Refer China: China to Enable Online Entry Card Filing for Foreigners Nov 20

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China Enables Online Entry Card Filing for Foreign Nationals Starting Nov 20

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To actively support high-level openness and high-quality development, China's National Immigration Administration (NIA) today unveiled ten new immigration and entry-exit service policies. These include major digital enhancements, expanded visa-free transit options, and more convenient procedures for international travelers.

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Digital Entry Card Filing for Foreign Nationals

Starting November 20, 2025, foreign nationals traveling to China will be able to complete their entry card registration online prior to arrival. Accessible via the official NIA website, government service platforms, the "移民局12367" mobile app, and WeChat or Alipay mini-programs, this initiative aims to simplify arrival procedures. Travelers can also scan a QR code with their phone to submit their entry details ahead of time.

Interface of Online Arrival Card Filling Website

https://s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC/

For those unable to complete online registration in advance, digital submission remains possible upon arrival at Chinese ports of entry through QR code scanning or self-service kiosks. Alternatively, a paper entry card can still be filled out on site.

Seven categories of foreign nationals are exempt from submitting an entry card, including:

Holders of China's Foreigner's Permanent Residence ID Card;
Non-Chinese nationals with a Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao;
Group visa holders or travelers under group visa waiver programs;
Those transiting through China within 24 hours without leaving the port area;
Cruise passengers returning on the same ship;
Participants in fast-track immigration programs;
Foreign crew on international transportation vehicles.

Expansion of 24-Hour Direct Transit Exemption to 10 Airports

Beginning November 5, 2025, the 24-hour direct transit policy—which exempts travelers from border checks—will be extended to ten additional international airports: Tianjin Binhai International Airport, Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport, Nanjing Lukou International Airport, Fuzhou Changle International Airport, Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport, Wuhan Tianhe International Airport, Nanning Wuxu International Airport, Haikou Meilan International Airport, Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport and Kunming Changshui International Airport.

International travelers with valid onward tickets within 24 hours can transit through these airports without undergoing entry-exit inspection, provided they do not leave the airport.

More Guangdong Ports Open for 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit

Also from November 5, 2025, five more ports in Guangdong province will support the 240-hour visa-free transit policy: Guangzhou Pazhou Ferry Terminal, Hengqin Port, Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Port, Zhongshan Port (Passenger) and West Kowloon Station Port of Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link.

This expansion increases the number of eligible ports from 60 to 65 across 24 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions.

Nationals from 55 countries with valid international travel documents and onward tickets can now enter China visa-free through any of these 65 ports and stay up to 240 hours. During this time, visitors may engage in tourism, business, family visits, and cultural exchanges. Activities such as employment, study, or journalism still require a visa and prior approval.

Source: 国家移民管理局