ChinaInsiderTrips · Travel preparation tools
China arrival card: understand the fields and practise
An independent preparation helper. Learn dates, ports and addresses using fictional details, then use the free official system. No document collection or submission here.
Gather these details first
Keep your original travel document, entering service and local arrival date, first accommodation's Chinese name/full address, actual cities and onward plans where applicable. Handle real identity only in the official system.
Fields vary with the official route selected. This is an explanation catalogue, not a claim that everyone completes every field.
Sources checked: 2026-10-04
Step-by-step example: no real identity input
Fictional person: EXAMPLE / ALEX. The example enters at Kunming Changshui Airport on 10 November and visits Kunming and Dali. Example Hotel, 1 Example Road does not exist and cannot be used for submission.
Example 1 of 6
Check names, document number and other identity fields against the document only in the official system. This example is fictional and accepts no document upload.
Original document; prepare its page only if officially requested
Current official field explanations
Document type, number and document page
Enter or upload identity documents only in the official system.
Example: Example only: ordinary passport; number withheld
Common mistake: Do not send identity documents to a third-party practice page.
Explanation only; this site provides no real-identity input for this field.
Surname / Last Name
Use the document's surname field, separately from given names.
Example: Fictional surname: EXAMPLE
Common mistake: Do not swap surname and given names or translate your name.
Explanation only; this site provides no real-identity input for this field.
Given names / First Name
Check every part of the given names on the document.
Example: Fictional given name: ALEX
Common mistake: Do not use a nickname in place of the document name.
Explanation only; this site provides no real-identity input for this field.
Gender, birth date and citizenship
These concern your identity, not the departure country; complete them officially.
Example: Read the example; enter no real identity
Common mistake: Citizenship is not your residence or flight origin.
Explanation only; this site provides no real-identity input for this field.
Other names/citizenships and birthplace
The public field catalogue includes these branches; follow the actual official prompts.
Example: Example branch: not applicable
Common mistake: Do not skip an official requirement because the example omits it.
Explanation only; this site provides no real-identity input for this field.
Visa/other permission and entry policy
Confirm the official entry route first, then answer about actual permission; practice does not decide eligibility.
Example: Example: entry route checked separately
Common mistake: An arrival card is not a visa or entry permission.
Explanation only; this site provides no real-identity input for this field.
Purpose of entry
Choose the actual purpose; confirm requirements for work or study separately.
Example: Fictional leisure trip: sightseeing/leisure
Common mistake: Do not alter the real purpose to fit a policy.
Transport mode and flight/train/vessel number
Use the segment entering China, not a later domestic connection.
Example: Fictional flight: DEMO123 (not for submission)
Common mistake: A booking reference is not a flight number.
Entry date, city and port/channel
Check the local arrival date and actual inspection port; a city is not an airport name.
Example: Fictional example: 10 Nov 2026, Kunming Changshui Airport
Common mistake: Do not use the origin's departure date for an overnight arrival.
Destination and transit cities in China
Check the actual cities in your itinerary and available official choices.
Example: Fictional example: Kunming and Dali
Common mistake: Do not enter a transfer outside China as a Chinese city.
Address in China and detailed address
Prepare province/city/district, the Chinese property name and full address; confirm with the host.
Example: Fictional address: Example Hotel, 1 Example Road
Common mistake: A hotel brand or city alone does not identify a full address.
Contact number, China number and email
Provide contact details as prompted; if you lack a China number, follow official instructions.
Example: The demonstration collects no phone or email
Common mistake: Do not invent a China number or another person's identity details.
Explanation only; this site provides no real-identity input for this field.
Confirmed departure plans, date/port/service
The official form has confirmed/unconfirmed branches; use actual onward documents where available.
Example: Fictional example: depart 20 Nov; other details to check
Common mistake: An unconfirmed-plan field does not mean every entry route permits unconfirmed onward travel.
Inviting entity/person and contact
Answer truthfully and prepare the contact information requested officially.
Example: Fictional leisure example: no inviter
Common mistake: Do not automatically treat an ordinary hotel as an inviting entity.
Explanation only; this site provides no real-identity input for this field.
Two-year travel history and lost/stolen documents
Follow the actual official branches; upload emergency materials only there.
Example: No history or document material is entered in this example
Common mistake: Do not invent answers in the official system.
Explanation only; this site provides no real-identity input for this field.
Companions, relationship and submission date
Choose whether to assist companions and follow official requirements for each person.
Example: Fictional example: one adult, no companion submission
Common mistake: One person's completed practice does not submit the family's cards.
Explanation only; this site provides no real-identity input for this field.
Before official completion, and if online access fails
1. Confirm the route and official channel
Check visa, visa-free or transit conditions first. Free official channels include s.nia.gov.cn, NIA12367 and its official WeChat/Alipay mini-programs. This is an independent helper.
2. Read the identity fields
Check names, document number and other identity fields against the document only in the official system. This example is fictional and accepts no document upload.
3. Check the segment entering China
Check mode, service number, local arrival date, city and exact port. Do not substitute a domestic transfer or the origin's departure date.
4. Check accommodation and onward plans
Prepare the host-confirmed Chinese name, full address and contact route. Answer about destination cities, any inviter and confirmed departure arrangements truthfully.
5. Review before official submission
Review each actual official requirement. Submit and view the result in the official system. Completing practice neither submits the form nor guarantees entry.
If online completion fails
NIA lists port QR access, smart devices and paper cards as alternatives. Keep your preparation notes and follow port staff guidance; avoid paid imitation services.
NIA: free arrival card and port alternatives ↗Source date: 2025-12-05 · Checked: 2026-10-04
Official submission channels and fallback; no personal eligibility decision.
NIA arrival-card system ↗Source date: Not stated · Checked: 2026-10-04
Current public client field labels; visibility and required fields depend on the selected official path.
NIA current policy directory ↗Source date: Not stated · Checked: 2026-10-04
Check current visa-free, regional and transit policies and dates; no eligibility ruling here.