Foreign travelers on a Singapore Airlines flight to China file the China Digital Arrival Card (CDAC) online up to 72 hours before arrival in China. These Singapore Airlines flight to China entry card instructions explain the filing.
This is an independent guide, not a government site. We don’t charge fees or file the card for you. Submit the form through the National Immigration Administration (NIA) website at s.nia.gov.cn, the NIA 12367 app or the WeChat/Alipay mini-program.
Who Needs a China Entry Card?
Holders of Singapore passports still need the card, even when entering visa-free. The National Immigration Administration (NIA) issues it, replacing the paper Foreigner Arrival Card. It’s an entry declaration, not a visa.
The following groups are exempt:
- Chinese permanent residence card holders
- Non-Chinese holders of a valid Mainland Travel Permit for HK/Macau
- Group travelers on a group visa or group visa-free entry
- Airside transit in the restricted airport area
- Cruise passengers disembarking from the same ship
- Pre-approved fast-track travelers
- Foreign crews of aircraft, ships and trains
Border residents of North Korea, Mongolia, Pakistan, Nepal, Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam who hold a border resident certificate use a separate form. For a full breakdown of who must file, see our guide to China Immigration Arrival Card requirements and exemptions.
Singapore Airlines Flight to China Entry Card Instructions
You can file the CDAC for free up to 72 hours before arrival, and 24 to 72 hours is the recommended window. For more on deadlines and QR code validity, read when to submit the China Arrival Card.
The Chinese Embassy in Singapore is at 150 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247969. Third-party services may charge a fee for the form, which NIA channels do not.
Upload your passport data page
Upload a photo of your passport data page.
Enter your full name
Enter your full name as in the passport, with no abbreviations.
Check passport details
Check nationality, birth date, passport number and expiry date.
Add your travel details
Add your arrival port, transport mode and SQ flight number.
Select your entry policy
Select the entry policy that matches your entry category, such as Visa or 30-Day Visa-Free.
Choose a purpose
Choose a purpose: Tourism, Business, Family or Transit.
Enter your accommodation
Enter your hotel and address as Province, City, District, Street and number.
Add contact information
Add a phone number with country code, plus an e-mail.
Submit and save your QR code
Submit, then save the QR code as a screenshot and email a copy to yourself so you can display it offline.
Singapore Airlines China Entry Card Checks at Changi
Singapore Airlines’ visa and immigration page covers passport and visa requirements. It does not describe China entry card checks at check-in or at the gate. It states the airline cannot be held responsible if a passenger is denied entry or deported.
- Each passenger must hold a valid passport and any required visa.
- For visa requirements, Singapore Airlines refers travelers to the IATA Travel Centre website.
- Singapore Airlines does not state a rule on China entry card checks at boarding, so check with the airline.
| Airline | Terminal | Checks (as reported) |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore Airlines | See changi airport or the airline | Passport and visa requirements; no China entry card checks described |
| Scoot, Air China, China Southern | See Changi Airport or the airline | Check with the airline for its check-in checks |
After landing, you show the QR code and passport at NIA border clearance. For details on getting and saving your receipt, see our step-by-step guide to China Arrival Card QR code generation.
Documents Travelers Often Confuse
| Document | Issuer | When | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDAC | NIA | Up to 72 hours before arrival | Into China |
| SG Arrival Card | ICA Singapore | Before arrival in Singapore (check ica.gov.sg for timing) | Into Singapore |
| China customs declaration | China Customs | On arrival | Into China |
Holders of Singapore passports still need the China card even when entering visa-free. For a side-by-side comparison, see China Arrival Card vs SG Arrival Card differences.
Common Mistakes That Delay Check-In
- Vague accommodation entries may be rejected. Enter the full address: province, city, district, street and number.
- Save a screenshot and an e-mailed copy so you can display the QR code offline.
- Third-party services may charge a fee for the form, which NIA channels do not.
If you spot an error after submitting, our guide to China Arrival Card mistakes and corrections explains how to fix names, passport numbers and declarations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where can I find Singapore Airlines flight to China entry card instructions?
File the China Digital Arrival Card online through the NIA website, up to 72 hours before arrival in China. The NIA 12367 app and the WeChat/Alipay mini-program are also available. The form asks for passport details, travel details, accommodation and contact information.
Do I need a China arrival card with a Singapore passport?
Yes. Holders of Singapore passports still need the card, even when entering visa-free. Exemptions apply to specific groups, such as Chinese permanent residence card holders or cruise passengers disembarking from the same ship. Seven such groups are listed above.
How early can I submit the CDAC?
You can file up to 72 hours before arrival, and 24 to 72 hours is the recommended window. Haven’t filed yet? You can complete the card on arrival by QR code or at self-service points, but that risks queues.
Can Singapore Airlines deny boarding without my entry card?
Singapore Airlines’ visa and immigration page does not describe China entry card checks at boarding. It states that each passenger must hold a valid passport and any required visa. File the card before arrival and keep a screenshot and an e-mailed copy of the QR code.
How does the CDAC differ from the SG Arrival Card?
The CDAC is for entering China and comes from the NIA. The SG Arrival Card, from ICA Singapore, is for entering Singapore. They’re separate forms, and filing one doesn’t cover the other. Check ica.gov.sg for the Singapore card.
Is the China entry card free?
Yes. NIA channels charge nothing, while third-party services may charge a fee. Enter the details exactly as they appear in your passport and travel documents.
Do the Singapore Airlines flight to China entry card instructions allow a QR screenshot at the gate?
Save the QR code as a screenshot and email a copy to yourself, so you can display it offline at immigration control. Sources don’t say whether Singapore Airlines accepts screenshots at the gate, so check with the airline.
Do Changi transit passengers need a China entry card?
Not if you stay airside in the restricted transit area. If you enter China, for example under a transit entry policy, you file the card. Each new entry needs its own card, even if you return from Hong Kong.
Sources
- NIA: China Digital Arrival Card online filing
- ICA Singapore: SG Arrival Card
- Chinese Embassy in Singapore: consular address and contact details (150 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247969)
Rules may change, so check before you travel.
