Arrival card China online: how to fill and when to submit

Foreign travellers entering mainland China generally need to complete an arrival card, but the good news is that you can sort it out online before your flight. The China arrival card is free to submit through the National Immigration Administration (NIA), and online pre-registration is optional. You can also complete the declaration when you arrive in China. 

For Malaysians travelling under the visa-free arrangement, an arrival card is generally still required. Instead of searching for the official website yourself, you can find it through Travel Docs in TNG eWallet, which takes you to the official China arrival card registration portal. 

What is the China online arrival card? 

The China online arrival card is a digital entry registration form used by the National Immigration Administration to collect information from foreign travellers entering mainland China.  Introduced on 20 November 2025, the online service allows travellers to submit their arrival details before reaching an immigration checkpoint. The form collects information such as your passport details, nationality, purpose of visit, arrival arrangements and accommodation in China. 

Previously, travellers commonly completed paper arrival cards at immigration checkpoints. The digital option allows you to prepare this information before travelling, although paper forms and other on-site submission methods remain available. The China arrival card is not a visa. It is an immigration arrival declaration, and completing it does not automatically grant permission to enter the country. 

China arrival card requirements and exemptions 

Most foreign travellers entering mainland China must complete an arrival card unless they belong to an exempt category. This includes tourists, business visitors and travellers entering under applicable visa-free arrangements. For example, if you’re flying from Kuala Lumpur to Shanghai for a holiday, you’ll generally need to provide arrival information even if you qualify for visa-free entry. The same principle applies when entering mainland China through land or sea checkpoints, unless an exemption applies.

Who is exempt from the China arrival card? 

China’s National Immigration Administration identifies seven categories of foreign travellers who are exempt from completing the arrival card. 

These exemptions depend on the exact immigration arrangement. For example, travelling as part of an ordinary tour group does not necessarily mean you qualify for group visa-free entry. If you’re unsure whether an exemption applies, check with the National Immigration Administration before departure. 

When should you submit the China arrival card online? 

The best time to complete your China arrival card online is shortly before departure, once your flight and accommodation details are confirmed. China’s official guidance allows travellers to submit the form online before travelling, but the official notices previously reviewed do not establish a universal 24-hour or 72-hour submission deadline. 

Some travel websites recommend completing the form within 72 hours before arrival. This may be a practical preparation window, but it should not be treated as an official deadline without confirmation from the NIA. For example, if you’re flying to Beijing on Friday, you could prepare your arrival card on Wednesday or Thursday after confirming your flight number and hotel address. 

This gives you time to check your details and save the submission confirmation before leaving Malaysia. It’s worth confirming your travel dates before completing the arrival card, as you’ll need accurate arrival information. If you’re still arranging your holiday, exploring ways to get cheap flight tickets can help you plan your journey before finalising your travel documents. 

Can you submit the China arrival card on arrival? 

Yes. If you cannot complete the form online before travelling, China’s immigration authorities allow travellers to submit their arrival information at the entry checkpoint. Depending on the facilities available, you can use an official QR code, a self-service device or a paper arrival card. However, completing the form before departure may save you from dealing with another administrative task after landing. 

Do you need a new arrival card every time you enter China? 

You should prepare a new arrival card for each separate entry into mainland China unless an exemption applies. For example, if you visit Shanghai, travel to Hong Kong and later return to mainland China, you should check the arrival card requirement for that new entry. Hong Kong and Macao have separate immigration systems from mainland China, so crossing between these destinations can involve another mainland entry procedure. 

How to fill out the China arrival card online 

You can complete your China arrival card online for free before departure through the official National Immigration Administration (NIA) website. If you’re unsure where to find the form, Travel Docs in TNG eWallet provides a convenient way to access the official registration website while preparing for your trip. 

Here’s how to find and complete your China e-Arrival Card. 

Step 1. Search for Travel Docs in TNG eWallet 

Open TNG eWallet and type Travel Docs into the app’s search bar. Select Travel Docs from the search results to explore available travel document information for different destinations. 

Step 2. Select China as your destination 

Under Popular locations, choose China. You’ll be directed to the China travel documents page, where you can find information about the e-Arrival Card and visa requirements. 

Step 3. Choose Apply under e-Arrival Card 

On the China travel documents page, select Apply under e-Arrival Card. This takes you to the official China arrival card registration website, where you can complete your arrival information. The official NIA registration portal is also available directly at China Arrival Card online registration. 

Step 4. Enter your passport and travel details 

Follow the official form’s instructions to provide the requested information. 

This may include your full name, passport number, nationality, purpose of visit, arrival date, flight or transport details and accommodation address in China. If you’re staying at a hotel, keep your booking confirmation nearby so you can enter the address accurately. Make sure the information matches your passport and travel documents. 

Step 5. Review and submit your arrival card 

Check your details carefully before submitting the form. Once you’ve completed the registration, save the confirmation or QR code provided by the official system. Keeping a screenshot on your phone can be useful if your mobile internet connection is unavailable when you land. Remember that online pre-registration is optional. Travellers who are required to complete an arrival declaration can also use the available registration methods at the immigration checkpoint upon arrival. 

Documents needed for China arrival card registration 

You don’t need to wait until you’re at the airport to gather the information for your arrival card. Most of the details should already be available in your passport, flight confirmation and accommodation booking. 

If you’re visiting several Chinese cities, keep your itinerary accessible in case additional details are requested. For example, someone travelling from Shanghai to Hangzhou and then Beijing should have their main accommodation and travel arrangements available. The exact fields displayed may change, so follow the instructions on the official NIA portal.

Is the China online arrival card free? 

