China’s National Immigration Administration (NIA) has launched a campaign to replace the long-standing paper Arrival Card with a digital alternative. From 20 December passengers can pre-submit personal and travel details via the NIA website, the “NIA 12367” mobile app or WeChat/Alipay mini-programmes and receive a QR code for scanning at passport control.
Large signs have appeared at major airports and airlines are distributing QR codes during check-in to encourage early submission. While paper cards remain available during the transition, officials aim to make electronic filing the default within six months.
![China Begins Nationwide Phase-Out of Paper Arrival Cards, Ushers in Digital QR System]()
The change should shorten queues during the upcoming Lunar New Year surge, particularly at mega-hubs such as Shanghai Pudong and Guangzhou Baiyun where manual card-filling can consume up to eight minutes per passenger. Multinationals are updating pre-trip checklists to ensure employees complete the form online, and travel-management companies are embedding the QR link in itinerary emails.
Data security remains a concern for some firms handling sensitive IP; the NIA says information is stored on mainland servers and purged after a statutory retention period. Companies that prefer extra caution may allow staff to keep using the paper form until internal reviews are complete.
Authorities hint that the e-card may eventually integrate with China’s expanding “Smart Lane” facial-recognition gates, creating a fully paperless arrival experience.
Large signs have appeared at major airports and airlines are distributing QR codes during check-in to encourage early submission. While paper cards remain available during the transition, officials aim to make electronic filing the default within six months.
The change should shorten queues during the upcoming Lunar New Year surge, particularly at mega-hubs such as Shanghai Pudong and Guangzhou Baiyun where manual card-filling can consume up to eight minutes per passenger. Multinationals are updating pre-trip checklists to ensure employees complete the form online, and travel-management companies are embedding the QR link in itinerary emails.
Data security remains a concern for some firms handling sensitive IP; the NIA says information is stored on mainland servers and purged after a statutory retention period. Companies that prefer extra caution may allow staff to keep using the paper form until internal reviews are complete.
Authorities hint that the e-card may eventually integrate with China’s expanding “Smart Lane” facial-recognition gates, creating a fully paperless arrival experience.
Source: VisaHQ
