Is China arrival card free? The arrival card for foreign visitors is filed through National Immigration Administration (NIA) channels, and the form is completed on the NIA portal. Check the portal for current terms before you fly. Some third-party sites charge for help with the form, so before you pay anything, confirm that the address is the NIA portal. Start at https://s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC.
This guide is independent and isn’t a government site. We don’t charge fees or file the card for you. Check details and dates on the portal before you fly.
Is China arrival card free? Fees by channel
Filing is done through the NIA portal, which is where the form is submitted. Check the portal for current terms before you travel.
| Channel | Availability |
|---|---|
| NIA website (s.nia.gov.cn) | Online filing for computers and phones |
| NIA 12367 app and mini-programs | Mobile filing options |
| Airport self-service kiosk | For travelers who did not file in advance |
| Paper card, inflight or arrival hall | Available during the transitional period, handed out on planes or on arrival |
Flying from Singapore on a mutual visa exemption? You still file the card. Foreign passport holders must file the card even when they are visa-exempt, as explained in our guide to visa-free travelers and the China arrival card. The following groups are exempt:
- Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card holders
- Non-Chinese holders of a Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao
- Group travelers on a collective visa or visa-free entry
- Transit passengers staying in the designated port area
- Cruise passengers entering and leaving on the same vessel
- Fast-track entry lane users
- Foreign employees of exit-entry transport vehicles
Where to get the card and fill it in
File online at s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC (PC) or s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPhone (phone). The NIA 12367 app and WeChat and Alipay mini-programs also work. Paper forms may be handed out on planes or on arrival during the transitional period.
Wondering when to file? Before arrival. The exact window depends on the NIA portal version, so check it before travel. Our article on submission windows and cut-off deadlines for the arrival card covers the timing in detail.
Have your documents ready
Have your passport and flight details ready.
Pick a channel
Pick online, kiosk or paper.
Fill in the fields
Fill in the fields yourself, including your address in China.
Save your QR code
Save the QR code by screenshot, Download to Local or Send to Email.
Show it at the border
Show the QR code or paper card to border inspectors.
Is China arrival card free on third-party sites?
Some third-party sites charge for help with the form, so watch out. Our guide on how to avoid paying for the China arrival card explains how to spot unauthorized agencies and use free direct options:
- They ask for your payment card details.
- They mimic immigration styling.
- They add handling or priority fees.
Compare any address with the NIA portal you reach through en.nia.gov.cn.
Common mistakes and related border rules
- Enter the arrival flight number.
- Swapped names or passport and visa numbers: copy them from your passport. If you’ve already submitted, see how to fix an error on a submitted China arrival card.
- Enter the name and city of your first accommodation in China. For formatting tips, read our guide to writing the hotel address on the arrival card correctly.
Transit passengers who remain within the designated port area are exempt from the card. Transit-without-visa schemes are described on en.nia.gov.cn, so check the current rules there before you travel.
False statements can lead to an entry ban, and a host’s false invitation can also carry penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is China arrival card free for Singapore passport holders?
A visa exemption does not replace the arrival card, so Singapore passport holders still need to file one. Check the exemption terms and current filing details on the NIA portal before you fly.
Is China arrival card free at the airport self-service kiosk?
Kiosks are available for travelers who did not file in advance, and you can print your QR code there. If a kiosk screen shows a payment request, stop and ask airport staff.
Where’s the NIA website for filling in the card online?
Go to https://s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC on a computer or https://s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPhone on a phone. To check an address, compare it with the portal you reach through en.nia.gov.cn.
Do I need an arrival card if I enter visa-free?
Yes. Foreign passport holders must file the card even when they are visa-exempt. Visa-free entry alone doesn’t exempt you. Exceptions include Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card holders and group travelers on collective visas, so check your category on the NIA portal.
Is a visa fee the same as an arrival card fee?
No. A visa, when required, is handled through the embassy or consulate, while the arrival card is filed on the NIA portal. Check the current terms for each on the relevant official portals before you travel.
How do I spot a fake arrival card website?
Compare the address with the NIA portal first. The real form sits on s.nia.gov.cn. A page that asks for payment card details or handling fees is not the NIA portal. Close it and start again from the NIA portal.
What if I already paid a third-party site?
Check that your QR code came from the NIA domain. If in doubt, file again through the NIA portal or use a kiosk or paper form, and ask the NIA or your airline if that’s accepted.
Is the customs declaration the same as the arrival card?
No. The customs declaration covers goods, while the arrival card is an immigration form. They are separate formalities, so completing one doesn’t replace the other.
Sources and Further Reading
- en.nia.gov.cn: NIA news and transit policies.
- mfa.gov.sg: Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs website (general reference only).
Rules can change, so check the portal before you travel.
