China Arrival Card
Most foreign travellers entering mainland China, with or without a visa.
- 1Fill the form5 short steps, 5-8 minutes
- 2Pay onlineCard or UPI, total shown first
- 3We check & submitErrors caught before filing
- 4Get your resultEmail and WhatsApp updates
1Overview
The China Arrival Card (Arrival/Departure Card) is an immigration and customs declaration for entering mainland China. It is not a visa and does not replace one where required.
It is not a stay permit; allowed stay depends on your visa or visa-free policy.
Who needs it
- Needed by most foreign travellers entering mainland China, with or without a visa, including visa-free and 72/144-hour transit travellers.
- Exempt: permanent resident card holders, Hong Kong and Macao residents with a valid mainland travel permit, 24-hour direct transit passengers staying in the restricted area, E-channel users, members of group-visa tour groups, crew and transport staff, and cruise passengers leaving on their original ship.
2Requirements
- PassportValid at least 6 months from arrival
- Travel and accommodation detailsTrip information
- Email addressA valid address
Important to know
- It is not a visa and is single-entry.
- Without pre-arrival submission you may face long kiosk lines or paper forms.
3How to apply with Ok E-visa
- Fill in the formA few short steps: your passport, traveller and trip details, plus the documents listed above. Choose your option and processing speed.
- Pay onlineYou go straight to a secure payment page. The total in US dollars is shown before you pay.
- We check and submitOur team reviews your details for common errors and submits the application on the official portal (National Immigration Administration).
- Receive your resultThe card is delivered by email with instructions; download it or keep the email.
4Timing and speed
Submission can be scheduled earlier so the card is active on arrival. Filling the form takes about 3 minutes.
Processing speeds
You choose your speed at the last step of the form, where your exact total is shown. Times are estimates, not guaranteed; the authority makes the final decision.
5Fees
Our price covers our service fee, review, submission and support. If the government charges its own fee for this document, we tell you the exact amount before you pay.
Your exact total, in US dollars, is shown at the last step of the form before you pay. You may also apply directly on the official portal (National Immigration Administration (NIA) is cited) at no service charge.
6After approval
- The card is delivered by email with instructions; download it or keep the email.
- Depending on the port, show a QR code on your phone or a printed confirmation.
- A new registration is needed for each entry, including from Hong Kong or Macau.
- Travellers who did not file online can use a self-service kiosk or QR code at the border.
?Questions about China Arrival Card
Do I need a card without a visa?
Yes, for almost all visitors including 72/144-hour transit.
Who is exempt?
Permanent resident card holders, 24-hour direct transit in the restricted area, E-channel users and group-visa members.
How is it delivered?
By email, with a QR code or printed copy depending on the port.
How long can I stay?
The card is only a declaration; stay depends on your visa or visa-free policy.
When should I apply?
Within 72 hours before arrival.
Do children need one?
Yes, each traveller needs their own.
Is it reusable?
No, single entry only.
What if I forget before landing?
Expect long kiosk or paper-form queues.
How long does the China Arrival Card take?
Processing: as fast as 15 minutes. Timelines are set by the authority and can change, so we update you as your application moves.
Can I apply directly instead of using China Arrival Card help?
Yes. We are a private assistance service, not a government website. You can apply on the official portal (National Immigration Administration (exemption list only)) at no service charge. Our fee covers review, submission and tracking.
Does the price include the government fee?
Our price covers our service fee, review, submission and support. If the government charges its own fee for this document, we tell you the exact amount before you pay.
What if I make a mistake on the form?
Tell us as soon as you notice. Whether a correction is possible depends on the official portal and on whether the application was already submitted. Some fields, such as name and passport number, often cannot be edited after submission.
✓Why apply with Ok E-visa
This page is a plain-language summary to help you prepare. Entry rules change, so always confirm the latest requirements on the official government website. Ok E-visa is a private assistance service and is not a government website.
