To enter mainland China from Hong Kong at West Kowloon, foreign passport holders file an arrival card unless exempt. Submit it online on the National Immigration Administration (NIA) portal, s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC/, or use paper forms at the station. For a broader overview of the requirement, see our complete guide to the China arrival card.
This is an independent guide, not a government site. Check the NIA filing instructions before you travel.
Who Needs a China Arrival Card?
If you hold a foreign passport, you file an arrival card when you cross from Hong Kong. Online filing began on 20 November 2025. Paper forms stay available for a transitional period.
Seven groups are exempt, per Spain’s consular notice:
- Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card holders
- Non-Chinese holders of the Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao residents
- Group travellers on a group visa or group visa-free entry
- Transit passengers who stay in the designated port area (direct transit within 24 hours without leaving the restricted zone)
- Cruise passengers on the same vessel in and out
- Fast-track lane users
- Foreign crew of exit-entry transport vehicles
Holders of border resident certificates from seven countries (DPRK, Mongolia, Pakistan, Nepal, Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam) use a separate Entry Declaration for Border Area Residents. For the full exemption list and required documents, read who is exempt from the China arrival card.
| Scheme | Stay | Onward ticket | Dates and scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30-day visa-free entry for UK and Irish passports | Up to 30 days | – | Check the current policy on gov.uk |
| 240-hour transit | Up to 10 days | – | Check the current country and port list on the NIA website |
Check the FCDO China travel advice on gov.uk before you travel.
Preparing Your Arrival Card Before Travel
File online before you leave, at s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC/. It runs in 13 languages, including English, and starts with the Entry Declaration. NIA 12367 and WeChat or Alipay mini programs also work. Our step-by-step guide to filling out the China arrival card online walks through each screen, and the 12367 app and mini-program submission guide covers mobile filing.
Filing on the NIA portal is done directly on the government platform. Some commercial sites offer paid form-filling help; they are not the NIA portal.
West Kowloon Arrival Card: Field-by-Field Guide
Enter your details as shown in your passport.
| Field | What to enter | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Name, nationality, passport number | As shown in your passport | – |
| Date of birth and sex | Your date of birth and sex | – |
| Port of entry | The station’s port name | West Kowloon Station Port |
| Train number | Your train details | – |
| Visa number or category | Your visa details, or your visa-exempt status | – |
| Address in China | Your address in mainland China | – |
| Purpose, phone, signature | Your purpose of travel and contact details | – |
Entering Mainland China at West Kowloon
West Kowloon is the terminus of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link. Travellers who haven’t filled in the card online can use self-service kiosks, scan a QR code, or fill in a paper form at the port. If you prefer the paper version, our guide to the China paper arrival card form explains pen rules and hand-in procedure.
Ferry and Land Border Differences
For ferry and land crossings, the port of entry is what changes.
| Crossing | Checkpoints | Fields | Process |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rail | West Kowloon | West Kowloon Station Port | – |
| Land | Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Port, Hengqin Port, Zhongshan Port | Checkpoint name | – |
| Ferry | Guangzhou Pazhou Ferry Terminal | Arrival terminal | – |
At ports of entry, travellers who haven’t filled in the card online can use self-service kiosks, scan a QR code, or fill in a paper form.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the China arrival card free to complete?
Filing on the NIA portal at s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC/ is the official online channel, and the available notices do not mention fees, so check the portal for current fee information. Paper forms are also available at the port.
How do I complete the arrival card to enter mainland China from Hong Kong at West Kowloon?
File the card online on the NIA portal before you travel, or complete a paper card or use the kiosks at the port. The port of entry is listed as West Kowloon Station Port.
Do I enter a train number or a flight number on the card?
Enter the transport details of the service you are travelling on. At West Kowloon that is your train; at ferry crossings it relates to your vessel.
What should I do with the departure stub?
Keep any documents issued to you at entry together with your passport, and present them when you leave mainland China. If you lose one, tell an officer at the border.
Can I correct a mistake after submitting the online card?
If you spot an error, ask immigration staff at the port before you cross. They can advise whether a new declaration or a paper card is needed.
How early should I arrive at West Kowloon to enter mainland China with my arrival card?
Allow extra time before departure, particularly if you still need to complete the card or other formalities at the station.
Can I still use a paper arrival card instead of the online form?
Yes, paper cards are still accepted during a transitional period, and no end date has been announced. You can also fill in the declaration online at the kiosks on arrival.
Is the arrival card the same at ferry terminals and land borders?
The online card and the data it requires are the same. The port of entry is what changes.
Sources and Further Reading
- NIA: filing instructions
- Spanish consulate in Beijing: exemptions notice
- MTR High Speed: information on the 240-hour transit policy
- GOV.UK: China travel advice
Rules can change, so check the portal before you travel.
