The New Online Arrival Card Is LIVE — I Tested It on My Last Entry (2026)
Stay2CN Community Update | Border Entry Experiences | May 2026Since November 20, 2025, China has rolled out an online arrival card that you can fill out digitally before you even land. I used it on my most recent entry through Beijing Capital, and here's how it went.
What Is the Online Arrival Card?
Instead of filling out a paper arrival/departure card on the plane (you know, the one with the tiny boxes and the pen that doesn't work), you can now do it all online via a WeChat mini-program or a web portal.
It covers all the same info — passport details, flight number, purpose of visit, address in China — but you can do it on your phone at the airport before you even get to immigration.
My Experience Using It
I landed at Beijing Capital, connected to airport WiFi, scanned the QR code on a poster near immigration, and filled out the form in about 5 minutes.
At the immigration counter, the officer scanned my passport, saw the digital arrival card was already in the system, and stamped me through in under 2 minutes.
The passenger next to me was still fumbling with the paper form. I felt like I had a superpower.
How to Access It
• Look for QR codes at the airport near immigration counters
• Or search for the official WeChat mini-program before you travel
• The web portal works on any browser — no app download needed
• You can fill it out up to 24 hours before arrival
Does Everyone Need to Use It?
Not yet. As of early 2026, it's being rolled out gradually at major airports. Paper forms are still available as backup. But the digital version is clearly the direction things are going.
Tips for Smooth Entry
• Have your hotel address in Chinese copied to your phone. The form asks for it, and typing Chinese characters is hard if you don't know the language.
• Screenshot the confirmation QR code. Airport WiFi can be spotty right at the immigration area.
• It works for both visa-free transit AND visa holders. Everyone can use it.
Has anyone else tried the online arrival card? Which airport were you at, and did it work smoothly?
Stay2CN Team
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