China Arrival Card Online & Visa-Free Entry
Foreigners must submit an arrival card; since 20 November 2025 you can do it online (NIA website, NIA 12367 app, WeChat/Alipay mini programs) before you fly, or on paper at the port. Korean ordinary passports get 30 days visa-free until 31 December 2026.
Arrival card · Arrival Card for Foreigners (online or paper)Customs declaration · China Customs Declaration
RequiredArrival card
Arrival Card for Foreigners (online or paper)
- Who
- Foreign nationals entering China. Exempt: permanent residence card holders, group visa/group visa-free travellers, 24-hour direct transit in port area, same-ship cruise passengers, e-Channel users and foreign crew.
- When
- Online before departure, or on arrival using self-service devices or a paper card at the port.
- Fee
- Free
- Validity
- One card per entry.
Steps
- Open the NIA arrival card page (s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC/), the NIA 12367 app, or the NIA WeChat/Alipay mini program.
- Enter passport details.
- Enter flight, purpose of visit and address in China.
- Submit and keep the confirmation on your phone.
- Present your passport at immigration; if you could not submit online, fill in a paper card at the port.
Have ready
- Passport
- Flight number
- Address or hotel in China
- Purpose of visit
Watch out
- NIA warns of fake arrival card websites that charge fees. The service is free.
- Use only the NIA website, government service platform, NIA 12367 app or official mini programs.
- Paper cards remain available at ports if your phone or network fails.
ConditionalCustoms declaration
China Customs Declaration
- Who
- Only passengers carrying items that must be declared. Others take the green 'Nothing to Declare' channel without a form.
- When
- At customs on arrival.
- Fee
- Free
Steps
- Check whether you carry declarable items.
- If yes, fill in the customs declaration form.
- Use the red 'Goods to Declare' channel; if unsure, use red too.
Have ready
- Passport
- List of declarable items
Watch out
- Passengers unsure which channel to use should choose the red channel.
Get an eSIM · China
FAQ
Do Koreans need a visa for China in 2026?
No for stays up to 30 days (business, tourism, visiting family/friends, exchange, transit) with an ordinary passport, until 24:00 on 31 December 2026. The 30 days count from the day after entry.
Is the online arrival card mandatory?
An arrival card is required, but online is optional; paper cards and port self-service devices are still available.
Does it cost anything?
No. NIA states the service is free; paid sites are fraudulent.