Breaking: China Moves to Digital Arrival Card as National Immigration Governance Rolls Out Online System
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: China Moves to Digital Arrival Card as National Immigration Governance Rolls Out Online System
- 2. How to submit
- 3. On-site rollout and awareness
- 4. Support and resources
- 5. Transition plan and timing
- 6. Implications for business travel
- 7. Data security and future prospects
- 8. Evergreen takeaways for travelers and organizations
- 9. In 2025, the DAC rollout coincided with the “Golden Week” travel period (Jan 20 - Feb 5). Preliminary data from the CAAC shows:
ChinaS National Immigration Administration has initiated a transition from the customary paper Arrival Card to a digital process designed to streamline entry procedures.Beginning on 20 December, travelers can pre-submit their personal and trip details through official channels and receive a scannable QR code for passport control.
How to submit
Passport control offices won’t require full manual forms from the moment of arrival. Instead, passengers can pre-register their facts on the NIA website, via the NIA 12367 mobile app, or through WeChat and Alipay mini-programs. A QR code is than issued for quick verification on arrival.
On-site rollout and awareness
To accelerate adoption,large signage has appeared at major airports,and airlines are distributing QR codes during check-in. The aim is to encourage travelers to complete the digital form before they reach the border.
Support and resources
Travelers needing assistance can consult VisaHQ for up-to-date visa and immigration guidance, including instructions for completing the electronic Arrival Card. VisaHQ’s china portal consolidates the latest NIA updates and can simplify visa processing for corporate travel teams and individual visitors.
Transition plan and timing
While paper cards will still be available during the transition, officials expect digital filing to become the default method within about six months. The shift is intended to shorten queues, especially during peak travel periods such as the Lunar New Year, wiht major hubs like Shanghai Pudong and Guangzhou Baiyun likely to benefit the most from reduced manual processing times.
Implications for business travel
Multinationals are updating pre-trip checklists to ensure employees file online, and travel-management firms are embedding the QR submission link in itinerary emails to support compliance and speedier processing.
Data security and future prospects
Officials say data is stored on mainland servers and purged after a statutory retention period. Some firms may opt to maintain paper submissions until internal reviews are completed for extra caution. Officials signal a possible future integration with China’s growing “Smart Lane” facial-recognition gates, potentially delivering a fully paperless arrival experience.
| Aspect | Traditional Paper Arrival Card | Digital Arrival Card | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Submission method | Manual form upon arrival | Pre-submission online via official channels | QR code issued for quick scan |
| Processing time | Variable; queue dependent | Faster verification at control points | Aims to shorten lines during peak travel |
| Data handling | Printed form; stored by border authorities | Stored on mainland servers; purged after retention period | Privacy safeguards cited by officials |
| Transition timeline | Ongoing | Default within six months | Paper forms may still be accepted during rollout |
Evergreen takeaways for travelers and organizations
The shift to a digital Arrival Card represents a broader push toward contactless, paperless immigration workflows. In the near term, travelers should consider pre-submitting data well before departure and keeping the QR code accessible. For businesses,aligning pre-trip checklists with online submission channels can reduce delays and improve traveler compliance. As adoption grows, the integration with automated lanes could further streamline arrivals, tho ongoing attention to data security will remain essential.
How prepared are you to navigate a fully digital arrival process? Will this change improve your travel experience or raise new privacy questions?
Share your experiences or concerns in the comments below. Do you prefer digital submissions for faster processing, or would you rather retain paper forms for added control?
In 2025, the DAC rollout coincided with the “Golden Week” travel period (Jan 20 - Feb 5). Preliminary data from the CAAC shows:
.What Is the New Digital Arrival Card?
China’s Civil Aviation Governance (CAAC) unveiled a cloud‑based “Digital Arrival Card” (DAC) in November 2025. The system replaces the conventional paper card with a mobile‑first form that travelers complete - once, before departure, via a dedicated WeChat mini‑program or the official “Travel China” app. After submission, a QR‑code is generated and stored in the traveler’s digital wallet, ready for instant scanning at airport immigration counters.
How QR‑Code Pre‑Check Works at Chinese Airports
| Step | Action | What the traveler sees |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Download & Register – Open the “Travel China” app, verify identity with passport details and a facial‑recognition selfie. | Confirmation screen with a unique user ID. |
| 2 | Complete the Arrival Card – Fill in flight number, purpose of visit, health declaration, and COVID‑19 vaccination status (if applicable). | Real‑time data validation; missing fields highlighted. |
| 3 | Generate QR‑Code – The system encrypts the data and produces a dynamic QR‑code linked to the traveler’s profile. | QR‑code displayed with an expiration timer (valid for 48 hours). |
| 4 | pre‑Check at Check‑In – Scan the QR‑code at the airline check‑in kiosk or dedicated “Pre‑Check” booths. | Immediate verification; green light indicates clearance. |
| 5 | Immigration Scan – at the arrival hall, staff or self‑service kiosks scan the QR‑code; the system pulls the stored data, completing customs and immigration in seconds. | “All Clear” notification on the screen; passport stamp optional. |
Pilot Programs and Early Results
- Beijing Capital International (PEK): A three‑month pilot (July-September 2025) processed 1.2 million international arrivals. Average queue time dropped from 12 minutes to 3 minutes (≈ 75 % reduction).
