China Electronic Arrival Card 2026: PC Guide & Visa-Free Entry

Hey there, fellow travelers!

As I planned my recent trips to Tianjin and Beijing, I found myself filling out China's electronic arrival card once again.

With the introduction of China's visa-free policy, many more people are flocking to explore this incredible country, and I'm definitely one of them!

Gone are the days of fumbling with paper arrival cards on the plane. Since November 20, 2025, the paper forms have been completely phased out, making the electronic arrival card mandatory for all entries.

To avoid any last-minute airport stress, it's absolutely essential to complete this form before you even depart!

Today, I'm breaking down the entire process for filling out the electronic arrival card using your PC.

China's 30-Day Visa-Free Entry

For many nationalities, including US citizens, you can enjoy a visa-free stay in China for up to 30 days.

✔️Stay Duration

Up to 30 days (calculated from the day after your arrival)

✔️Validity Period

Valid until December 31, 2026

✔️Permitted Purposes

Tourism, business, visiting family and friends, exchange visits, transit

Just a heads-up: if your purpose of visit is for employment or study, you'll still need a visa, so be sure to check the requirements!

What You'll Need Before You Start

Gather these three items before you begin filling out your arrival card:

✅Your Passport

✅Your Flight Ticket

✅Your Hotel Address and Contact Information

You'll need to input your flight number and accommodation details, so having these ready will make the process a breeze!

Important Note: Only use the official website!

When you search online for 'China arrival card', you might encounter several paid third-party websites with similar names. These are private agencies that charge a fee for a service that is completely free.

The electronic arrival card is absolutely free! Always double-check that you're on the official domain (.gov.cn) and only use the link below:

🔽🔽🔽🔽

How to Fill Out on PC

When you access the official site, it typically defaults to English. If not, you can easily change the language by clicking the 'Language' button.

Step 1: Click 'Entry Declaration' and Agree

From the main screen, click the 'Entry Declaration' button. Read the terms of use and click 'Agree' to start filling out the form.

Step 2: Upload Your Passport Photo

You'll need to upload a photo of your passport's information page. Make sure all four corners of the passport are visible, the photo is taken head-on, and there's no glare or shadows.

Once uploaded, your name, gender, date of birth, nationality, and passport number will be automatically populated.

It's absolutely crucial to compare the auto-filled information with your physical passport and verify every single detail, including spellings!

Step 3: Enter Personal and Entry Information

After confirming your passport details, enter the flight number for your arrival in China. The system will automatically pull up relevant flight information once you input the flight number.

Step 4: Enter Personal and Visa Information

This page requires you to input your country of birth, contact number, email address, and visa information.

For 'Country of Birth', you can search for your country's three-letter code (e.g., 'USA' for the United States).

For your contact number, enter your country code (e.g., '1' for the US) followed by your full phone number, without hyphens or spaces (e.g., 12125551234).

It's a good idea to enter your email address, as you can receive the QR code via email, providing a handy backup.

If you're traveling visa-free, select 'No' for 'Do you hold a visa?' and choose 'Visa-Exempt Entry' for 'Entry Type.'

Step 5: Enter Entry Purpose and Stay Information

Here, you'll enter your purpose of entry, arrival date, and your hotel's name or address.

If you're visiting for leisure, simply select 'Tourism' as your purpose. Copying the English address directly from Google Maps is the easiest way to ensure accuracy for your hotel address.

If you don't have a Chinese inviting organization, select 'No'. If your departure plans are set, select 'Yes' and input your departure date and flight number; the system will usually auto-fill the rest.

Step 6: Add Companions

If you're traveling with companions, you can add their details here. If you're traveling solo, simply select 'No.'

A handy tip: the official site allows you to input details for up to 10 people at once, making it super convenient for families or groups traveling together!

Step 7: Sign and Get Your QR Code

Once you've completed your signature, your QR code will be generated!

Present this QR code at the immigration counter upon your arrival in China.

Essential QR Code Tips

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It's safest to complete the QR code application within 72 hours of your arrival. Don't apply too early!

Capture a screenshot of your QR code and save it to your phone. Additionally, having it emailed to you provides a great backup in case of any unexpected issues.

You can only make corrections before you submit the form. Once submitted, it's difficult to make changes, so review everything meticulously before finalizing!

Snag These China Hotel Discounts!

Most travelers heading to China book their hotels, tours, and tickets through platforms like Trip.com.

I personally scored a great deal on my hotel booking using a Trip.com discount coupon for my recent trip!

Code: 3HAHOTEL5

Discount: 5% (up to ~$11 off)

Minimum Spend: None

Booking Period: 09/01/2026 - 09/30/2026

Stay Period: No check-in date restrictions

Applicable Hotels: All hotels worldwide

Usage: Up to 10 times per account

I've included the link for this hotel discount code, valid for the entire month of September, so be sure to check it out! ^^

Trip.com Hotel Discount Code September | Worldwide Hotel 5% Discount Code Guideblog.naver.com

👉 Book Your Hotel with Trip.com Discount Coupons

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