The Beijing Capital airport arrival card filling procedure starts online: file the free China digital arrival card at s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC before you travel, once your flight and accommodation details are confirmed, and save the QR code offline.
This independent guide for UK travellers landing at PEK or Daxing (PKX) isn’t a government site. It doesn’t charge fees or file the card for you, so check the rules on the National Immigration Administration (NIA) portal, s.nia.gov.cn, before you fly. For the wider picture of entry requirements and border clearance, see our complete China arrival card guide.
Who Must Complete the China Arrival Card?
Visiting from the UK? Assume you need to file. The NIA issues the China Digital Arrival Card (CDAC), launched on 20 Nov 2025, and you need a new card for each entry unless you are exempt. UK passport holders can read a full breakdown in our guide to China arrival card requirements for UK citizens.
Seven groups are exempt (Spanish Consulate in Beijing) — see the full list of travellers exempt from the China arrival card:
- Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card holders
- Non-Chinese holders of the HK/Macao residents’ Mainland Travel Permit
- Group visa or eligible group visa-free travellers
- 24-hour direct transit within the restricted port area, without immigration control
- Cruise passengers entering and leaving on one vessel
- Automated e-channel users, not the ordinary priority queue
- Foreign crew of international transport vehicles
Check the current visa rules on GOV.UK before you travel.
Beijing Capital Airport Arrival Card Filling Procedure
Copy your details from your passport and booking. Filing is free through these channels:
- s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC
- s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPhone
- The NIA 12367 app
- WeChat and Alipay mini-programs
Upload your passport photo page
Then check every auto-filled field against the passport.
Enter your personal details
Name, gender, date of birth, nationality, ID type and number, and passport expiry date.
Add your transport details
Transport mode, the flight number from your boarding pass, and Beijing as the city of entry, with Beijing Capital Airport as the port of entry.
Answer the entry questions
Visa, entry policy (30-day waiver or 24/240-hour transit), purpose, inviting entity and itinerary questions.
Write the full address
Province, city, district and street. “Hilton Beijing” alone may cause delays. For formatting tips, see our guide on how to enter a hotel address on the China arrival card.
Declare, sign and save your QR code
Tick the declaration, sign electronically, then screenshot or email the QR code.
If you are an invited guest, provide the inviting party’s full residential address.
Arrival Card Options on Arrival
If you haven’t filed beforehand, you can scan an official QR code at the immigration checkpoint or use an on-site self-service device. Our step-by-step guide to self-service kiosks and smart gates at Chinese airports explains how these terminals work.
Documents to Have Ready at Immigration
| Your situation | Where you go |
|---|---|
| UK 30-day visa-free, or visa holder | Standard foreigner lane |
| 240-hour transit | Follow the entry policy selected on your card and staff directions at the checkpoint |
At the counter, hand over your passport, boarding pass, and QR code or paper card. Have your onward ticket and accommodation proof ready. For a full checklist, read our guide to the documents required to fill the China arrival card.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
- Address missing district or street: it may cause manual delays, so write it in full.
- Unchecked auto-fill: names or passport numbers may not match, so compare them with the passport.
- Paying a third-party site: the NIA filing is free, so use only s.nia.gov.cn or NIA 12367. Learn to recognise China arrival card scam websites before you fly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How does the Beijing Capital airport arrival card filling procedure work?
You can file the card before you travel, or complete it on arrival by scanning an official QR code at the immigration checkpoint or using an on-site device. Keep your QR code or paper card ready for the immigration officer.
Can I complete the Beijing Capital airport arrival card filling procedure on paper?
Yes. A paper arrival card is available at ports of entry; ask immigration staff where to collect one.
When should I submit the digital arrival card?
Once your flight and accommodation are confirmed, file it before you travel. The official sources don’t set an exact window, so check the NIA portal.
Is the China arrival card free, and where do I file?
Yes, filing through the NIA channels is free. On a computer, start at s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC. On a phone, use the NIA 12367 app or the WeChat and Alipay mini-programs. Websites asking for payment are commercial intermediaries, not the NIA.
What if my phone battery dies before the inspection desk?
If your phone runs out of battery, ask immigration staff where to collect a paper arrival card.
Do children under 14 give fingerprints at the kiosks?
Follow staff instructions at the checkpoint, and ask immigration staff if you’re unsure about any step of the process.
Which lane do UK passport holders use?
UK passport holders on a visa-free visit join the standard foreigner lane. The automated e-channel is only for the eligible categories listed above. On your form, select the entry policy that applies to you, such as the 30-day visa waiver.
Can I correct my card after submitting it?
If you saved your details, you can log in to the NIA portal to review them. Keep a screenshot of the QR code offline for the counter.
Sources and Further Reading
- Spanish Consulate in Beijing: NIA card rules and exemptions
- GOV.UK search results for China travel advice (page updated 27 August 2026)
Rules can change, so check the portal before you travel.
