China to launch digital arrival card on November 20

China modernizes its entry procedures for international travelers by launching, from November 20, 2025, a fully digital arrival card.

According to an official announcement from the National Immigration Administration (NIA) dated November 3, this new measure will allow foreign travelers, with or without visas, to fill out their entry information in advance via several official digital platformswhose NIA websiteNIA 12367" mobile application, as well as WeChat and Alipay mini-programs. QR codes will also be available, facilitating filling from a smartphone.

A new formality to save time at border crossings

This system aims to simplify arrival formalities and speed up border crossings. For travellers unable to complete the procedure in advance, it will still be possible to enter their information on arrival, either via the QR codes in immigration lobbiesthe electronic terminals available in ports, or with the help of the traditional paper form.

Certain traveler profiles will be exempt from this requirement, including :

• Holders of permanent resident cards for foreigners in China
• Non-Chinese holders of individual travel permits for Hong Kong and Macao
• Group travelers benefiting from a group visa or corresponding exemption
• People in direct transit without leaving the port's international zone
• Cruise passengers entering and leaving on the same ship
• Fast lanes at the border
• Foreign employees of international transport companies

The digitization of the arrival card, to be tested in several Chinese ports in 2024 and 2025, is part of a broader policy to facilitate migration formalities and support international tourism. Travelers are invited to prepare their online form before departureKeep all the necessary information (passport, local contact details, itinerary) to hand, and to save the supplied QR code to present their forms to the automated systems on arrival.

Obtaining a visa or e-visa is still in force

The digital arrival card does not replace the need for a visa or meet the requirements of current visa policies. Travelers will therefore have to continue to comply with standard passport and visa validity rules for their stay in China.

Visa exemption is extended until December 31, 2026for citizens of 45 countries. European nationals in particular are eligible for this exemption. Visas are required for stays of up to 30 days, and travel is permitted for tourism, business, family visits or transit. See our latest article for more information on this subject: China Visa: Exemption extended for citizens of 45 countries until December 31, 2026.

• China

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