Is China arrival card free? Yes. The commercial travel guides we reviewed say the form is free, and the NIA notice on online filing does not list any fee. Complete the card yourself on an NIA channel, and treat any charge as a service fee from a third party, not a government charge. The online form is at s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC/.
This is an independent guide, not a government website. The NIA English site holds the rules. We don’t charge anything or file the card for you. Check dates and details on the portal before you travel.
Is China Arrival Card Free? Fees by Channel
None of the official channels we checked lists a fee, and commercial guides describe the form as free. The online declaration took effect on 20 November 2025, announced on 3 November 2025 in point X of NIA communication No. 4 [2025]. For a full overview of what the declaration covers, see our complete guide to China arrival card entry requirements.
| Channel | Where you get it |
|---|---|
| NIA website | Online, before you fly |
| NIA 12367 app | On your phone |
| WeChat or Alipay mini-program | Inside either app |
| QR scan or kiosk | Airport or border |
| Paper card | Cabin crew or immigration counters |
Holders of a Chinese Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card do not need to fill in the arrival card. Residents of border areas (North Korea, Mongolia, Pakistan, Nepal, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam) who hold a border resident certificate use a separate form. For the full list, see who is exempt from the China arrival card.
Every entry needs a new card. Going from China to Hong Kong and back? You’ll file again — our step-by-step guide to entering mainland China from Hong Kong walks you through it.
Filing the Card: Portal, Fields and Timing
Filling in the form takes a few minutes. Start at s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC/, an NIA domain, the NIA 12367 app or the WeChat or Alipay mini-program.
Upload your passport
Upload a clear photo of the photo page of your passport.
Enter your personal details
Enter your name, gender, date of birth, nationality, and passport number and expiry.
Add your travel information
Add your inbound flight number, port of entry, accommodation address, phone with country code, email and purpose of visit.
Choose your entry basis
Choose your entry basis: “30-day visa waiver” or “240-hour transit”.
Submit and save your QR code
Submit, then save the QR code.
Enter your full accommodation address, and match the flight number and port of entry to your ticket. For a detailed field-by-field breakdown, see our pre-declaration checklist of mandatory fields.
The NIA does not set a fixed filing window. Commercial guides differ: one suggests 24 – 72 hours before arrival, another says to submit within 24 hours before arrival. Screenshot or print your QR code as a backup.
Flying tomorrow and not filed yet? Scan the QR code at the port, or take a paper card on board or at immigration.
Is China Arrival Card Free for UK Citizens?
Yes, and British travellers entering visa-free file the same declaration. British citizens may be eligible for visa-free entry under China’s current rules. Check the current conditions and stay limits on the NIA English site before you travel.
- If you enter visa-free, select the “30-day visa waiver” option.
- Your passport must be an ordinary passport that is valid for at least the duration of your intended stay in China.
For more on filing as a British passport holder, see our guide to China arrival card requirements for UK citizens.
Common Mistakes and Paid Copycat Sites
Paying a third party for a form you can fill in yourself is an avoidable cost.
- Paying an agency or ad-linked site. Some agencies list arrival cards as a paid service, but that fee is a markup, not a government charge. Check the address matches s.nia.gov.cn. Learn how to spot scam websites and avoid hidden fees.
- Having no saved QR code. Screenshot it before you leave home.
- Skipping accommodation registration. Most hotels register your stay automatically. Ask the hotel to confirm. For a private stay, register with the police within 24 hours.
- Entering false data. It can lead to penalties, so copy details straight from your passport and ticket.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is China arrival card free for both online and paper submissions?
The NIA’s online notice does not list a fee for the form. Paper cards are provided on the flight or near immigration counters. Commercial sites that complete the form for you charge a service fee.
Is the paper arrival card free on flights to China?
Paper cards are usually provided during the flight or near airport immigration counters. If you have not filed online, you can also scan the QR code at a self-service desk on arrival.
What is the correct website for the China digital arrival card?
Go to s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC/, which is an NIA domain. The NIA 12367 app and the WeChat and Alipay mini-programs are the other channels. For announcements, use the NIA English site and type the address yourself instead of clicking an ad.
Why do some websites charge for the China arrival card?
Intermediaries charge for filling in a form on your behalf, and that fee is a markup, not a border charge. The form itself is described as free in commercial guides, and you can complete it yourself on an NIA channel.
Is China arrival card free for British passport holders entering visa-free?
British travellers do not pay the NIA for the card. Your travel dates need to fall inside the visa-free scheme’s validity, so check the conditions on the NIA English site before you book or fly.
What should I do if I accidentally paid a commercial service for the arrival card?
Keep your receipts, confirmation emails and screenshots, and ask the provider for a refund. The declaration itself can be completed on an NIA channel, so you can file it yourself regardless of the outcome.
Is the China customs or health declaration also free?
The customs or health declaration is a separate form from the arrival card. Check the NIA English site if you’re unsure which forms apply to your trip.
When is the best time to submit the arrival card before my flight?
There is no fixed NIA window. Commercial guides suggest submitting 24 – 72 hours before arrival, and you can scan the QR code on arrival if you have not filed. Filing on an NIA channel is free according to commercial guides.
Sources and Further Reading
- NIA English site: policies and announcements
- NIA communication No. 4 [2025]: launch of the online declaration
- GOV.UK foreign travel advice (external government source): UK government guidance
Rules can change, so check the portal before you travel.
