China Arrival Card Guide for Travelers | How to Fill, Submit & Use

Planning your next trip to China? Whether you’re eyeing a food crawl through Chengdu, shopping in Shanghai, or exploring Beijing’s historic wonders — there’s one important thing Malaysians must prepare before landing: the China Digital Arrival Card. 🛂

I just came back from Shanghai, and trust me — filling out the arrival card in advance really made things smoother at immigration. Here’s everything fellow Malaysians need to know 👇

What’s the China Arrival Card?

The China Digital Arrival Card (often just called the "Arrival Card") is a simple online declaration form that all foreign travelers must complete when entering mainland China.

It's an official entry requirement introduced to streamline immigration, enhance health/safety screening, and collect basic traveler information.

📝 It includes details like:

• Full name (as per passport)
• Passport number
• Nationality
• Arrival flight number
• Accommodation address in China
• Travel history
• Health declaration info

After submission, you'll receive a QR code. Immigration officers will scan this code during arrival checks.

🧾 Is the Arrival Card a Visa?

No, it’s not a visa.
Malaysians do not need a visa for short stays in China (up to 30 days) as of 2024, thanks to the visa waiver program.

But the Arrival Card is still mandatory, even if you're visa-exempt.

🛃 Why Does It Matter?

✅ Faster processing at immigration
✅ Mandatory for all international arrivals
✅ Health and security screening compliance

Without this card, you may face delays at the airport or be asked to complete it on the spot — not ideal after a long flight!

👥 Who Needs to Submit the Arrival Card?

If you’re a Malaysian passport holder flying into China, yes — you must submit it.

This includes:

• Tourists
• Business travelers
• Transit passengers (in most cases)
• Even those entering under visa exemption

Whether you're flying from KLIA to Shanghai or entering via Hong Kong to Shenzhen, the Arrival Card is required.

Foreigners in the following seven categories are exempt from filling out the form:

1. those holding a Permanent Resident Identity Card of the People's Republic of China,
2. those holding a Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents (non-Chinese citizens),
3. those holding a group visa or meeting the criteria for group visa-free entry,
4. those transiting directly across the border for 24 hours without leaving the designated port area,
5. those entering and exiting the country by cruise ship and returning on the same cruise ship,
6. those entering through the fast track,
7. and foreign employees of inbound and outbound transportation vehicles, etc.

It should be noted that the Chinese online declaration form (E-Arrival Card) must be completed within 24 hours before arrival in China. However, it immediately generates a QR code after submission, which can be scanned for immigration procedures upon arrival, making it very convenient.

✍️ How to Fill Out the Arrival Card

💻 Option 1: Online (Recommended!)

I strongly recommend filling out the form online in advance, so you can simply show the QR code upon arrival, saving you the trouble of finding staff and queuing on-site.

1. Open the official government service platform of the National Immigration Administration of China:

🔗https://s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC/

2. Select Foreigner Entry Health Declaration

3. Fill in as required:

• Passport Information
• China Accommodation Address (It is recommended to prepare both Chinese and English versions in advance)
• Flight Number
• Recent Travel History
• Health Declaration

4. After submission, a QR code will be generated (very important!).

Remember to take a screenshot and save it to your phone's photo album. Don't rely solely on email or the internet, as you may not be able to access the internet upon arrival.

Other methods:

1. Use the "Immigration Bureau 12367" APP

2. Search for "Immigration Bureau 12367" on WeChat (Alipay) mini-programs

3. Scan the official QR code to fill out the form

Some airports in China that support the online arrival card include:

• Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
• Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
• Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG)
• Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN)
• Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH)

👀Note: First-time foreign visitors are required to have their fingerprints collected upon arrival in China.

🛬 Option 2: On Arrival

Some airports in China offer arrival card kiosks, but be warned: lines can be long and machines might only support Mandarin. Filling it out online in advance is just easier, especially for first-time visitors.

⏰ When Should You Submit It?

The form should be completed within 72 hours before arrival.

I did mine the night before my flight from Kuala Lumpur and it took under 10 minutes — super quick!

✈️ Pro Tips for a Smooth Entry into China

📸 Screenshot your Arrival Card QR code — don’t rely on airport WiFi
🏨 Know your Chinese hotel address in advance (in English + Chinese if possible)
📱 Use a mobile browser — the site works well on phones
🕓 Submit it at least 1 day before your flight, not last minute
🧳 Land crossings (e.g. from Macau or Hong Kong)? You’ll still need the card

📶 Bonus Tip: Get a China-Compatible eSIM

China's internet can be tricky due to the "Great Firewall" — get an eSIM with access to global services like WhatsApp and Google before you go. Trip.com offers eSIMs tailored for Malaysia-to-China travelers!

China is opening up and modernizing its travel processes, and the arrival card is part of the digital upgrade. Once that’s sorted, you can get back to the fun part: booking your flight tickets, picking your dim sum spots, or planning your Great Wall hike 🥟🚄

Safe travels and happy exploring!

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