Arrival Card China โ CDAC in English
Fill out your China Digital Arrival Card (CDAC) in English with our online form. Coming soon โ prepare your trip to Beijing, Shanghai or Guangzhou with peace of mind.
Welcome to China
Since November 20, 2025, the China Digital Arrival Card (CDAC) is mandatory for all foreign travelers entering China. Issued by the National Immigration Administration via the official portal s.nia.gov.cn, it replaces the traditional paper arrival card. It must be submitted within 72 hours before arrival. This formality is separate from the Chinese visa or visa-free transit, which are handled independently.
China CDAC Information
What does the China CDAC consist of?
The procedure must be completed within 72 hours before your arrival in China. The online form requires personal data, passport details, flight information, and accommodation address. Once submitted, you will receive a confirmation to present at immigration. Each traveler, including minors, must have their own form.
Which nationalities are concerned?
Since November 20, 2025, the CDAC is mandatory for all foreign travelers entering China by air, land, or sea. Chinese nationals are exempt. For those unable to complete it online, kiosks are available at entry points.
Which entry points are concerned?
The CDAC is required at all entry points to China. Main airports: Beijing Capital (PEK) and Daxing (PKX), Shanghai Pudong (PVG) and Hongqiao (SHA), Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN), Chengdu (CTU), Hangzhou (HGH), Xi'an (XIY), Kunming (KMG), Shenzhen (SZX).
Places to visit in China
China
Beijing, the capital, hosts unmissable wonders: the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the Temple of Heaven, and of course the Great Wall, easily accessible from the city at Badaling or Mutianyu.
Shanghai, an economic metropolis, fascinates with the contrast between the historic Bund district and the futuristic Pudong skyscrapers, dominated by the Shanghai Tower and the Oriental Pearl.
Xi'an, an ancient imperial capital, is world-famous for its Terracotta Army, but also for its medieval city walls and Great Mosque, witnessing the heritage of the Silk Road.
Guilin and the Li River offer one of China's most iconic landscapes, with karst peaks emerging from terraced rice fields. A cruise to Yangshuo is unforgettable.
Chengdu, capital of Sichuan, is famous for the giant panda research base, its spicy cuisine, and the sacred Mount Emei with its Buddhist temples.
Required Information Table
| INFORMATION TO PROVIDE | PERSONAL DATA |
|---|---|
| PERSONAL DATA | Name, First Name, Date of Birth, Nationality, Passport Number, Passport Expiration Date |
| TRAVEL DETAILS | Arrival Date, Departure Date, Purpose of Travel, Country of Residence |
| FLIGHT INFORMATION | Airline Name, Flight Number, Port of Embarkation |
| ACCOMMODATION | Name and Address of Accommodation in China, City, Province, Contact Phone |
| ITINERARY | Countries visited in the last 14 days, Next destination after China |
| destinations.china.table.raw6.title | destinations.china.table.raw6.content |
Document Timeline
History and evolution of the document.
2018
The National Immigration Administration of China is created to centralize border controls.
2018
The National Immigration Administration of China is created to centralize border controls.
2020
COVID-19 pandemic introduces mandatory digital health forms.
2020
COVID-19 pandemic introduces mandatory digital health forms.
2023
Post-COVID border reopening with return of the traditional paper arrival card.
2023
Post-COVID border reopening with return of the traditional paper arrival card.
November 20, 2025
Launch of the China Digital Arrival Card (CDAC) on s.nia.gov.cn โ mandatory online declaration.
November 20, 2025
Launch of the China Digital Arrival Card (CDAC) on s.nia.gov.cn โ mandatory online declaration.
2026
Generalization of CDAC to all land and sea entry points.
2026
Generalization of CDAC to all land and sea entry points.
A reliable and secure service.
Processing Time
Your arrival card is typically processed within 24 hours. We recommend applying at least 3 days before your travel date.
Requirements
Valid passport with at least 6 months validity, recent passport photo, travel itinerary, and accommodation details.
Fees
The service fee is โฌ29 incl. tax per arrival card issued, excluding any consular fees. This covers form translation, application verification, and customer support.
How It Works
Simple, fast, and stress-free.
Fill in the online form
Complete our secure form with your personal information and travel details
Receive your arrival card by email
We process your application and send your electronic arrival card directly to your inbox
Present your card upon arrival
Upon arrival, simply present your electronic card to immigration authorities
Frequently Asked Questions โ China
What is the China Digital Arrival Card (CDAC)?
The CDAC is the mandatory Chinese digital arrival card introduced on November 20, 2025 by the National Immigration Administration. It replaces the paper arrival card and must be completed online via the official portal s.nia.gov.cn.
Is the CDAC mandatory?
Yes, since November 20, 2025, the CDAC is mandatory for all foreign travelers entering China, regardless of mode of transport (air, land, sea). Without it, you may face delays at immigration.
How to fill out the CDAC online?
You can fill out your CDAC through ArrivalCards. The form asks for your personal details, passport information, flight details, and accommodation address in China.
When should I fill out the CDAC?
The CDAC must be submitted within 72 hours before your arrival in China. We recommend completing it as soon as your travel plans are confirmed.
Do I need a visa in addition to the CDAC?
Yes, the CDAC does not replace the visa. Depending on your nationality, you will need to obtain a Chinese visa or benefit from visa-free transit agreements before your trip.
Which Chinese airports accept the CDAC?
The CDAC is required at all entry points, including main airports: Beijing (PEK/PKX), Shanghai (PVG/SHA), Guangzhou (CAN), Chengdu (CTU), Hangzhou (HGH), Xi'an (XIY), Kunming (KMG), Shenzhen (SZX).
How much does the CDAC cost?
The CDAC is free on the official portal s.nia.gov.cn. On ArrivalCards, the service fee is โฌ29 incl. tax per arrival card issued, excluding any consular fees.
Is the form available in my language?
The official Chinese portal is available in Chinese and English. ArrivalCards offers a translated and simplified form in 9 languages.
What documents are needed for the CDAC?
To complete the CDAC, you will need a valid passport, your Chinese visa (where applicable), flight details, and accommodation address in China.
Is the CDAC required for children?
Yes, every traveler, including children and babies, must have their own CDAC to enter China. Parents or legal guardians must complete the form for each minor child.