At a self-service terminal on arrival in China, you can complete your arrival card if you didn’t finish it online before your flight. You then present the card, together with your passport, at immigration. File your digital card first at s.nia.gov.cn.
This is an independent information guide for UK travellers, not a government website. Check rules and dates in the embassy notice before you fly.
Self Service Arrival Terminal: Who Uses It
Foreign visitors arriving in China complete the digital arrival card, either online before travel or at a self-service terminal at the port of entry. Some travellers, such as young children, may be directed to a staffed desk, so follow the signs at the airport. For a full overview of the entry process, see our complete guide to the China arrival card.
The card confirms your arrival details, including your passport data, flight and where you will stay. Not sure which queue is yours? Read the signs or ask airport staff.
Online filing began on 20 November 2025, according to the embassy notice. You don’t file the card if you’re in one of seven groups:
- Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card holders
- Non-Chinese holders of a Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong/Macao residents
- Group visa or group visa-waiver travellers
- Transit passengers staying up to 24 hours in the port area without passing immigration
- Cruise passengers arriving and leaving on the same vessel
- e-Channel users
- Foreign crew of international transport
Group travel alone doesn’t exempt you, and the lists can change, so check s.nia.gov.cn. For the full breakdown of exempt categories, see who is exempt from the China arrival card.
What to Prepare Before the Kiosk
Have these ready before you reach the machine:
- Passport, with the photo page ready to upload if prompted
- Arrival card QR code, screenshotted or printed
- China hotel name and address, or your host’s address
- Flight number and port of entry
- Phone number with country code, and email
- Visa, if your nationality needs one
File the free card at s.nia.gov.cn, in the NIA 12367 app, or in the WeChat or Alipay mini-programme. Complete the form before you travel, once your flight and accommodation details are confirmed. Questions? Call +86-10-12367. For a walkthrough of the online form, read our step-by-step guide to filling out the China arrival card online.
Sites that ask for credit card details or a “processing fee” for the free arrival card are not the official NIA channels. Use s.nia.gov.cn, the NIA 12367 app or the WeChat/Alipay mini-programme. Learn how to spot copycat portals in our article on China arrival card scam websites.
Each entry needs a new card. Check every field before you submit. If something goes wrong at the machine, see our tips on fixing s.nia.gov.cn loading and upload errors.
Self Service Terminal Arrival Card China Airports: Steps
Select English
If the form offers English, select it.
Provide a passport photo
If prompted, provide a clear photo of your passport’s photo page.
Check auto-filled details
Check the automatically filled details, including name, passport number and date of birth, against your passport.
Correct editable fields
Correct editable fields, such as flight number, accommodation address, phone and email, before confirming.
Submit and save the QR code
Submit the card and save the QR code it generates.
Keep the QR code
Keep the QR code on your phone or printed, so you can show it at immigration.
The online form is available in English. Terminals and screens at different ports may vary, so follow the prompts shown to you. For airport-specific procedures, see our guides for Beijing Capital Airport and Pudong Airport.
Smart Gates or Staffed Desk After the Slip
e-Channel is automated clearance, not a priority queue. Travellers who pass through an e-Channel are exempt from the arrival card.
At a staffed desk, show your passport and the arrival card QR code, as a screenshot or printout. An officer checks your documents against your declaration. If your code won’t scan, read our fixes for a China arrival card QR code not working at the border.
Kiosk Errors and Common Mistakes
If a terminal doesn’t respond or you can’t finish the process, ask airport staff for help rather than leaving it mid-way.
| Problem | What you do | Who you ask |
|---|---|---|
| Passport photo page won’t upload | Retake the photo with the page flat and well lit | Staff near the terminal |
| Auto-filled data looks wrong | Check it against your passport before confirming | Staff near the terminal |
| Terminal stops responding | Ask for help rather than restarting alone | Nearby airport staff |
| Card data doesn’t match passport | Tell the officer and don’t change data yourself | Immigration officer |
- Each entry needs its own arrival card, so a screenshot from an earlier trip does not cover you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I use a self service terminal arrival card at China airports?
Check the auto-filled details against your passport, then submit the card and save the QR code. Show it with your passport at immigration. If you haven’t filed online yet, start at s.nia.gov.cn.
Which travellers skip the self service terminal arrival card at China airports?
Only the seven exempt groups skip the arrival card, such as e-Channel users and foreign crew. Check the seven groups on the embassy notice before you fly.
Is the China arrival card or fingerprint kiosk free to use?
The arrival card is free. Sites asking for card details or a processing fee are not the official NIA channels. Use s.nia.gov.cn, the NIA 12367 app or the WeChat/Alipay mini-programme.
Where do I submit the China digital arrival card online?
Use the NIA website, the NIA 12367 app, or the WeChat or Alipay mini-programme. File the card once your flight and accommodation details are confirmed. The embassy notice covers online completion for foreigners.
What if I have not filled in the arrival card before landing?
Scan the QR code at the port of entry or use a self-service terminal in the immigration hall. A paper card is also available at ports if digital filing isn’t possible. Ask staff which point handles the arrival card.
What should I do if the kiosk prints no barcode slip?
If a terminal doesn’t produce a confirmation or you can’t complete the process, ask airport staff for help before moving on. You can also fall back on the QR code from your online filing or a paper card at the port.
Can UK passport holders use smart gates on a first visit?
e-Channel is an automated clearance route for exempt travellers, not a priority queue. Travellers who pass through an e-Channel are exempt from the arrival card. Check your eligibility with the embassy or on s.nia.gov.cn before you fly.
Do I need to register my accommodation after arriving in China?
The NIA portal lists an accommodation registration service (住宿登记). Check s.nia.gov.cn for details.
Sources and Further Reading
- NIA arrival card portal: where you file the card online.
- Chinese Embassy notice: online completion of the foreigners’ arrival card.
- Shanghai Municipal Government English portal: lists an “Online Arrival Card” service under Online Services.
Rules can change, so check the portal before you travel.
