China's digital arrival card is now live. Official info + recent travelers experiences

Good Sunday ppl! So.. for anyone planning a China trip in 2026 (or these last days of 2025), here's an update that'll make your arrival smoother: China launched their digital arrival card system last month (Nov 2025). That paper form you used to fill out on the plane? Now you can do it online before departure.

You can complete it through the official NIA website (both desktop and mobile versions), the "NIA 12367" app, or via mini-programs on WeChat/Alipay. The process has 5 steps: upload your passport photo > fill in basic info > add personal details > enter your travel plans > sign and confirm. Then you get a QR code to show at immigration.
Full step-by-step walkthrough with screenshots: visasnews.com/en/china-launches-its-digital-arrival-card-today-heres-how-to-complete-it/

National Immigration Administration (NIA) website:
From a computer: s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC
From a smartphone: s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPhone

If you forget to do it beforehand, don't panic, there will be kiosks at ports of entry, QR codes you can scan there, and paper forms will still be available.

Seven categories of foreign travelers are exempt from completing the new digital card (NIA OFFICIAL INFO):
holders of a Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card in China; non-Chinese citizens with a Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao; group travelers, whether they hold a collective visa or qualify for visa-free entry; transit passengers who remain within the designated port area; cruise passengers entering and departing on the same vessel; travelers using fast-track entry lanes; and foreign empolees of exit-entry transport vehicles. At the end, most regular tourists will need to complete it

Some updates from travelers who've used it (November/December '25):

Timing: The QR code expires after 24 hours. Best to fill it out 1-2 hours before entering China, not days in advance.

Hong Kong > Shenzhen crossings: Confirmed working at all border points (Luo Hu, Futian, all 6 land crossings). Select "Shenzhen" as your port of entry (Hong Kong operates its own immigration system). Choose your actual transport mode: "by foot" for MTR crossings (Lo Wu/Lok Ma Chau), "ferry" for ferry terminals, etc. Don't select "flight" if you're crossing by land.

Families/groups: Each person needs their own QR code, but you can add accompanying persons (children/elderly) when filling out your form. Parents can save multiple QR codes on one phone - screenshot them before your flight (they work offline).

Transit travelers (TWOV): If you're using 24/144/240-hour visa-free transit and leaving the airport, you still need to complete this. Only exempt if staying airside within the airport transit area.

Tech tip: The official website or NIA 12367 app are more reliable than the mini-program. Some travelers reported the mini-program not saving info properly.

If you've recently traveled and used the digital arrival card, please share your experience in the comments, it really helps others who are planning their 2026 trips