To complete the China arrival card at Pudong Airport (PVG), pre-fill it online at s.nia.gov.cn, use a self-service kiosk, or fill in the paper card before immigration. For a broader overview of the form and entry clearance, see our complete guide to the China arrival card.
This is an independent guide, not a government site, so check the rules on the portal before you fly.
Who Needs a China Arrival Card at Pudong
Foreign arrivals must complete an arrival card unless they belong to one of the seven exempt categories. Since 20 November 2025, foreigners can complete it online before travel, per the embassy notice on online card filling. You can read more about who is exempt from the China arrival card in our dedicated guide.
Travelling visa-free doesn’t exempt you. Nationals of 50 listed countries, including the UK, can enter China without a visa for business, tourism, family or friends visits, exchange or transit. The exemption does not cover work or study. You can check the country list and any current end dates in the embassy visa-free FAQ. We explain why a 30-day visa-free waiver still requires an arrival card in a separate article.
The 7 exempt categories
The NIA notice lists these travellers as exempt:
- Holders of a Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card issued by the People’s Republic of China
- Holders of a Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents who aren’t Chinese citizens
- Group visa holders, or those entitled to visa-free group entry
- Passengers in direct transit up to 24 hours in the restricted area
- Passengers who enter and leave on the same cruise ship
- Travellers entering through an e-channel
- Foreign crew of cross-border transport vehicles
Which route are you on?
| Your situation | What you complete |
|---|---|
| You enter China normally | The arrival card |
| You stay in the restricted zone for up to 24 hours | No card |
Details of the regional transit policies can change, so confirm your route with the NIA before you travel. If you’re connecting through Shanghai, our guide to transit passengers and the China arrival card explains the airside vs entry rules.
How to Complete the China Arrival Card at Pudong Airport
Fill in the card online before you travel, or complete it at the checkpoint by QR code, smart device or paper form. Use only the official channels listed in the notice; some third-party sites charge for services, so use the official portal address. Our article on China arrival card scam websites shows how to spot copycat portals.
Pre-filling online and scanning the QR code
Go to https://s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC/. Other channels are the NIA website, the Government Service Platform, the “NIA 12367” app, and WeChat or Alipay mini-programs. For a walkthrough of the submission window and QR validity, see when you can fill out the China arrival card online.
Have a passport valid for at least your intended stay and a visa if you need one. The embassy also recommends an invitation letter, air ticket and accommodation booking.
Using a self-service kiosk
At the immigration checkpoint you can scan the QR code with your phone, use the smart devices there to fill in the required information online, or use the paper version of the arrival card. Our self-service terminal and kiosk guide covers the step-by-step process at Chinese airports.
Field-by-field guide to the paper card
Paper cards are available on the flight or before the immigration control desk. For pen rules and hand-in details, see our guide to the China paper arrival card form.
| Field | What to enter | Common pitfall |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | As shown in your passport | A name that differs from your passport |
| Sex, nationality, date of birth | As shown in your passport | Mixing up day and month |
| Passport number | Copy it from the bio-page | Copying a wrong digit |
| Flight number | Your inbound flight | Leaving the flight details incomplete |
| Purpose of visit | Your reason for travel | Leaving it blank |
| Chinese visa number | Only if you hold one | Filling it in when you have none |
| Address in China | Where you will stay on arrival | Details that don’t match your booking |
| Contact phone | A number you can be reached on | Leaving the field empty |
| Signature | Sign at the end | Forgetting to sign |
From Gate to Border Desk at Pudong (PVG)
At Pudong you complete the arrival card before you reach the border desk, then the officer checks your passport together with your card or slip.
Complete the arrival card
Fill it in online before you fly, scan the QR code at the checkpoint, use the smart devices there, or complete the paper version at the airport
Border desk check
The officer checks your passport together with your card or slip
Collect your baggage
Pick up your luggage after immigration
Go through customs
Customs checks your luggage separately after baggage reclaim
Travellers who cannot use the online or device options should allow extra time to complete the paper card before joining the border queue.
Common Mistakes and Fixes at the Desk
A few simple checks before you reach the desk keep the process straightforward.
- Unsure which transit category applies to you: recheck the table above against the NIA notice.
- Paying a third-party site: use only the official government portals to fill in the card. Third-party services may charge fees for a form that is available free of charge on official sites.
- Plans change while you’re away: keep your accommodation details with you so you can complete the card accurately. If you spot an error after submitting, our guide on fixing mistakes on the China arrival card explains what to do.
After Immigration: Customs and Related Requirements
The arrival card covers immigration only; customs checks your luggage separately after baggage reclaim. For a detailed comparison, see our guide to the differences between the China customs declaration and the arrival card.
| Document | What it covers | Who receives it |
|---|---|---|
| Arrival card | Your personal entry details | The immigration officer |
| Customs declaration | Your goods, via red or green channel | Customs |
Use the red channel to declare goods, green if you don’t. You must declare:
- Cash over RMB 20,000, or currency worth over USD 5,000
- Goods worth RMB 5,000 or more for personal use
- Alcohol over 12% above 1,500 ml
- More than 400 cigarettes, 100 cigars or 500 g cut tobacco
- Animals, plants and biological products
- Separately shipped luggage, samples and commercial goods
- Items over RMB 2,000 that a non-resident intends to leave in China
- An approval certificate, where animal or plant quarantine applies
Check current customs rules on the official portal before you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How to complete China arrival card at Pudong Airport if I’m staying in multiple hotels?
Complete the card with the details of where you will stay on arrival, and keep your accommodation booking with you, as the embassy recommends an air ticket and accommodation booking for entry. If your plans change, be ready to explain your arrangements to the border officer.
How to complete China arrival card at Pudong Airport with a UK passport?
The UK is on the list of countries that can enter China without a visa for up to 30 days, but UK passport holders still need to complete the arrival card, because visa-free entry is not one of the exemptions. Fill in the card online before you travel or complete it at the checkpoint.
Do visa-free travellers still need to fill in the arrival card at Pudong Airport?
Yes. Visa-free entry is not one of the seven exemptions in the NIA notice. Only holders of a group visa, or those entitled to visa-free group entry, do not need to complete the card, so most visa-free travellers still need to fill it in.
Can I fill in the China arrival card online before landing?
Yes. Since 20 November 2025, you can fill in the card online before you travel, through the NIA website, the Government Service Platform, the NIA 12367 app or WeChat and Alipay mini-programs, and then present your details at the checkpoint.
Is the China arrival card free?
The official notice does not mention a fee. Use the official portal rather than a third-party site, which may charge for filling in the form.
Do I need an arrival card for a 24-hour transit at PVG?
No, if you transit directly and stay within the restricted area for up to 24 hours, you are exempt from the arrival card.
Is a paper arrival card still accepted at Pudong Airport?
Yes. The embassy notice says that travellers who cannot fill in the card online in advance can scan the QR code at the checkpoint, use smart devices there, or use the paper version of the arrival card.
Who has to give fingerprints at the Pudong kiosks?
The official notice does not set out fingerprint requirements at the airport. Check the current entry procedures on the NIA portal before you travel.
Sources and Further Reading
- Notice of Online Arrival Card Filling for Travelling to China: online channels, exemptions and on-site options.
- Frequently Asked Questions on Visa-free Entry into China: the 30-day country list and end dates.
- Shanghai government English portal: FAQ on transit policy and the Online Arrival Card service menu.
Rules can change, so check the official portal before you travel.
