China Entry Card Guide – How to Fill & Travel Requirements

If you’re traveling to China from the Philippines, it’s important to know the entry requirements and how to fill out the China arrival card to make your trip hassle-free. We’ve gathered the latest information and helpful tips to get you ready for your journey. Here’s everything you need to know about traveling from the Philippines to China.

What is the China Entry Card?

The China Entry Card, also called the arrival card, is a short form that travelers need to fill out when entering China. It gives immigration officers your basic details so they know who you are and why you’re visiting.

Who Is Exempt from Filling Out the China Arrival Card?

Foreign travelers in the following seven categories are NOT required to submit the arrival card:

1. Holders of a Permanent Resident Identity Card of the People’s Republic of China
2. Holders of a Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents (non-Chinese citizens)
3. Travelers holding a group visa or entering under group visa-free arrangements
4. Travelers transiting for 24 hours without leaving the designated port area
5. Travelers arriving and departing on the same cruise ship
6. Travelers entering through designated fast-track channels
7. Foreign crew members of international transportation vehicles (air, sea, or land)

How to Submit the China Arrival Card

When you travel from the Philippines to China, you need to submit a China Arrival Card. This is a simple health and travel form that helps Chinese immigration keep track of travelers entering the country. You have two ways to submit this form:

A. Submit Online (Fast and Easy – Best Way)

1. Official Website

You can fill out the China Arrival Card online through the official system:
https://s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC/

2. “Immigration Bureau 12367” Mobile App

Download the official app where you can easily submit your arrival card.

3. WeChat or Alipay Mini-Programs

Search “Immigration Bureau 12367” in WeChat or Alipay to access the online form.

4. Scan the Official QR Code

When you arrive at the airport in China, you will see posters and signboards showing the official QR code. Scan it with your phone to submit the form instantly.

5. For Foreigners Who Cannot Fill Out Online

If you do not have a phone or are unable to complete the form online, China provides:

• Smart self-service machines at the airport
• Paper Foreigner Arrival Cards

Airports in China Where You Can Submit the Arrival Card Online

If you’re landing at any of these airports, you can fill out your China Arrival Card online before or right after your flight:

• Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
• Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
• Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG)
• Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN)
• Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH)

B. Submit At the Airport (If You Can’t Do It Online)

If you don’t have a phone or couldn’t submit the form online, don’t worry. You can still fill it out after you land in China. Look for electronic kiosks in the arrival area or ask for a paper form from airport staff. You will need to write down the same details as in the online form.

Important Reminder for Filipino Travelers

The China Online Arrival Card (E-Arrival Card) must be completed within 24 hours before your arrival in China.

Once you submit the form, the system will instantly generate a QR code.
You will show this QR code to the immigration officers when you arrive. This helps make the entry process faster and smoother.

Visa Requirements for Filipinos Traveling to China

If you're a Philippine passport holder planning to visit China, you will need a visa before your trip—China does not offer visa-free entry for Filipino citizens at this time. Here's a simple guide to help you get ready:

1. Choose the Right Visa Type

The type of visa you need depends on why you're going to China:

• Tourist (L) Visa – for sightseeing, vacations, or visiting friends.
• Business (M) Visa – if you're attending meetings, trade fairs, or business-related events.
• Student (X) Visa – if you're going to study.
• Work (Z) Visa – if you’ve been hired to work in China.
• Family Visit (Q or S) Visa – if you’re visiting relatives who live or work in China.

Make sure to choose the correct visa category when applying.

2. Prepare the Required Documents

Generally, these are the documents you’ll need:

• Passport – must be valid for at least 6 months with blank pages.
• Completed Visa Application Form – filled out online or printed.
• Passport-sized Photo – recent and taken with a white background.
• Travel Itinerary – flight bookings and hotel reservations.
• Invitation Letter – if someone in China is inviting you (for business or family visit).
• Other documents – like a certificate of employment or financial proof, depending on your visa type.

3. Submit Your Application

• Book an appointment and go to the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in the Philippines.
• Submit your documents and pay the visa fee.
• Processing time usually takes 4–5 working days, but it may vary.