Yes. The official China online arrival card is free to complete. China’s National Immigration Administration does not charge travellers for submitting the arrival card through its official service. This is important because fraudulent websites may imitate the official registration portal and request unnecessary payments. Before entering sensitive information, confirm that you’re using the NIA’s official website. The arrival card itself is free, but this does not mean every immigration document is free. Travellers who require a visa may still need to pay applicable visa fees. 

China visa-free entry requirements for Malaysians 

Malaysian ordinary passport holders can enter mainland China without a visa for eligible short-term visits of up to 30 days per entry under the China–Malaysia mutual visa exemption agreement. The agreement came into effect on 17 July 2025 and permits eligible visa-free stays totalling no more than 90 days within any 180-day period. It covers purposes including tourism, certain business visits, visiting family or friends, exchanges and specified private matters. However, the arrangement does not cover every purpose of travel. Employment, long-term study and certain other activities require the appropriate immigration authorisation. Eligible Malaysian travellers should also ensure their passports have at least six months’ validity, as specified in the agreement.

China arrival card vs China visa 

Even when you qualify for visa-free travel, you generally still need to complete the arrival card unless you fall under a specific arrival-card exemption. You can refer to the Chinese Embassy in Malaysia’s visa exemption guidance for the official conditions. 

What happens after submitting your China arrival card? 

Once you’ve submitted your arrival card, keep your confirmation accessible and continue preparing for your trip. When you arrive in mainland China, follow the signs for foreign arrivals and the instructions given by immigration officers. You may be asked to present your passport, arrival card information and supporting travel documents. Depending on your circumstances, immigration officers may also check your purpose of visit, accommodation arrangements or eligibility for visa-free entry. Completing the arrival card does not guarantee admission into China. The final entry decision remains with the Chinese immigration authorities. 

What if you make a mistake on the arrival card? 

If you notice incorrect information after submission, follow the correction or resubmission instructions available through the official NIA service. Do not assume an incorrect passport number or arrival date will be accepted. If you’re unsure what to do, contact the NIA’s immigration service hotline at 12367 for guidance. 

Do you need to register your accommodation after arriving? 

Foreign travellers staying in hotels in China are generally registered by the hotel. If you’re staying in a private residence, such as with friends or relatives, accommodation registration with the local public security authorities is generally required within 24 hours of arrival. This is separate from completing the online arrival card. 

Common China arrival card mistakes to avoid 

A few simple checks before departure can help prevent unnecessary complications at immigration. 

Using an unofficial website 

Only use the official NIA registration channels. Avoid websites that ask for payment to complete what should be a free government arrival card. 

Entering incorrect passport details 

Make sure your full name, passport number and nationality match your travel document. If the form automatically reads information from your passport image, check the extracted details before submitting. 

Confusing visa-free entry with arrival card exemption 

Malaysians may qualify for visa-free entry for eligible short-term visits, but that does not automatically remove the arrival card requirement. Treat the visa and arrival card as separate entry requirements. 

Forgetting your accommodation details 

Keep your hotel booking confirmation or host’s address available. Having the full address ready can make the registration process easier, especially if you’re visiting China for the first time. 

Relying entirely on mobile internet after landing 

Save your arrival card confirmation, hotel address and essential booking details before departure. This is particularly useful if your mobile connection is not yet working when you arrive.

Get connected before your China trip 

Once your arrival card and immigration documents are sorted, another useful step is arranging your mobile internet connection. Whether you’re using maps to find your hotel, checking train schedules or looking up restaurants and attractions, having mobile data available can make your first day easier. Before choosing a data package, it’s worth understanding the differences between eSIM vs physical SIM, especially if you want to keep your Malaysian number active while travelling. 

Internet access in mainland China also differs from Malaysia. Some international websites and apps may be restricted, and access through travel eSIMs depends on the provider’s network arrangements. If you’re comparing data packages, our guide to choosing an eSIM for China explains the available options and important connectivity considerations. You can also explore Travel eSIM through TNG eWallet to compare available China data packages before departure. 

Check your phone’s eSIM compatibility, package validity and supported networks before purchasing. 

Complete your China arrival card before departure 

Filling out your China arrival card online is a useful part of preparing for a smoother arrival in mainland China. For most Malaysian holidaymakers, the process involves entering passport information, travel details and accommodation arrangements through the official NIA website before departure. Make sure your information is accurate, save the submission confirmation and check whether your visit qualifies for visa-free entry. You can also use Travel Docs in TNG eWallet to find the official China e-Arrival Card website while organising your travel documents.

Once your paperwork is sorted, you can focus on the experiences ahead, whether that’s exploring Beijing’s historic landmarks, discovering Shanghai’s neighbourhoods or enjoying Chengdu’s food scene. 

FAQs 

Is the China arrival card mandatory for Malaysians? 

Malaysian travellers entering mainland China generally need to complete an arrival card unless they qualify for one of the official exemptions. However, completing the form online before departure is optional. 

When should I submit the China arrival card online? 

Complete it before departure once your travel details are confirmed. The official NIA guidance previously reviewed does not establish a universal 24-hour or 72-hour deadline, although completing it shortly before travel is a practical approach. 

Is the China arrival card free? 

Yes. The official online arrival card service is free. Avoid unofficial websites that request payment. 

Do Malaysians need a visa to visit China? 

Eligible Malaysian ordinary passport holders can visit China visa-free for up to 30 days per entry, with a cumulative limit of 90 days within 180 days, subject to the agreement’s conditions. 

Can I fill out the China arrival card at the airport? 

Yes. Travellers unable to complete the form before departure can use designated on-site electronic facilities or paper arrival cards at Chinese ports of entry.