What changed on 20 Nov 2025
A notice from the Chinese Embassy in the United States, dated 3 Dec 2025, says that from 20 Nov 2025 foreign nationals can submit their entry information online before coming to China. The notice names four channels: the National Immigration Administration website and government service platform, the “NIA 12367” app, WeChat or Alipay mini programs, and a QR code scanned with a phone.
The notice says “before coming to China” and does not give a deadline or a time window. Some travel sites quote a window of a few days; check the form itself instead of relying on that.
Who does not need to file
- Holders of a valid Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card of the PRC.
- Holders of a valid Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents who are not Chinese citizens.
- Holders of a group visa, or travellers eligible for group visa-free entry.
- Passengers in direct 24-hour transit who stay inside the port’s designated area.
- Cruise passengers who enter and leave on the same vessel.
- Travellers using the e-channel, and foreign crew of exit-entry vehicles.
If you did not file in advance
The notice says travellers who have not filed can complete it at the immigration inspection site: by scanning a QR code with a phone, using smart devices on site, or filling out a paper arrival card. Expect it to take longer than filing at home on Wi-Fi.
The notice does not list the fields. Keep your passport, flight details and the address of your first night within reach, since forms like this usually ask for them, and read the form for the exact list.
Before you fly
Open the official page from home, where the connection is reliable: s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC/. Do not enter your details on a site that is not on a nia.gov.cn address or reached from the Embassy or NIA pages. Mobile data is useful at the airport, so install your eSIM before the flight.
Compare China eSIM plans
Yesim
CHINA- 1 GB, 30 days
- 5 GB, 30 days: $13.20
- Unlimited, 5 days: $21.60
- Speed may be reduced under the network’s fair-use policy.
Airalo
CHINA- 1 GB, 3 days
- 5 GB, 30 days: $14.50
- Unlimited, 5 days: $19.00
- Throttled to 1 Mbps after 3 GB per day.
Saily
CHINA- 1 GB, 7 days
- 5 GB, 30 days: $15.99
- Unlimited, 5 days: $22.99
- 5 GB per day at full speed, then up to 1 Mbps.
Check eSIM compatibility, carrier unlock, coverage and when validity starts. Buy and install while you have reliable Wi-Fi. Prices in US dollars, from each provider’s China page on the date shown. They change often.
Questions before you go
Is the China arrival card compulsory?
The embassy notice lists exemptions and a fallback at the immigration site, so it is part of entry for most foreign visitors. Read the notice and the NIA page for your case.
How long before arrival can I file?
The notice says before coming to China and gives no window. Use the official form to see what it accepts.
Do I need to file for a 24-hour transit?
Not if you stay inside the port’s designated area, according to the notice.
Sources & review notes
- Chinese Embassy in the US: online Arrival Card notice, 3 Dec 2025 ↗ · Reviewed
- NIA arrival card filling page ↗ · Reviewed
- National Immigration Administration ↗ · Reviewed
Product prices use their own dates. Provider statements are not independent connection tests. Recheck time-sensitive details before booking.