What is the China Digital Arrival Card (CDAC)?
π TL;DR
The China Digital Arrival Card (CDAC) is an electronic arrival/declaration card that replaces the traditional paper landing card for all foreign travelers entering mainland China. It's part of China's digitization of border control processes.
Effective date: November 20, 2025
Starting November 20, 2025, all foreign nationals entering mainland China are required to complete the China Digital Arrival Card (CDAC) before arrival. This is a significant change from the traditional paper arrival cards that were handed out on flights and at border crossings.
The CDAC captures essential travel and identity information that was previously collected on paper forms. The digital system allows Chinese immigration authorities to process traveler data more efficiently and reduces wait times at border control.
Why Did China Introduce the CDAC?
- π Faster processing β Authorities can review your information before you arrive
- π± Paperless & eco-friendly β No more losing or damaging paper cards
- π Better data accuracy β Less risk of illegible handwriting or transcription errors
- π Part of China's digital modernization β Aligned with the country's push for smart border management
π‘ Good to Know
The CDAC is sometimes also referred to as an electronic arrival card or digital immigration form. Regardless of the name, it serves the same purpose as the paper landing card that existed before.
Who is Exempt from Filling Out the CDAC?
Not everyone needs to complete the CDAC. The following categories of travelers are exempt:
| Exemption Category | Details |
|---|---|
| πͺͺ Chinese Permanent Residents | Foreign nationals holding Chinese permanent resident identity cards (δΈε½ζ°ΈδΉ ε± ηθΊ«δ»½θ―) |
| ππ°π²π΄ HK/Macau Residents | Residents of Hong Kong and Macau holding relevant permits (e.g., HK/Macau SAR passports, Mainland Travel Permits for Hong Kong/Macau residents) |
| π Border Residents of 7 Countries | Citizens of countries bordering China β Russia, Mongolia, North Korea, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Nepal β who live in border areas and cross regularly (specific border pass holders) |
| π Diplomatic/Official Passport Holders | Travelers entering on diplomatic or official/service passports (bilateral agreements apply) |
| βοΈ Transit Passengers | Those transiting through China who do not pass through immigration (stay in transit zones) |
β οΈ Important
If you fall into an exemption category but still choose to fill out the CDAC, there's no penalty β it's simply not required. If you're unsure whether you need to complete it, err on the side of caution and fill it out. It takes only a few minutes.
β Note on Visa-Free Travelers
If you're entering China under one of the visa-free transit policies (e.g., 72/144-hour visa-free transit), you still need to complete the CDAC unless you fall into one of the exemption categories above. The CDAC is separate from visa requirements.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out the CDAC
You can fill out the CDAC up to 72 hours before your arrival in China. We recommend completing it at least 24 hours before departure to leave room for any technical issues.
β±οΈ The 72-Hour Window
The CDAC must be submitted no earlier than 72 hours (3 days) before your scheduled arrival in mainland China. If you try to submit earlier, the system will not accept it. Plan accordingly!
1 Access the CDAC Form
Go to s.nia.gov.cn β the official website of China's National Immigration Administration (NIA). Look for the "Digital Arrival Card" or "Electronic Arrival Card" section.
Alternatively, you can access it via:
- π± 12367 App β Download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store
- π¬ WeChat Mini Program β Search "China Digital Arrival Card" or "ε ₯ε’ε‘" in WeChat
- π° Alipay Mini Program β Search "China Arrival Card" in Alipay
2 Select Your Language
The website/app supports multiple languages including English, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Russian, French, German, Spanish, and more. Select your preferred language before starting.
3 Fill in Your Personal Information
Complete each field carefully. Here's what you'll typically need:
| Field | What to Enter |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Exactly as it appears on your passport (surname first, then given name) |
| Passport Number | Your valid passport number |
| Nationality | As stated on your passport |
| Date of Birth | In YYYY-MM-DD format |
| Gender | As on your passport |
| Passport Issue Date | The date your passport was issued |
| Passport Expiry Date | The date your passport expires (must be valid for entry) |
| Email Address | A valid email for confirmation |
| Phone Number | International format (e.g., +1-xxx-xxx-xxxx) |
4 Enter Your Travel Details
| Field | What to Enter |
|---|---|
| Purpose of Visit | Tourism / Business / Family Visit / Transit / Work / Study / Media / Other |
| Port of Entry | The specific airport, land border, or seaport where you'll enter China |
| Flight/Train/Ship Number | The number of your arrival transportation |
| Arrival Date | Your scheduled date of arrival in China |
| Length of Stay | Intended number of days in China |
| Destination Address in China | Your first hotel or address in China (city + hotel name/address) |
| Previous Visits to China | Yes/No β if yes, approximate dates |
5 Health Declaration (if required)
Depending on current health policies, you may need to complete a health declaration as part of the CDAC process. This asks about recent travel history, symptoms, and contact information. Check the latest requirements before your trip.
6 Review & Submit
Double-check all information for accuracy β especially your passport number, name, and arrival details. Errors can cause delays at immigration.
Once submitted, you'll receive a confirmation QR code or barcode. Screenshot it and save it to your phone's photo gallery β you'll need to show it at border control.
Where to Submit: 3 Easy Ways
1οΈβ£ Official Website (s.nia.gov.cn)
The primary and most reliable method. Visit s.nia.gov.cn directly. Look for the CDAC entry portal on the homepage. Works best on desktop browsers (Chrome, Safari, Edge).
2οΈβ£ 12367 App (National Immigration Administration)
Download the "12367" app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. This is the official app of China's NIA. Look for the "Digital Arrival Card" feature under the services section.
