China Launches Digital Arrival Card, Visa-Free Transit Access For Foreigners

China is set to launch a new digital arrival card system and broaden its visa-free transit options as part of efforts to modernize border procedures and attract more international visitors following the global travel recovery.

The digital arrival card, which will take effect on November 20, 2025, marks a major step toward streamlining entry processes and enhancing efficiency at the country’s borders, according to the National Immigration Administration (NIA).

Under the new system, foreign travelers regardless of visa type can complete their entry details online before their trip, eliminating the need for traditional paper forms. This modernization aligns China with other major Asian economies, such as India, Indonesia, and South Korea, which have already digitized parts of their immigration systems.

Travelers can access the new form through the NIA website, the 12367 mobile app, or via WeChat and Alipay mini-programs. For those who do not fill it out in advance, digital kiosks and QR code stations will be available at major airports. Paper forms will continue to be offered during the transition phase.

Foreign permanent residents in China.
Hong Kong and Macao residents holding valid Mainland Travel Permits.
Cruise passengers arriving and departing on the same vessel.
Transit passengers who do not leave the airport.
Crew members of international transport vehicles.
Participants in collective visa or group entry programs.

Broader Visa-Free Transit Access

The digital arrival card is part of a broader package of ten new measures designed to make traveling to China easier and to strengthen its position as an open, globally connected destination.

Starting November 5, 2025, China’s 24-hour visa-free transit policy which allows travelers en route to a third country to stay within the airport without immigration checks will expand to ten more international airports. The new locations include Tianjin, Dalian, Nanjing, Fuzhou, Qingdao, Wuhan, Nanning, Haikou, Chongqing, and Kunming.

Additionally, the 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit program will now include five new entry points in Guangdong Province:

Guangzhou Pazhou Ferry Terminal
Hengqin Port
Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge Port
Zhongshan Passenger Port
West Kowloon Station Port on the Guangzhou–Shenzhen–Hong Kong high-speed rail

This expanded program now covers 65 ports across 24 provinces, allowing travelers from 55 eligible countries to visit China for tourism, business, or family visits without needing a visa.

Easier Mainland–Hong Kong–Macao Travel

In addition to these updates, China is also introducing reforms to facilitate travel between the mainland, Hong Kong, and Macao. Mainland residents visiting family in the two Special Administrative Regions will now be able to renew their travel permits directly through China Travel Service offices in Hong Kong and Macao, removing the previous requirement to return to the mainland for renewal.