Comprehensive Guide for Pre-filling Foreigner Entry Cards: Greatly Saves Your Entry Time

Introduction

On November 20, 2025, China's National Immigration Administration officially launched the "Advance Declaration for Foreign Nationals' Entry Card" policy, realizing "fingerprint-based customs clearance" through digital means. This initiative not only simplifies the entry process but also shortens the single customs clearance time from the traditional 2 hours to within 40 minutes, becoming a benchmark case for global entry facilitation reform. This article deeply analyzes the core of the policy, operation path, exemption from declaration situations and precautions to help you quickly master the "digital code" for efficient entry.

I. Core of the Policy

This reform breaks the old model of "filling in the card after arrival" and allows foreign travelers to complete electronic declaration through multiple platforms before departure. According to the pilot data of Shanghai Pudong International Airport, the average customs clearance efficiency of those who declare in advance has increased by 60%, and the error and omission rate has decreased by 90%. The National Immigration Administration specially emphasizes that the system adopts a "dual-insurance mechanism of intelligent pre-review + manual review" to ensure data security and process transparency.

II. Operation Guide

1. Online Declaration Process

Select the Declaration Channel

Access through the official website of China's National Immigration Administration (https://s.nia.gov.cn/arrivalcardfillingpc/), the "Immigration Administration 12367" APP, WeChat/Alipay mini-programs, or by scanning the QR code on the mobile terminal. It can also be accessed through the "Direct Service" column of the Shanghai International Service Portal Website. After entering the system, you only need to fill in the information step by step according to the prompts.

Fill in the Information

• Upload the document data page: Take a photo of the passport data page, the system will automatically identify the information (such as document number, name, gender, nationality, etc.), check and correct errors.

• Fill in basic information: Enter English name, date of birth, mode of entry transportation, flight/train number/ship number, entry city and port.

• Fill in personal information: Enter Chinese name, country/region of birth, contact phone number, email address, and select whether to hold a valid Visa and the visa number.

• Fill in travel information: Enter the date of entry, destination city in China, transit city, address in China, and confirm whether to hold the information of the Chinese inviting unit or inviter.

• Accompanying person information (if any): Add the information of accompanying persons, with a maximum of 10 persons.

Submit and Save the Receipt

After filling in the information, sign the statement and submit it, and the system will generate a QR code receipt. It is recommended to take a screenshot or download the PDF file for preservation and show it to the border inspection staff when entering the country.

2. On-site Declaration Process (Applicable to Situations Where Online Declaration is Not Possible)

After Arriving at the Port

Scan the on-site QR code with a mobile phone or use intelligent devices to fill in the declaration online, and the process is the same as the online declaration.
If you cannot operate electronic devices, you can fill in a paper entry card with clear handwriting.

III. Situations Exempt from Declaration

The following persons are not required to make a declaration:

• Holders of the People's Republic of China Foreign Permanent Residence Identity Card;

• Holders of the Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents (non-Chinese nationality);

• Holders of group visas or those eligible for group Visa-Free entry;

• Those who transit directly within 24 hours without leaving the port-restricted area;

• Those who enter and exit by cruise ship and return with the original cruise ship;

• Those who enter through the express channel;

• Foreign employees of inbound and outbound means of transportation.

IV. Precautions

• It is recommended to complete the declaration within 24 hours in advance to ensure the accuracy of the information.

• If the declared information is incorrect or missing, it may lead to entry obstruction.

• When entering the country, you need to show the declaration receipt or paper card to the border inspection staff.