Losing your blue departure card China immigration slip (departure slip) before exit inspection is the situation this guide looks at, based on the sources we could verify.
This is an independent guide, not a government site. The National Immigration Administration (NIA) runs the portal at s.nia.gov.cn, where you should check current rules before you fly.
Blue Departure Card China Immigration Slip: Still Used?
A 2007 Chinese Embassy notice describes a two-part paper card: the arrival part was filled in by the passenger on arrival, and the departure part was kept by the passenger for leaving China. Its back carried an Important Notice on registration, travel, residence and employment rules. The NIA portal lists arrival card filling for foreigners as a service — for the wider picture of entry requirements, see our complete guide to the China arrival card, and if you still use a paper form on arrival, our article on the China paper arrival card explains pen rules, filling and hand-in.
| Document | What it holds | If it’s lost |
|---|---|---|
| Departure part of the paper card (2007 notice) | Details filled in by the passenger for departure from China | Check the NIA portal at s.nia.gov.cn for current guidance |
| Arrival part of the paper card (2007 notice) | Details filled in by the passenger on arrival | Handled at entry, not at exit |
| Current entry documents | The sources we checked don’t describe the present format | Check the NIA portal at s.nia.gov.cn before you fly |
Should You Keep the Departure Slip?
A 2007 Chinese Embassy notice says the passenger keeps the departure part for leaving China. We found no current legal provision on this point. Check s.nia.gov.cn for current text. None of the sources we checked describes a fine for losing the departure slip.
If Your Departure Slip Is Missing
Our sources don’t describe a replacement procedure for a missing departure slip. Check the NIA portal at s.nia.gov.cn for current guidance before you travel. If your problem is on the entry side rather than exit — for example a wrongly completed declaration — our guide on fixing a mistake on the China arrival card covers names, passport digits, dates and duplicates.
Common Mistakes With Your Departure Slip
- Throwing it away after check-in. Keep it until you leave China.
- Third-party sites that charge a fee to fill in forms are not the NIA, and we found no source describing an exit-clearance document for foreigners. The NIA foreigner services we checked include arrival card filling, accommodation registration and visa and residence-permit queries. If you’re unsure whether a site is genuine, read our guide to China arrival card scam websites, and if you’re staying in hotels, see our comparison of the arrival card vs hotel temporary residence registration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I have to keep my blue departure card China immigration slip until I leave?
Yes, according to a 2007 Chinese Embassy notice, the passenger keeps the departure card for leaving China. We could not confirm whether this rule still applies in 2026, so check the NIA portal at s.nia.gov.cn before you fly.
What should I do if I lose my blue departure card China immigration slip before my flight?
Our sources don’t describe a replacement procedure for a missing departure slip, so we can’t say what an officer will ask for at the counter. Check the NIA portal at s.nia.gov.cn for current guidance before you travel.
Will I be fined for losing my departure slip in China?
The sources we checked don’t mention a fine for losing a departure slip, and they don’t describe other consequences of losing one. Check the NIA portal at s.nia.gov.cn for current rules on your entry and stay.
Can I use the e-gates at the airport without my departure slip?
Our sources don’t say whether e-gates accept travellers without a departure slip, so check the NIA portal at s.nia.gov.cn for current rules before you fly.
Is the blue departure card the same as the arrival card?
No. According to a 2007 Chinese Embassy notice, the paper card had two parts: the arrival part was filled in on entry, and the departure part was kept by the passenger for leaving China. The sources we checked don’t describe a blue card or a separate stub.
Can I get a blank departure card at the airport if mine is missing?
Our sources don’t describe blank departure cards being issued at airports, so we can’t confirm where or whether they’re available. Check the NIA portal at s.nia.gov.cn for current guidance before you travel.
Do hotels in China need to see my departure slip?
Our sources don’t say whether hotels ask for a departure slip. The NIA portal lists accommodation registration as a foreigner service, so check s.nia.gov.cn for current rules.
Where can I check current exit and entry rules for China?
Check the NIA portal at s.nia.gov.cn or the NIA 12367 app. In London, the Chinese Embassy at 31 Portland Place, London W1B 1QD has consular hours of 09:00 to 12:00 on working days. These are external sources, not endorsements.
Sources and Further Reading
- Chinese Embassy in the UK, 2007 notice: wording on the departure card.
- NIA portal: foreigner services, including arrival card filling.
Rules can change, so check the portal before you travel.