4. Arrival in China – Fill Out the Entry Card

When you land in China, you must fill out the China Arrival Card (also called the Health Declaration Form). It asks for:

• Your name and passport number
• Your flight number and travel history
• Health-related information
  This form is usually submitted online through the China Customs Health Declaration system, which you can access via a QR code at the airport.

What You Need to Enter China (From the Philippines)

If you're flying to China from the Philippines, make sure you have all the right documents ready before your trip. This will help you avoid any delays at the airport or immigration. Here’s a quick and simple checklist to guide you:

✅ 1. Valid Passport

Your Philippine passport should be valid for at least 6 more months from your date of entry into China. It should also have blank pages for visa stamps.

✅ 2. China Visa

Filipino citizens need a visa to enter China. Make sure you apply for the correct type of visa—tourist, business, work, student, or family visit—and get it approved before your flight.

✅ 3. Flight and Hotel Bookings

Bring a copy of your flight ticket (round trip, if possible) and hotel reservation or address where you’ll be staying in China.

✅ 4. Travel Itinerary

It helps to have a simple plan of your activities—where you're going, who you're visiting, and how long you'll stay.

✅ 5. Health Declaration Form (China Arrival Card)

Before or after landing in China, you must fill out a Health Declaration Form. This is usually done online through a QR code provided at the airport. It includes:

• Your name and passport number
• Your flight info
• Any symptoms or recent illnesses
• Travel history

It only takes a few minutes to complete but is required before you pass through customs.

✅ 6. Other Documents (if needed)

Depending on your visa type, immigration may ask for more paperwork like:

• An invitation letter (for business or family visits)
• Proof of income or employment
• Medical certificate (for long-term stays or work visas)

Customs and Declarations When Entering China

When you arrive in China, after you pass immigration, you will go through customs. This is where officials check your luggage and ask about the things you’re bringing into the country.

Here’s what you need to know to make this part of your trip easy and smooth:

What You Can Bring Into China

When you travel to China, it’s important to know what items you can bring with you and what you need to be careful about. Here’s a quick guide to help you prepare:

Personal Items

Things you bring for your own use, like clothes, toiletries, and personal gadgets, are usually allowed without any problems.

Duty-Free Items

You can bring some alcohol and tobacco, but only within certain limits. Usually, this means:

• Up to 1 liter of spirits (like whiskey or vodka)
• Up to 400 cigarettes or 100 cigars

Anything more than this needs to be declared and might be taxed.

Prohibited or Restricted Items

There are some things you cannot bring into China at all, or they are very strictly controlled:

• Illegal drugs or banned substances – These can lead to serious trouble and heavy penalties.
• Pornographic materials – Any kind of pornography is not allowed.
• Products made from endangered animals – Items like ivory or certain furs are banned to protect wildlife.
• Fake or counterfeit goods – Bringing fake designer items or pirated products is illegal.

Money to Declare

• If you bring Chinese Yuan (CNY) worth more than ¥20,000 (about 150,000 PHP), you must tell customs.
• For foreign currencies, if you’re carrying more than $5,000 USD (about 270,000 PHP) or the equivalent in other money, you also need to declare it.

Electronics and Goods for Business

If you bring several electronics (like multiple phones, cameras, or gadgets) or items that look like you want to sell them, customs might ask you questions or require a declaration.

Medicines and Health Products

Some medicines and health products need special permission or approval before you can bring them into China. It’s a good idea to check in advance if what you’re carrying is allowed.

Food and Agricultural Items

Bringing fresh food, meat, dairy, fruits, or plants is usually not allowed or is heavily restricted. Always check what’s permitted before packing these items.

Tips for Your China Trip

Planning a trip to China? Here are some simple tips to make your visit easier and more enjoyable:

• Download helpful apps before you go: Apps like Alipay and WeChat Pay are used almost everywhere in China for payments. Setting them up before you arrive will save you time and hassle.
• Getting around is easy: China has an excellent public transportation system. High-speed trains and city subways are fast and affordable. If you prefer taking a car, download Didi—it’s like Uber and very popular for getting around cities.
• Stay connected: It’s simple to buy a local SIM card or an eSIM for your phone once you’re in China, so you can have internet access wherever you go.

Don’t forget to book your flights to China and book your hotels in China early to get the best deals and ensure your trip goes smoothly!