card.
Is the China arrival card free, and where do I fill it in?
Fill it in on the NIA portal at s.nia.gov.cn. If you did not file online, you can complete the card on arrival, using kiosks at the port or by scanning a QR code. You can download the card or email it to yourself.
What is the difference between China visa and arrival card for a child travelling on their own passport?
The card applies to all foreign travelers, and no separate procedure for children has been announced. Check the NIA portal for how to file for a minor.
What if I make a mistake on my China arrival card?
If you spot an error on your card, check the NIA portal for how to correct it. Keep the QR code ready for immigration.
Is the arrival card the same as the customs declaration?
No. They are separate processes run by different authorities, so completing one does not cover the other. Accommodation registration is a third, separate filing.
Sources and Further Reading
- NIA: national immigration portal with card information
- NIA filing instructions: channels and languages
- Visa application center: list of application cities
Rules can change, so check the NIA portal before you travel.
