Last Updated: 30th November, 2025 to reflect the ability to complete arrival card in Alipay and WePay mini-apps

China’s New Arrival Card: What Backpackers & Travellers Need to Know

If China is on your radar in 2026, either as a planned trip or a pivot from Southeast Asia, there’s a small but important update you should know about before you arrive.

With effect 20th November, 2025, China has rolled out a new digital arrival card system for international travellers, replacing the old paper forms many people remember. Although the paper forms can still be used, it is modernising its arrival process.

What has changed?

China is moving away from paper arrival forms and standardising a digital entry card, submitted before or on arrival.

Instead of filling out multiple slips on the plane or at immigration, travellers now complete a single electronic arrival card covering immigration and customs information.

Less paperwork

Faster airport processing

Fewer forms to juggle while jet-lagged

Who does this apply to?

This affects most foreign travellers, including:

• UK & EU passport holders
• Backpackers travelling overland, or via Asia/Southeast Asia hubs
• First-time visitors to China
• Long-term travellers entering on tourist, business or transit visas

If you’re flying into China from places like Bangkok, Hanoi, Phnom Penh, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur or Seoul, this applies to you.

Do I need to complete the arrival form if I am transitting through China?

If you are in transit in the airport, no. Simply, if you remain airside you don't need to complete it as you are not arriving into China. You will only need to complete the arrival form if you are leaving the airport, this could be you have a few days

How the new arrival card works

You’ll complete the arrival card digitally, there are several websites but this is the easiest:

https://s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC/entry-registation-home

You can also use the WeChat App, we'll update details about that soon here.

You’ll be asked for:

• Passport details
• Flight information
• Where you’re staying in China
• Basic customs declarations

Once submitted, immigration officers can access it directly. No paper copies needed.

Source: https://nl.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/ls/zytz/202511/t20251126_11760675.htm

Do you need internet or a China number to complete the arrival form?

If you don't complete it before your arrival, you will be able to complete it at the airport but you may face difficulties with the wi-fi. In most airports you will have to register for the internet with your passport and this can be subject to technical difficulties. By also having data and a VPN ready, this will smoothen your arrival.

Tip for backpackers:

• Complete it before landing if possible
• Airport Wi-Fi can be slow during peak arrivals

Why this matters for backpackers & SEA travellers

A lot of travellers moving through Southeast Asia end up pivoting plans:

• A cheap flight deal pops up
• Weather changes
• Visa runs turn into longer stays

China is becoming a more common add-on or alternative, so knowing this system in advance helps avoid stress at immigration.

For first-timers especially, this is one less unknown to deal with.

Final tips before arriving in China

• Screenshot your confirmation if you get one
• Have accommodation details ready (even if it’s just the first night) (Free cancellation on HostelWorld)
• Declare honestly, customs checks can be strict!
• Expect more digital processes at airports overall

China entry is getting more streamlined, but also more systemised.

Travelling on a budget through China?

China can still be surprisingly affordable if you plan properly, but costs, payments and transport work differently than in Southeast Asia. You'll need Alipay and or WeChat at least.

We'll be breaking down the apps you need for China soon in another post.