Filling in the Arrival Card
Since 20 November 2025, arrival cards for foreign nationals are filed online. Before travelling, complete the form via the National Immigration Administration website (https://s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC/), the “NIA 12367” app, or the WeChat / Alipay mini-programme of the same name, then screenshot the QR code. If you have not filed it in advance, you can still scan the on-site QR code, use a self-service kiosk at the port, or fill in a paper card on arrival. You will need your personal details, passport information and visa details.
The following travellers are exempt: holders of a Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card; holders of a group visa or those eligible for group visa-free entry; those in direct transit for under 24 hours without leaving the port's restricted area; cruise passengers entering and leaving on the same ship; users of fast-track channels; and foreign crew members of international transport. Filing is completely free — use official channels only and beware of fake websites.
Fingerprint Collection
Under current rules, valid until 31 December 2026, you are exempt if you hold a short-term visa (stay of 180 days or less), are under 14 or over 70, hold a diplomatic passport or qualify for a diplomatic, official or courtesy visa, or have all ten fingers missing or unprintable. Holders of long-term visas (D, J1, Q1, S1, X1, Z, etc.) must still be fingerprinted.
Immigration Inspection
Present your passport, visa if required, and arrival card to the officer. You may be asked about the purpose of your visit, the length of your stay and your accommodation address — answer truthfully.
Baggage Claim
After immigration, follow the airport signs to the baggage hall and match your flight number on the display screens to find the right carousel.
Customs Inspection
With nothing to declare, use the Green Channel. With goods to declare, use the Red Channel: either file electronically in advance via the WeChat / Alipay mini-programme “海关进出境人员指尖服务” and confirm at the counter, or fill in a paper form on the spot. Declare prohibited or restricted items, animals, plants and their products, cash above the permitted amount, goods exceeding the duty-free allowance, and unaccompanied or separately shipped baggage.
Accommodation Registration
Hotels register you automatically. If you stay somewhere other than a hotel — with friends, family or in a short-term rental — you or your host must register with the local police within 24 hours of moving in. Since 20 March 2026, seven provincial-level regions (Hebei, Liaoning, Zhejiang, Hubei, Guangxi, Chongqing and Sichuan) have piloted online registration through the “NIA 12367” app or WeChat / Alipay mini-programmes, which carries the same legal effect as registering in person. No new registration is needed if you live in your own home, hold a residence permit at your usual address, or return to the same residence after travelling. Failure to register may result in a warning and a fine.
For assistance, call the immigration service hotline 12367. Policies may change — always check the latest announcements on https://www.nia.gov.cn/ and from the General Administration of Customs.