How to Fill Out the China Arrival Card at the Airport

Landing at an international airport in China can feel overwhelming if you do not know what paperwork to prepare before approaching immigration. While Chinese border inspection is automated and fast, foreign visitors must still complete a paper Arrival Card for Foreigners (外国人入境卡) before standing in the passport control queue.

Arrival Paperwork Summary

  • Where to get it: Flight attendants hand cards out before descent, or collect one from writing desks right before the passport control hall.
  • Who needs one: Every foreign passport holder must complete an individual card, including children and infants traveling with family.
  • Language: Fill out the form in clear English block capital letters or Chinese.
  • Health declaration update: The temporary Customs Health QR Code has been completely retired, meaning you proceed straight from your arrival gate to immigration without scanning phone health codes.
Foreign traveler completing China arrival card at airport marble desk
Completing the standard blue arrival card at airport writing desks before passport control.

Line-by-Line Guide to Filling Out the Card

The form is divided into distinct sections. Make sure your handwriting is legible and exactly matches the details in your passport.

Personal Information Section

  • Surname & Given Names: Write your family name and first names exactly as printed on your passport’s bio-data page.
  • Nationality: Enter your passport-issuing country (e.g., GERMANY, UNITED STATES, AUSTRALIA).
  • Passport Number: Double-check your number without typos.
  • Date of Birth: Follow the year-month-day order indicated on the form boxes.

Flight & Address Details

  • Inbound Flight No: The flight number you just landed on (e.g., CA986 or MU588).
  • Purpose of Visit: Check Sightseeing / Leisure for tourism.
  • Address in China: The full name and district of your first confirmed hotel (e.g., The Grand Hyatt, Pudong, Shanghai).

Important Arrival Nuances & Transit Rules

If your hotel itinerary is still flexible or your first booking is awaiting confirmation, provide the name and district of the accommodation you intend to book. Leaving the hotel address line completely blank can prompt border officers to pull you aside for questioning regarding your travel schedule.

Travelers applying for the 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit permit follow a slightly different procedure. Instead of filling out the standard card, pick up the specialized form titled Arrival Card for Temporary Entry Foreigners (临时入境外国人入境卡) available directly at the dedicated 144-Hour Transit service counter, and have your confirmed onward international flight ticket ready for inspection.

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