β Pros: Convenient, stores your info for future trips, push notifications
3οΈβ£ WeChat / Alipay Mini Program
In WeChat: Search "China Digital Arrival Card" or "η΅εε ₯ε’ε‘" in the mini program search.
In Alipay: Search "China Arrival Card" or "ε ₯ε’ε‘".
β Pros: Quick access if you already use these apps
π‘ Which Method Should You Use?
If you're tech-comfortable, the 12367 app is the best long-term choice β you can save your passport details for faster form-filling on future trips. For one-time visits, the website is equally fine. The mini programs are handy if you're already a WeChat/Alipay user in China.
Required Documents & Information
Before you start filling out the CDAC, make sure you have these handy:
- β Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity recommended)
- β Flight/train/ship booking confirmation (with your arrival date and port)
- β Hotel booking or address of where you'll stay in China
- β Email address for confirmation receipt
- β Phone number (international format)
- β Visa or visa-free notice (if applicable)
- β Recent travel history (last 14 days, if asked)
Passport Tips
- Your passport must be machine-readable (standard for most passports issued in the last 20+ years)
- Make sure your passport is not damaged β especially the bio-data page
- If your name contains special characters (e.g., accents, Γ±, ΓΌ), enter them as they appear in your passport's machine-readable zone (MRZ)
Paper Version: Still Available at Some Ports
β οΈ Important Update
While China is pushing for full digital adoption of the CDAC, some land border crossings and smaller ports may still have limited digital infrastructure. In these cases, paper arrival cards may still be available.
However, if you can fill out the CDAC online, we strongly recommend doing so β it's faster, more reliable, and eliminates any language barrier issues at the border.
If you need to use a paper card at a port where digital systems are down:
- Paper cards are usually provided on the flight or at the border crossing
- Fill them out in block capitals using a pen (blue or black ink)
- Follow the same information you'd enter in the digital form
- Keep your completed card handy β you'll need to submit it at immigration
Pro Tips & Common Issues
β Pro Tips
1. Submit 24β72 Hours Before Arrival
Don't submit too early (the system won't accept it before the 72-hour window) and don't wait until the last minute. Aim for 24-48 hours before your flight.
2. Save the QR Code in Multiple Places
After submission, take screenshots of your confirmation QR code and also email it to yourself. If your phone dies or you lose signal at the airport, you'll have a backup.
3. Use the 12367 App for Repeat Travelers
If you visit China regularly, the 12367 app lets you save your passport and travel details, making future CDAC submissions a 2-minute process.
4. Match Your Passport Exactly
Your CDAC info must match your passport exactly β name order, passport number, dates. Even a small discrepancy can cause questions at immigration.
5. Know Your Port of Entry
Enter the specific port name (e.g., "Beijing Capital International Airport" not just "Beijing"). The system may accept airport codes as well.
β Common Issues & Fixes
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| π΄ System won't accept my submission | Check if you're within the 72-hour window. Also check if your passport info matches exactly. Try a different browser or the app. |
| π΄ QR code not showing after submission | Refresh the page or check your email for the confirmation. Sometimes emails go to spam. If still not working, try re-submitting. |
| π΄ Wrong information submitted | You can re-submit a new form β the system typically overwrites previous submissions. Better to re-submit than arrive with incorrect info. |
| π΄ Can't access the website from my country | Try using the 12367 app or WeChat/Alipay mini program. Some countries may have restricted access to s.nia.gov.cn. |
| π΄ Form rejected due to passport expiry | Your passport must be valid. If it expires within 6 months of your arrival, renew it first β many airlines and immigration desks require this. |
| π΄ Language barriers on the form | Use the language toggle on the website/app. If stuck, ask a Chinese-speaking friend or your travel agent for help. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
β Is the CDAC the same as a visa?
No. The CDAC is an arrival/declaration card that collects your travel information β it is not a visa. You still need a valid visa or qualify for visa-free entry to enter China. The CDAC is a separate requirement.
β Do I need the CDAC if I'm on a transit visa?
Yes. If you're passing through Chinese immigration (even for a short transit), you need to complete the CDAC unless you're exempt. Only passengers staying in the international transit zone without passing immigration are exempt.
β Can I fill out the CDAC after I arrive in China?
No. The CDAC must be submitted before arrival β ideally 24-72 hours before your flight. You cannot fill it out after landing.
β What happens if I don't complete the CDAC?
You may face delays at immigration or be required to fill out a paper form at the port of entry. In some cases, airlines may also check for CDAC completion before boarding as part of China's pre-arrival information requirements.
β How long does it take to fill out?
For first-time users, about 10-15 minutes if you have all your documents ready. Repeat users with saved data in the 12367 app can complete it in 2-3 minutes.
β Can I use the CDAC for multiple entries?
Each CDAC submission is trip-specific. You need to submit a new CDAC for each arrival in mainland China. The 12367 app makes this easier by pre-filling your details.
β What if I make a mistake on my CDAC?
You can simply re-submit a corrected CDAC before your arrival. The system generally treats the latest submission as the valid one. It's better to correct mistakes than arrive with wrong information.
β Is the CDAC required for children?
Yes. Every traveler entering China, including children and infants, must have their own CDAC (or paper arrival card). Parents/guardians can fill it out on behalf of their children.
β Which countries' border residents are exempt?
Citizens of Russia, Mongolia, North Korea, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Nepal who live in designated border areas and hold valid border crossing permits are exempt. This is limited to regular border residents, not all citizens of these countries.
β Does the CDAC replace the customs declaration form?
No. The CDAC is an arrival card for immigration/border control. You may still need to complete a separate customs declaration if you're carrying goods that exceed duty-free limits. In many cases, the customs declaration is now also digital.