What is China's Digital Arrival Card (CDAC)?
π― Quick Definition
The China Digital Arrival Card (CDAC) is an online immigration form that foreign travelers must complete before entering mainland China. Effective November 20, 2025, it replaced the old paper-based arrival card.
Think of it like the ESTA for the US or the Arrival Card for Japan β it's mandatory immigration paperwork, just in digital form.
Why Did China Introduce This?
China's National Immigration Administration (NIA) launched the CDAC to:
- π Speed up immigration β Less time queuing at customs
- π± Modernize border control β Join other Asian countries (Japan, Korea, India) in going digital
- π‘οΈ Improve security β Pre-screening before travelers arrive
- π Convenience β Fill it out anywhere, anytime before your trip
β Good News
You can fill it out up to 72 hours (3 days) before arrival. So you can do it now from home, on the plane, or even at the airport β as long as it's before you pass through immigration.
Who Needs to Fill Out the Arrival Card?
Short answer: Almost every foreign national entering China.
This includes:
- βοΈ Tourists β Including visa-free visitors (30-day, 240-hour transit, etc.)
- πΌ Business travelers
- π¨βπ©βπ§ Visiting family/friends
- π Students and exchange visitors
- π Visa holders (tourist visa, business visa, work visa, etc.)
β οΈ Important: Even Visa-Free Travelers Must Fill It
If you're eligible for China's 30-day visa-free entry, 72-hour transit, or 240-hour transit β you still need to fill out the CDAC. The arrival card is separate from the visa requirement.
Where to Fill Out the Digital Arrival Card
You have 5 official channels to choose from:
| Method | Link/Access | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| NIA Website (Desktop) | s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC | Computer users |
| NIA Website (Mobile) | s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPhone | Phone/tablet users |
| NIA 12367 App | App Store / Google Play | Frequent travelers |
| WeChat Mini Program | Search "Arrival Card" in WeChat | WeChat users already in China |
| Alipay Mini Program | Search "Arrival Card" in Alipay | Alipay users |
π‘ Our Recommendation
Use the desktop version (s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC) for the best experience β larger screen, easier to read, and less prone to timeouts.
Step-by-Step Guide to Filling Out the CDAC
Here's exactly what you'll need and what to fill in at each step:
π Documents You'll Need Before Starting
- β Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity recommended)
- β Flight/train/bus details (arrival date, port, transportation number)
- β China accommodation address (hotel or host's address)
- β Visa or entry permit info (if applicable)
- β Email address (to receive your card)
Step 1: Upload Passport Identity Page
1Upload your passport photo
Upload a clear, well-lit photo of your passport's identity page (the page with your photo and details).
Fields:
- Type of ID Document β Select your passport type (usually "Ordinary Passport")
- Upload ID Document Page β Click to upload your passport photo
Click Next when done.
Step 2: Basic Personal Information
2Verify and complete your details
The system will auto-extract some data from your passport. Verify everything is correct.
| Last Name | Exactly as shown on your passport |
| First Name | Exactly as shown on your passport |
| Gender | Male / Female |
| Date of Birth | DD / MM / YYYY format |
| Country/Region of Citizenship | Your nationality |
| ID Number | Your passport number |
Travel Information:
| Entry Transportation Mode | Airplane / Train / Vessel / Car / On foot |
| Arrival Flight/Train Number | Example: CA982, G79, K82 |
| City of Entry | Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, etc. |
| Port of Entry | Specific airport, station, or border crossing |
Click Next when done.
Step 3: Additional Personal Information
3Contact details and visa info
| Chinese Name | Optional β Leave blank if you don't have one |
| Country/Region of Birth | Where you were born |
| City of Birth | City of birth |
| Contact Number | Phone number with country code (include +1, +44, etc.) |
| Your valid email address | |
| Do you hold a valid visa? | Yes or No |
| If No | Select your entry policy (30-day visa-free, 240-hour transit, etc.) |
| If Yes | Enter your visa number |
Click Next when done.
