Planning a trip to China in 2026? You’ll likely need to complete the new Digital Arrival Card - a quick, online way to provide your entry info before landing.
Is travelling to China on your 2026 bucket list?
Well then there is one important thing you should know about: the new China Digital Arrival Card.
This Digital Arrival Card is made to make your entry into the country hassle-free, fast and efficient.
Let's dive deeper into the newly introduced Chinese Visa system.
What is the China Digital Arrival Card?
What information is required (to apply)?
Who can skip this?
Where can I fill out the Digital Arrival Card?
Travelling via China with Koryo Tours
What is the China Digital Arrival Card?
The China Digital Arrival Card is an online declaration form for international travellers to fill out upon entry into mainland China.
Apart from your valid passport, this immigration form is an official requirement to enter the country.
Previously, this was done on paper upon arrival into Chinese airports.
While this is still an option for travellers, the Digital Arrival Card is being implemented to make entry into mainland China as smooth and quick as possible - giving you more time to enjoy your trip!
What information is required (to apply)?
The Digital Arrival Card shows your basic information as a traveller, much like what is asked on the paper arrival cards.
After this information is submitted, you get a QR code which immigration officers will scan at the arrival checks.
These are some of the information required:
- Your full name as shown on your passport
- Your passport number
- Your nationality
- Your arrival flight number
- Where you will stay in China
- Your recent travel history
- Your health declaration information
Completing this beforehand is a massive benefit as it makes the arrival process much faster - no more needing to sift through reams of paper after getting off your flight.
This is especially helpful during peak travel seasons into the country.
Who can skip this?
There are also a few groups of people who can skip the Digital Arrival Card, of course.
These groups include:
- Holders of a valid Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card of the People’s Republic of China
- Holders of a valid Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents (non-Chinese Citizens)
- Holders of a group visa or those eligible for group visa-free entry
- Passengers in 24-hour direct transit who stay within the designated area of the port
- Cruise passengers entering and departing on the same vessel
- Travelers entering through the E-channel
- Foreign crew members of exit-entry transport vehicles
It is important to know that aside from these groups, most international travellers entering the country must fill out the Digital Arrival Card even if you can enter China visa free.
Where can I fill out the Digital Arrival Card?
Filling out the Digital Arrival Card can be done on many platforms from the government of China:
- National Immigration Administration (NIA) official website
- Government Service Platform
- NIA 12367 immigration mobile app
- WeChat or AliPay mini programs
- Scanning a QR code upon arrival at the airports
Travelling via China with Koryo Tours
When we travel to North Korea, it is required to travel first to China.
By using the Digital Arrival Card, it makes your experience with joining us in North Korea far easier and faster.
It is also handy if you want to spend some days exploring China before or after travelling to North Korea.
It is also important to note some visa policies in China if you plan to join us in North Korea.
Apart from adopting a visa free scheme for many nationalities (including EU and UK Passport holders), China has introduced a 240 hour transit visa - that’s about ten days of visa free travel.
The 240 hour transit visa policy is in effect for 55 nationalities across the world, such as EU, UK and Australian passport holders.
Even though you may be able to enter China on the 240 hour transit visa, you still must fill out the Digital Arrival Card.
Read more about the 240 hour transit visa here.
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Shauna O'Neill
Originally from Ireland and currently living in the Netherlands, living abroad has introduced her to many different people, cultures and places which have sparked a passion for travel and experiencing the unusual. She is passionate about creating things which represent and pay tribute to the international environments of the world, as well as being curious about what stories lie behind them.