Refer China: China’s Digital Entry Card for Foreigners Goes Live Today

NEWS

China's Digital Entry Card for Foreigners Officially Goes Live Today

November 20, 2025 — China's long-anticipated digital entry card system for foreign nationals officially takes effect today, streamlining arrival procedures across the country's ports of entry.

Check our latest video on China Visa and foreign-related knowledge!

Follow our channel for updates 👇

Announced earlier by the National Immigration Administration (NIA), the new policy allows international travelers to complete their entry card online prior to arrival—a major shift from the traditional paper-based form previously required at immigration counters. The aim: smoother, faster, and more efficient entry into China.

Foreign visitors can now submit their information through the NIA's official website, government service platforms, the "移民局12367" mobile app, or mini-programs on WeChat and Alipay. A QR code scanning option is also available for easy mobile access.

On-the-Ground Rollout Starts Today

To ensure a smooth transition from announcement to implementation, immigration offices—especially in major hubs like Shanghai—have been preparing in advance. Airlines are now notifying passengers at overseas check-in counters, while in-flight screens play digital filing tutorials and simple instruction cards are handed out. The goal: to have travelers complete the online submission before landing so they can move swiftly through border checks.

For those who haven't pre-filled their forms, digital kiosks and QR code access are available at the airport. Paper forms are still accepted as a backup.

Rising Demand, Better Experience

With the growing wave of inbound tourism driven by China's expanding visa-free access and immigration facilitation measures, today's rollout couldn't be more timely. Shanghai alone has processed over 5.33 million foreign arrivals so far in 2025—nearly 4.93 million via airports—ranking first among Chinese cities.

The official launch of the online entry card today represents not just a digital upgrade, but a key step toward enhancing China's international accessibility and visitor experience.

Source: 上海发布