China Launches Online Arrival Card for Foreign Travelers

Starting November 20, foreign nationals will be able to fill out their arrival cards online, according to the National Immigration Administration.

Foreigners can fill out the entry information online onNIA's official website, the Government Service Platform, "NIA12367" app, and the WeChat and Alipay mini-programs.

Foreigners who cannot fill out the information online can complete the process upon arriving at the immigration inspection area at the Chinese port of entry. They can scan the site QR code or use the smart devices at the port to fill in the entry information, or fill out the arrival card form.

The following seven categories of foreigners are excluded from filling out the arrival card:

• Possessing a People's Republic of China Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card.
• Have a Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macau Residents (Non-Chinese Citizens);
• Have a group visa or qualify for group visa-free entry;
• Transiting within 24 hours without leaving the port's limited region;
• Boarding and disembarking from the same cruise ship
• Entering through fast lanes.
• Foreign staff of exit-entry transport vehicles.