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China Modernizes Entry: Digital Arrival Card Rolling Out

Following the recent extension of its visa-free travel policy for 45 countries, China is making travel even easier for foreign visitors. The government is preparing to roll out a new Digital Arrival Card system starting November 20, 2025, marking another significant step in modernizing the country’s immigration procedures.

This digital solution allows all foreign travellers to  China regardless of whether they require a visa or not, to submit their entry details electronically before their trip. China is joining other Asian nations, such as India, Indonesia, and South Korea, which have already adopted digitized arrival cards.

How China’s New Digital Arrival Card Works

Travellers have multiple convenient options to apply for the Digital Arrival Card prior to their journey:

• National Immigration Administration (NIA) Website
• NIA 12367 App
• Mini Programs accessible on popular Chinese apps like WeChat and Alipay

If a traveller forgets to complete the process before their flight, they can still do so upon landing by scanning a QR code or using a self-service kiosk at the airport. It is important to note that the traditional paper forms for the arrival card will remain available at airports during a short transition period.

Who Is Exempt from Filling the Digital Form?

According to the NIA, seven specific groups of travellers will not need to complete the new digital arrival card, as their entry data is captured through existing systems:

• Foreigners holding a Chinese Permanent Resident ID
• Hong Kong and Macao residents with a Mainland Travel Permit
• Group travellers entering under a collective visa or visa-free group
• Transit passengers who do not leave the airport terminal
• Cruise passengers entering and leaving on the same ship
• Travellers using fast-track lanes
• Foreign crew members of international transport vehicles

New Visa and Transit Simplifications

The launch of the digital card is one of ten new measures announced by China to simplify travel and support its policy of opening up to the world. Several key measures focus on improving visa and entry rules:

Expanded 24-Hour Visa-Free Transit

Starting November 5, 2025, China’s 24-hour visa-free transit policy will apply to ten more international airports, allowing travellers heading to a third country to transfer without going through immigration, provided they remain inside the terminal.

The new eligible airports are:

• Tianjin
• Dalian
• Nanjing
• Fuzhou
• Qingdao
• Wuhan
• Nanning
• Haikou
• Chongqing
• Kunming

240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Reaches More Ports

China has also expanded its 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit program by adding five more ports in Guangdong Province. This increases the total number of eligible ports to 65 across 24 provinces.

Travellers from 55 countries can now enter through select ports and stay for up to 10 days for tourism, business, or family visits. The new Guangdong ports include:

• Guangzhou Pazhou Ferry Terminal
• Hengqin Port
• Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Port
• Zhongshan Passenger Port
• West Kowloon Station Port of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong high-speed rail

Easier Family Visit Visa Renewals

In another major update, residents of mainland China visiting Hong Kong or Macao for family reasons can now renew their travel permits directly at China Travel Service offices in those regions, removing the previous requirement to return to the mainland.

Final Thoughts

These comprehensive changes solidify China’s continued commitment to simplifying entry for foreign visitors and business travellers. The China Digital Arrival Card and expanded visa-free options streamline border processes, making entry into China for international travellers faster, more digital, and significantly easier.