Pre-arrival Checklist for China: Visa, Arrival Card & What to Prepare

1. First, check whether you need a visa

Most foreign nationals need to apply for an appropriate visa before coming to China; nationals of some countries may use visa-free transit or mutual visa-exemption arrangements. Always confirm with the National Immigration Administration's latest notices and the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country.

2. Official update (2025): arrival card can be filed online

Per the National Immigration Administration announcement "10 Innovative Measures Supporting Expanded Opening-Up and High-Quality Development" (3 November 2025):

10. Implement online filing of foreign arrivals' entry cards. From 20 November 2025, before coming to China, foreigners may file entry-related information online through the NIA government website, the government service platform, the "移民局12367" (NIA 12367) app, the WeChat and Alipay mini-programs, or by scanning the entry-card QR code with a mobile device. Foreigners without online filing conditions may scan a QR code or use on-site smart devices at the border inspection station upon arrival, or fill in a paper foreigner entry card.

Seven categories are exempt from filing: holders of the Chinese Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card; non-Chinese holders of the Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents; group-visa or group visa-free entrants; 24-hour direct transit passengers who do not leave the restricted port area; cruise passengers entering/exiting and returning on the same cruise; expedited-channel entrants; and foreign crew of inbound/outbound transport vehicles.

3. 240-hour visa-free transit (55 countries)

From 12 June 2025, Indonesian citizens may enter China under the 240-hour visa-free transit policy; the policy now covers 55 countries. Nationals of these 55 countries (including Indonesia, Russia and the United Kingdom) holding valid international travel documents and a connecting ticket with confirmed date and seat to a third country or region may enter visa-free through any of the 60 open ports in 24 provincial-level areas (including Beijing and Shanghai) and stay within the designated area for no more than 10 days.

During the stay they may travel, do business, visit or see relatives; activities such as work, study or news reporting that require prior approval still need a proper visa.

4. Practical pre-arrival checklist (non-official suggestions)

• Keep your passport valid for more than 6 months and keep a copy or digital scan;
• Obtain the right visa in advance, or confirm visa-free / transit eligibility and eligible ports;
• Carry a small amount of RMB cash and learn the requirements to activate mobile payment (WeChat Pay / Alipay);
• If you plan a long stay, learn the 24-hour accommodation registration rule after arrival;
• Prepare a translation tool and emergency contacts (e.g. the 12367 immigration hotline).

Compliance note: Immigration policy changes. The provisions quoted here follow the official text at the time of publication; please verify against the latest NIA announcements before you travel.