Arrival steps

Where should you complete China's arrival card before a medical trip?

Since 20 November 2025, foreign nationals can complete the arrival card free of charge through the National Immigration Administration website, the NIA 12367 app, or the WeChat or Alipay mini-program. A copycat site that charges a fee is not official.

SinoCareHub Content Team·October 11, 2026·2 min·Last updated October 20, 2026

Use only the free official channels

The National Immigration Administration's notice of 5 December 2025 says that online arrival-card filling began on 20 November 2025. Before travel, foreign nationals can submit entry information through the Administration's website, its government-service platform, the NIA 12367 app, the WeChat and Alipay mini-programs, or the official QR code. The service is free.

The official filling page is https://s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC/. People have copied this page and charged a fee. If a page asks for payment, or the address is not the official one above, do not enter passport information.

If you cannot fill it in before travel

If you cannot complete it online in advance, you can scan the code at immigration inspection, use the smart device at the port, or fill in a paper arrival card. Completing it in advance saves time filling it in at the border; it does not mean entry has been approved.

A notice republished by the Chinese Embassy in Egypt on 1 December 2025 lists people who do not need to fill in the card: holders of a valid foreign permanent resident ID card; non-Chinese holders of a valid Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao residents; holders of a group visa or people eligible for group visa-free entry; passengers in 24-hour direct transit who stay inside the restricted port area; cruise passengers entering and leaving on the same vessel; travelers using the e-channel; and foreign crew of exit-entry transport. Whether an exemption still applies depends on the port when you arrive.

The arrival card does not replace a visa or an appointment

The arrival card submits entry information. It cannot replace a visa, extend your permitted stay or book a hospital appointment. For visa documents for medical treatment, see China medical visa invitation letter and hospital documents. Registering where you stay is a separate step, in Do you need to register where you stay after arrival?.

SinoCareHub can point you to the official filling channels and help distinguish the arrival card, hospital appointment and accommodation registration. Submit your personal entry information through the official service yourself; an arrival card does not establish entry eligibility or confirm a hospital appointment.