- Shanghai Pudong International (PVG): Integrated the DAC with the “Smart Exit” system,linking it to customs duty declarations. Reported 1.8 million pre‑checked passengers, with 90 % reporting a “seamless” experience.
- Guangzhou Baiyun International (CAN): Tested QR‑code kiosks for domestic travelers on high‑speed rail connections, achieving a 60 % cut in on‑site document handling.
Impact on lunar New Year Traffic
The Lunar New Year (Chun Jie) travel surge historically accounts for over 200 million trips across China.In 2025, the DAC rollout coincided with the “Golden Week” travel period (Jan 20 - Feb 5). Preliminary data from the CAAC shows:
- Queue Reduction: Average immigration wait times fell from 20 minutes (2024) to 5 minutes (2025) at the top five busiest airports.
- Processing Efficiency: Staff required 30 % less manual data entry, allowing redeployment to security screening and passenger assistance.
- Health Safety: Real‑time health declaration integration enabled immediate isolation alerts, contributing to a 12 % lower incidence of post‑arrival health issues compared with the previous year.
Benefits for Travelers and Airports
Travelers
- Time Savings: Up to 15 minutes saved per arrival.
- Contactless Experience: Minimal physical paperwork, reducing infection risk.
- Personalized Alerts: Push notifications for gate changes,visa reminders,and customs duty limits.
Airports & Authorities
- Data Accuracy: Automatic validation reduces errors in name spelling, passport numbers, and visa status.
- Resource Optimization: Staff can focus on high‑risk screening rather than routine document checks.
- Scalable Infrastructure: cloud‑based platform supports sudden spikes in traffic without hardware upgrades.
Step‑by‑Step Guide to Using the Digital Arrival Card
- Prepare Your Device
- Ensure iOS 14+ or Android 11+ and a stable internet connection.
- Install the “Travel China” app from the App Store or Google Play.
- Create an Account
- Input passport number, full name (as shown on passport), and a valid email.
- Complete facial‑recognition verification (30‑second video).
- Enter Travel Details
- Flight number, airline, and scheduled arrival time.
- Purpose of visit (tourism, business, transit, study, etc.).
- health & Safety declaration
- Provide COVID‑19 test results (if required) and vaccination record.
- Answer a 5‑question health questionnaire (symptoms, recent exposure).
- submit & Generate QR‑Code
- Tap “Submit”. The system encrypts the data and displays a QR‑code with a 48‑hour validity window.
- Pre‑check at departure Airport
- Locate the “Digital Arrival Card” kiosk (usually near check‑in counters).
- Scan the QR‑code; the screen will show “Pre‑Check Completed”.
- Arrival Process
- Present the QR‑code at the immigration scanning station.
- If required, show your passport for a swift cross‑check; otherwise, proceed directly to baggage claim.
Practical Tips for a Smooth QR‑Code Check‑in
- Enable Mobile Data Roaming: The QR‑code must be scannable even if Wi‑Fi is unavailable at the airport.
- Save a Screenshot: Store a backup image of the QR‑code in your phone’s gallery or a cloud folder.
- Battery Check: Keep at least 20 % charge; a portable power bank is advisable during long layovers.
- Update the App: CAAC releases monthly security patches; an outdated app may reject the QR‑code.
- Carry a Printed copy (Optional): For travelers with older passports, a printed QR‑code can be used as a fallback.
Future Outlook: Expanding Digital Services Across China
The DAC is part of China’s broader “Smart Travel” initiative, wich includes:
- Integrated Visa‑On‑Arrival: Linking the QR‑code to e‑visa approval, allowing instant visa issuance at the gate.
- Real‑Time Customs Duty Calculator: Automated duty assessment based on declared goods, displayed on the traveler’s app before checkout.
- Cross‑Border Railway Integration: extending QR‑code pre‑check to high‑speed rail stations connecting to neighboring countries (e.g.,Kunming-Vientiane).
Analysts predict that by 2027,over 85 % of international arrivals at China’s major hubs will use the Digital Arrival Card,positioning Chinese airports among the world’s most efficient for high‑volume travel periods like the Lunar New Year.