Step 4: Travel Information in China
4Your itinerary details
| Purpose of Entry | Tourism/Leisure, Business, Visiting friends/family, etc. |
| Date of Entry | Expected arrival date in China |
| Destination City | City where you'll stay the longest / primary destination |
| Address in China | Full address: Province β City β District β Street/Hotel |
| Cities of Transit | Any cities you'll pass through (optional) |
| Inviting Entity? | Yes or No (for business/visit visas) |
| Confirmed Departure Itinerary? | Yes or No (do you have return tickets?) |
Click Next when done.
Step 5: Declaration and Signature
5Review and confirm
Read the declaration carefully. Check the box to agree, then click One-click Input to auto-fill the declaration section.
Sign/confirm your form and click Confirm.
Step 6: Download Your Digital Arrival Card
6Save your card
Once submitted, you'll see your digital arrival card with a QR code.
You can:
- Download to local β Save as PDF or image to your phone/computer
- Send to email β Have it emailed to you
β οΈ Important: Screenshot the QR code or print it out. You'll need to show it at immigration along with your passport.
Who is Exempt from the Arrival Card?
According to China's NIA, the following categories are exempt from filling out the CDAC:
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| π Foreign Permanent Residents | Holders of a Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card (Chinese PR / η»Ώε‘) |
| ππ°π²π΄ HK/Macao Permit Holders | Non-Chinese citizens with a Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong or Macao |
| π₯ Group Travelers | Travelers with a group visa OR eligible for group visa-free entry |
| βοΈ Transit Passengers | Transit passengers who remain within the designated port area (no immigration) |
| π’ Cruise Passengers | Entering and departing on the same cruise ship |
| π± E-Channel Users | Travelers using automated fast-track entry lanes |
| π Transport Crew | Foreign employees of exit-entry transport vehicles (airlines, trains, ships) |
β οΈ Still Not Sure?
If you're unsure whether you qualify for an exemption, fill out the card anyway. It's better to complete it and have it on file than to risk issues at immigration.
Expert Tips to Avoid Problems
β Do This
- Fill it out 24-72 hours before arrival β Early enough to fix any issues, late enough to have your travel details confirmed
- Use your passport name exactly β No nicknames, middle names in wrong order, or translation differences
- Double-check your flight number β One wrong digit can cause questions at immigration
- Have your hotel address ready β Full address including district (εΊ) and street number
- Save/download multiple copies β Phone, email, cloud storage, and a printed copy
- Use Chrome or Safari β Best browser compatibility for the NIA website
β Avoid This
- Don't wait until you're at the airport β WiFi may be slow, and you don't want immigration delays
- Don't guess your flight number β Look it up on your booking confirmation
- Don't use a VPN β The NIA website may block VPN connections
- Don't skip the address β Even if staying at different hotels, use your first night's address
- Don't use special characters β The form works best with plain Latin characters
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fill out the arrival card upon arrival instead?
Yes, but it's more hassle. You can scan a QR code at the airport or use self-service kiosks. However, this adds time to your immigration process. We recommend doing it beforehand.
What if I make a mistake on my arrival card?
If you realize you've made an error before arriving, you can simply fill out a new one β there's no limit on how many times you can submit. At immigration, if there's a minor discrepancy, you may just need to explain. Major errors could cause delays.
How long is the arrival card valid?
The CDAC is valid for a single entry. If you leave China and re-enter, you'll need to fill out another one.
Do children need an arrival card?
Yes, every traveler regardless of age needs a separate arrival card. Parents can fill out the form for minors.
What if I don't have a hotel booked yet?
You need to provide some address. Use the address of your first planned accommodation, a friend's place, or even a tour operator's address. You can always update it if your plans change.
Is there a paper version?
Yes, during the initial rollout phase, paper arrival cards are still available at some entry points. However, these are being phased out. The digital version is the future β and faster.
Can I use the app instead of the website?
Yes, the NIA 12367 app (available on iOS and Android) offers the same functionality. Some travelers find the mobile version easier to use.
What happens after I submit?
You'll see a confirmation page with your digital arrival card and QR code. Present this QR code at immigration alongside your passport. You may also need to show your return ticket and proof of accommodation.