On this page
Verification Status
Official-source verified
Reviewed against the listed official immigration, visa, or government sources and chinatripready policy data. Use it for planning, then re-check official sources, airline requirements, and your exact travel document before booking non-refundable travel.
What still needs re-checking
- This guide does not include an airline check-in desk test record.
- This guide does not include traveler-specific embassy or consulate confirmation.
Short Answer
Before arrival, keep your hotel address, phone number, flight details, passport information, and China contact details easy to access. Forms and procedures can vary, so prepare offline copies.
Use This Page Like This
Use this guide for entry planning, then hand off the trip setup.
Entry-sensitive guides explain the policy path, while the wizard and official sources keep the final planning boundary conservative.
Entry guidance is R0. Use exact route and port details, then verify official sources close to travel.
Use This Page For
- Entry concepts, route examples, arrival-card preparation, and visa fallback reading.
- When to run the Entry Wizard with exact passport, purpose, stay length, route, port, and onward-ticket details.
- Official-source reminders before booking or flying.
Do Not Rely On This Page For
- Final airline, border inspection, embassy, visa center, or consulate decisions.
- Payment, network, hotel, booking, or transport success after entry is allowed.
- Positive transit results from a city name without a concrete port.
Save Before Arrival
Keep entry notes tied to the setup path.
Use the guide for planning, then save setup tasks and re-check official sources close to travel.
Visual Guidance
Use these visuals to understand the action, not as a guarantee.
Each visual keeps its source, scope, and limits visible so you can act without over-reading one screenshot or diagram.
Source Reference
Official online arrival-card channel reference.
NIA's announcement shows the official online arrival-card website interface and QR-code channels, while still allowing port-side completion for travelers who cannot complete it online in advance.
Official source reference for the online arrival-card filling channel described in the NIA announcement.
- Does not replace instructions at the port, airline requirements, or current NIA channel availability.
- Does not mean every traveler must or can complete the same online path before travel.
- Does not store or request passport numbers, booking references, or private address details in chinatripready.
Who This Guide Is For
- First-time arrivals
- You if you do not have Chinese address details saved
- You if you are using visa-free entry or a tourist visa
Quick Checklist
- Hotel name in English and Chinese
- Chinese address and phone number
- Flight number and onward ticket
- Passport and visa details
- Emergency contact
Step-by-Step Guide
- Generate a Chinese address card for your hotel.
- Save flight and hotel details offline.
- Answer form questions consistently with your itinerary.
- Ask airport staff for help if a field is unclear.
Troubleshooting
- If mobile data is not working, use saved screenshots or printed hotel details.
- If you are unsure about a form field, ask airport staff instead of guessing.
Common Mistakes
- Only saving the hotel address in English
- Not knowing the first night's accommodation
- Relying on mobile data before it works
Save or recover with these
FAQ
Should I save my hotel address in Chinese?
Yes. It helps with forms, taxis, and check-in.
Do I need my onward flight details?
For many travelers, especially transit users, onward travel details are important to have ready.
Can I use a booking app screenshot?
Yes, but also save the Chinese address and phone number separately.
What if my plans change?
Keep the first night's confirmed accommodation clear and update your saved details.
Should I print documents?
Printing critical documents is a useful backup if your phone or data fails.
Sources and Verification
- National Immigration Administration - online arrival card filling announcement last checked 2026-05-07
- National Immigration Administration last checked 2026-05-04