When to submit China arrival card? The sources we checked set no filing deadline. File once your flight, arrival date and first-night address are final.
This is an independent guide, not a government site. You file on the NIA portal: https://s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC on a PC, or https://s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPhone on a phone. Check dates and details on the portal before you travel. For a full walkthrough of the online form, see our step-by-step guide to the China Immigration Arrival Card.
Who Needs the China Arrival Card
Foreign travelers entering mainland China, with or without a visa, file the CDAC unless they’re in one of seven exempt groups — you can read the full breakdown in our requirements and exemptions guide. China launched the digital arrival card on 20 November 2025. During the initial rollout, a paper version remained temporarily available.
- Holders of a Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card in China
- Non-Chinese holders of the Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao
- Group travelers on a collective visa or visa-free group entry
- Transit passengers staying in a designated port zone
- Cruise passengers entering and leaving on the same ship
- Fast-track lane users
- Foreign employees of entry-exit transport vehicles
Flying on a Singapore passport? Singapore passport holders still file the CDAC unless they belong to one of the seven exempt groups, whether or not they hold a visa. You need your passport data page for the upload, and the form asks whether you hold a visa or other entry permit. Changi travellers may find our China arrival card guide for Singaporean travellers useful.
When to Submit China Arrival Card Before Flight
The sources we checked set no filing window, so submit once your departure from Singapore, arrival date and first-night address are final.
| When you file | What it means |
|---|---|
| Before departure, once details are final | The arrival card can be completed online before entering China, so this is the simplest option |
| At departure or on the way | Still possible online if you have a device and a connection |
| On arrival | Travelers who haven’t filed before departure can use a self-service kiosk, a QR scan at the port of entry, or a temporary paper form |
Fill in the arrival details: expected arrival date, arrival flight number and port of entry. For a trip with a connection, enter the flight that arrives in mainland China and its port of entry. The form also asks for transit cities in China.
QR Code Validity and Saving It Offline
The sources we checked don’t state how long the QR code stays valid. The card records the arrival date and flight you entered, so check those details before you travel. For the full process, see our guide to China arrival card QR code generation and the receipt.
File on the PC or phone page above, in the NIA 12367 app, or in a WeChat or Alipay mini-program. Upload a photo of your passport data page, then check the auto-loaded data, your arrival flight number, port of entry, date and address in China.
Worried about signal after landing? Save the code before you go:
Choose “Download to Local”
Save the QR code to your device
Choose “Send to Email”
Get a backup copy by email
Keep a copy on your phone in case the signal is weak. Before boarding, check the date and flight number on the card and make sure you can open it on your device. The QR code must be presented during immigration checks. If you lose it, see how to retrieve your China arrival card and lost QR code.
When to Submit China Arrival Card After Changes
The sources don’t describe changes after filing. If your flight or arrival date changes, check whether the portal lets you correct the declaration. Our guide on mistakes and corrections on the China arrival card covers what to fix and when.
The sources don’t document editing after submission. If the portal doesn’t let you correct a filed declaration, complete a new one with your current details.
Common Mistakes and Backup Options
- Entering the departure flight instead of the arrival flight: the declaration won’t match your trip.
- Paying an intermediary: the sources we checked don’t cover fees. Some third-party sites charge for help, so type the portal address yourself rather than following search ads — see our zero-cost entry declaration guide.
- Mixing up documents: the arrival card isn’t a consular visa (L tourism, G transit) or the 24/240-hour visa-free transit policy.
- Leaving it for the queue: kiosks, QR scanning at the port of entry and a temporary paper card are fallbacks for travelers who haven’t completed the card before departure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When to submit China arrival card if I am flying out of Changi Airport?
The sources we checked set no filing deadline. File once your Changi departure and arrival details in China are final. Enter the flight arriving in China, not your Singapore departure.
When to submit China arrival card if I have a connecting flight?
Enter the flight that arrives in mainland China and its port of entry. The form also asks for transit cities in China. The sources don’t describe what to do after a missed connection.
Can I submit the China arrival card 3 months before my flight?
The sources we checked don’t set a filing window, so there’s no confirmed earliest or latest date. Submit once your flight and arrival details are final.
How long is the China arrival card QR code valid?
The sources we checked don’t state an expiry time for the QR code. The code is tied to the arrival details you entered, so check them on the portal if you’re unsure.
Do I need a new card if I change my flight?
The sources we checked don’t describe changes after filing. If your flight or arrival date changes, check whether the portal lets you correct the declaration. If it doesn’t, file again.
Do Singapore passport holders need to submit the China arrival card?
Yes, unless they belong to one of the seven exempt groups. Visa status doesn’t change this. Choose the correct entry policy in the form and get your QR code before arrival.
Is there a fee to submit the China arrival card?
The sources we checked don’t list any fee for filing. Third-party intermediaries may charge their own fees, so type the portal address yourself.
Where do I submit the China arrival card online?
You can file on the NIA portal at https://s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC from a computer, or at https://s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPhone from a phone. You can also use the NIA 12367 app or a WeChat or Alipay mini-program.
Sources and Further Reading
- VisasNews: China launches its digital arrival card (20 November 2025).
Rules can change, so check the portal before you travel.
