China is rolling out smoother entry procedures for international visitors, with two updates now taking effect in Guangdong. Beginning November 20, 2025, foreign travelers will be able to complete China's Arrival Card online in advance.
The new system is accessible via QR code, the National Immigration Administration website, the "NIA 12367" app, and WeChat/Alipay mini-programs. How do you use it? Let's take a look at the video.
The online Arrival Card filling website
The QR code for Arrival Card filling:
The following seven categories are exempt from filling out the Arrival Card:
a. holding a People's Republic of China Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card;
b. holding a Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents (Non-Chinese Citizens);
c. holding a group visa or eligible for group visa-free entry;
d. transiting directly within 24 hours without leaving the restricted area of the port;
e. entering and exiting on the same cruise ship;
f. entering through fast lanes;
g. foreign employees of exit-entry transport vehicles.
Additionally, from November 5, 2025, Guangzhou Pazhou Ferry Terminal, Hengqin Port, Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Port, Zhongshan Port (Passenger), and West Kowloon Station Port of Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link have been added as entry ports for the 240-hour visa-free transit policy, increasing the number of applicable entry ports for the policy from 60 to 65. This expansion enables travelers from 55 countries to enter Guangdong visa-free for up to 10 days when transiting to a third country.
More details:
10 new exit-entry policies boost travel to China, ease visa-free transit rules
Reporter | Dai Bosi
Video & Poster | Deng Yingheng
Editor | Hu Nan, James Campion, Shen He
Special thanks to Guangdong University of Foreign Studies.
