Here’s the how to complete China paper arrival card tutorial: the free form is filed online at s.nia.gov.cn, and paper forms may still be available at some ports as a fallback. Copy your passport details, add your flight number and first hotel, and sign the declaration. For the full online process, see our step-by-step online arrival card guide.
This is an independent guide for travelers flying to China, including from Singapore. We aren’t a government site, don’t charge fees and don’t file anything for you. Check rules on the NIA arrival card portal (s.nia.gov.cn) before you fly.
Who Needs the China Paper Arrival Card
Most travelers now file the digital card before arrival; paper forms remain only as a fallback at some ports. The National Immigration Administration (NIA) added a digital version on 20 November 2025, and whether a paper form is available depends on the port, so check locally. Visa-free travelers, including Singapore passport holders, also need to file the arrival card — see our 30-day visa-free China arrival card rules.
Seven groups are exempt, but check current rules first — the full list is in our guide to who must file the China arrival card and who is exempt:
- Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card holders
- Mainland Travel Permit holders for Hong Kong and Macao
- Groups on a group visa
- Direct transit under 24 hours without leaving the port zone
- Cruise passengers on the same vessel in and out
- e-Channel or fast-track users
- Foreign crew and transport drivers
Unsure? Fill in a card. Missing or false information can lead to refused entry or transit.
Where to Get the Card
The free form is filed online at s.nia.gov.cn, and paper forms may still be available at some ports as a fallback during a transitional period.
File the digital form
File the free digital form before you travel and save the QR code.
Ask at the port
If you have no pre-filed card, ask at the port whether self-service terminals or paper forms are available.
One card per traveler
Each traveler needs their own card, so file one per family member.
Use s.nia.gov.cn
The form is free. Commercial intermediaries may charge for filing it, while NIA warns about fake sites that imitate the official form.
Prefer to file ahead? The free portal at s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC/ can be used before arrival. Commercial guides suggest filing a few days ahead; check the portal for current timing, and read our overview of when to submit the China arrival card and QR code validity.
How to Complete the China Paper Arrival Card
Complete every field carefully and make sure your details match your passport. If you’re unsure how to enter your name, flight number or embarkation city, our guide on how to fill personal details on the China arrival card explains each field.
Name, gender, nationality, passport number
The digital form reads your details automatically from a photo of your passport data page; check that they match your passport.
Flight number
Enter your flight number exactly as shown on your booking.
Destination city
Where you’ll stay longest, not a city of transit.
Purpose
Select the purpose of your visit; standard tourist trips are recorded as “Visit”.
Visa
With a visa, enter the sticker number. Without one, the digital form asks you to select “No” and then “Visa-free Entry”. The arrival card does not replace a visa.
Inviting entity
If you have no inviter in China, select “No”. Give your hotel name in the address field.
Address and phone
The hotel name is usually enough if you don’t have the full street address.
Chinese name
The Chinese name field is optional.
Signature
Sign the declaration before you submit the form.
At Passport Control: Steps and Corrections
Present your passport and the QR code, or the completed form, to the immigration officer at the inspection counter.
Each traveler, including children, needs their own arrival card — see our guide to the China arrival card for minors, children and family groups.
If you spot an error before submitting, correct it on the form. If you have already submitted it, check the official NIA channel for the available option, and read our overview of China arrival card mistakes and corrections.
Paper Slip, Digital Card, and Other Documents
Wondering if the card replaces a visa? It doesn’t — see our explanation of the difference between the China arrival card and an entry visa. It records your entry, nothing more.
| Document | What it does | Where you deal with it |
|---|---|---|
| Paper arrival card | Records your entry | Hand in at passport control |
| China Digital Arrival Card (CDAC) | Records entry in advance with a QR code | NIA portal; changes after submission: a new card is filed; check the NIA portal |
| Entry visa | Permission to enter | Consulate or embassy before travel |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is there a how to complete China paper arrival card tutorial for Singapore passport holders?
Yes. Visa-free entry with a Singapore passport still requires the arrival card. Check current rules on the NIA portal before you fly.
What is the quickest how to complete China paper arrival card tutorial for first-time visitors?
Enter your passport details, flight number, destination city and hotel address, then sign the declaration. Fill in the form before you travel, and save the QR code on your phone.
Where do I get the China arrival card slip?
Paper forms may be available at some ports. The free digital version is at s.nia.gov.cn.
Do I need to bring my own pen for the China arrival card?
The form is free and filed online at s.nia.gov.cn, so no pen is needed for the digital version. If your port offers paper forms, it’s sensible to carry a pen, as availability varies by port.
What do I write in the inviting entity field if I am a tourist?
If you have no inviter in China, select “No”. Enter your hotel name in the address field.
Does a child need a separate China arrival card?
Yes. Each traveler, including children, needs a separate card, and the form is completed for each person.
Is the China arrival card free, and which website should I use for the digital version?
Yes, the arrival card is free. Commercial sites may charge for filing it, so use the NIA portal at s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC/ or its mobile page, and save the QR code.
What should I do if I make a mistake on the paper arrival card?
If you spot an error before submitting, correct it on the form. If you have already submitted it, check the official NIA channel for the available option.
Sources and Further Reading
- NIA arrival card portal: free digital filing form.
Rules can change, so check the portal before you travel.
