The Hong Kong to China arrival card (China Arrival Card, or CDAC) is the entry declaration you complete before Mainland immigration at your port of entry, such as Futian Port. Visa-exempt travelers still need it, and you can fill it in online or on paper. For a full overview of the requirement, see our China Arrival Card guide.
This is an independent travel guide, not a government website, and we don’t charge fees or file forms for you. Check the details on the National Immigration Administration website (nia.gov.cn) before you travel, and read the sources at the end.
Who Needs the Arrival Card
If you’re a foreign national entering Mainland China from Hong Kong, you’ll need one. The card is issued under the National Immigration Administration (NIA), and it isn’t a visa. If you’re unsure about the difference, read our explainer on the difference between a China visa and the arrival card.
The form asks for:
- Full name, sex and date of birth
- Nationality, passport number and expiry date
- Transport mode, flight, train or vessel number, and arrival port
- Travel dates
- Mainland accommodation address
- Contact information
- A photo of the passport photo page, if prompted
Visa-free travelers still fill it in, so check the current visa-free country list on the NIA website before you go. Our article on visa-free travelers and the China Arrival Card covers the rules in detail.
Some travelers are exempt from the card. Confirm the list on the NIA website before you travel:
- Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card holders
- Non-Chinese citizens holding a Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao residents
- Group visa or group visa-free arrangement holders (travelling in a group alone does not qualify)
- Transit passengers staying in the port area (24-hour direct transit)
- Cruise passengers on the same ship
- Travelers who enter through an immigration e-channel (an ordinary priority queue does not qualify)
- Foreign crew members of international transport vehicles
Online or Paper: Filling In the Card
You can submit online through the National Immigration Administration website, the NIA 12367 app, a WeChat or Alipay mini-program, or a QR code or self-service device at the checkpoint. Submit before travel once you know your accommodation details, or on arrival before immigration. The online version launched on 20 November 2025. For a screen-by-screen walkthrough, see our guide on how to fill out the China Arrival Card.
- Available through the NIA website, the NIA 12367 app, a WeChat or Alipay mini-program, or a QR code or self-service device at the checkpoint
- You can complete the form before travel, once your accommodation details are known
- Also possible on arrival, before immigration
- Paper forms remain available at ports of entry, but they may be a transitional arrangement
- Check the NIA website before you rely on paper
- Must be completed carefully before you hand it over
Before you reach the counter, have these ready:
- A passport
- A valid visa, or eligibility for visa-free entry
- Your mainland accommodation address
Arrival Card at West Kowloon Station Port
West Kowloon Station Port is one of the ports where you’ll complete the arrival card. Fill in the card before you travel or on arrival before immigration, including your train number where the form asks for it. For current Hong Kong exit rules, check immd.gov.hk.
Walking Across Luohu and Futian
If you cross on foot, the card is completed at the port in the same way as at other entry points. Scan the QR code at the checkpoint or use a self-service device, if available, or use a paper form. Then go to a Mainland immigration booth or e-channel.
Ferry Terminals
Ferry procedures can differ by route, so check with your ferry operator before you travel about where and how the card is completed.
Transport and Address Fields by Route
Most confusion comes from the transport fields. Match them to how you cross.
| Field | Walking (Luohu, Futian) | Train (West Kowloon) | Ferry or HZMB bus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport mode | Land or on foot option | Train | Vessel |
| Flight, train or vessel number | Leave blank if not applicable | Train number | Vessel number |
| Arrival port | Futian Port, or the port you enter through | West Kowloon Station Port | The ferry terminal for your route |
Enter your mainland accommodation address exactly as it appears on your booking confirmation. Your name must match your passport. For formatting tips, see our guide to writing your hotel address on the China Arrival Card.
Common Mistakes at the Border
- Entering a flight number for a land crossing: flight fields don’t apply, so choose the on-foot or train option instead.
- Missing or mismatched mainland address: make sure it matches your accommodation confirmation.
- Reusing one card for several trips: each Hong Kong to mainland re-entry counts as a new entry, so fill a new card unless you’re exempt.
- Paying for a card: the card is free. Some commercial sites charge for filling it in on your behalf, but the NIA form itself has no fee, so check the domain before you enter passport details. Learn how to avoid paying for the China Arrival Card.
- Handwriting errors: complete the paper form carefully before you hand it over.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need a Hong Kong to China arrival card if I’m visa-exempt?
Yes. The card is an entry declaration, not a visa, so visa-free travelers still fill it in. Check the NIA website for current rules.
What if I don’t have a visa?
If you’re eligible for visa-free entry, follow the instructions on the form for visa-free travelers. Don’t invent a visa number, and ask the staff at the port if the form gives no clear option.
Where can I submit the Hong Kong to China arrival card online?
Use the National Immigration Administration website (nia.gov.cn), the NIA 12367 app, a WeChat or Alipay mini-program, or the QR code at the checkpoint. Submit before travel once you know your accommodation, or on arrival before immigration.
Is there a fee for the China arrival card?
No, the card is free. Some commercial sites charge a fee for filling it in on your behalf, but the NIA form itself has no fee, so there’s no need to pay anyone.
Can I reuse the same card for multiple day trips to Shenzhen?
No. Each re-entry from Hong Kong counts as a new entry, so you fill in a new card every time, unless you’re in one of the exempt groups listed above.
Do I need a separate Hong Kong departure card?
The arrival card doesn’t apply when entering Hong Kong or Macao, which have separate immigration procedures. Check immd.gov.hk for current Hong Kong exit rules.
What do I enter for transport when I cross on foot?
Choose the on-foot option if the form offers it. Enter the port you’re crossing through as your arrival port.
How early should I arrive at West Kowloon Station to complete the card?
You can submit the card online before travel, or complete it on arrival before immigration, so allow yourself enough time before your train departs for both steps.
Sources and Further Reading
- Immigration Department of Hong Kong (immd.gov.hk): Hong Kong entry and exit arrangements, including e-Channel rules.
- Visiting Hong Kong (hketosin.gov.hk): visitor entry arrangements and Mainland Travel Permit information.
- National Immigration Administration (nia.gov.cn): arrival card service.
Rules can change, so check the sources before you travel.
