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 (Arrival Card or CDAC) is a short form that all foreign travelers must complete when entering China. It provides immigration officers with your basic details, such as your identity, purpose of visit, and where you will stay. Once submitted, it becomes your official entry record with Chinese immigration.

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 (CDAC). This digital form helps immigration record your entry.

You have two ways to submit:

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

Wechat

Alipay

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

4. Scan QR Code at the Airport

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.

Important: This QR code is only valid for 24 hours, so it’s best to fill out the form close to your arrival time.

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
• Beijing Capital International Airport — PEK
• Beijing Daxing International Airport — PKX
• Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport — CAN
• Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport — SZX
• Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport — CKG
• Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport — XMN
• Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport — HGH
• Chengdu Tianfu International Airport — TFU
• Kunming Changshui International Airport — KMG
• Nanjing Lukou International Airport — NKG

Heads up: If this is your first time visiting China, you’ll need to scan your fingerprints at the airport. This is a normal step for all first-time visitors.

❤️Pro Tip: Airport WiFi may require login, so always save your QR code before flying to avoid delays.

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

Self-service Kiosks

Paper Form

If you can’t submit online, you can still complete it after arrival:

• Use self-service kiosks (scan passport + fill details)
• Or fill in a paper form provided by airport staff

Important Reminder for Filipino Travelers

• You can complete the China Online Arrival Card up to 72 hours before arrival, but it’s safest to do it within 24 hours before your flight
• QR code is required
  After submission, you will get a QR code — this is your entry record
• Screenshot your QR code
  Save it on your phone before flying, as airport WiFi may not be reliable
• One QR code per person
  Each traveler (including children) must have their own QR code
• Prepare accurate details
  Make sure your hotel name, address, and flight details match your booking
• Show at arrival
  You will scan or show your QR code before reaching the immigration officer

Tip: Even though paper forms are still available, most major airports now prefer the digital QR system for faster entry.

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 helps you avoid delays at the airport or immigration.

1. Valid Passport

• Your Philippine passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry.
• Make sure you also have blank pages for visa stamps.

2. China Visa

• Filipino citizens usually need a visa to enter China.
• Apply for the correct type (tourist, business, work, student, or family visit) before your flight.

Note: You may enter without a visa only if you qualify for visa-free transit (24 or 144 hours) when flying to a third country.

3. Flight and Hotel Bookings

Prepare copies of:

• Return or onward flight ticket
• Hotel reservation or full address of where you’ll stay

4. China Arrival Card (CDAC)

You must complete the China Arrival Card (digital form) before or upon arrival.

It includes:

• Personal and passport details
• Flight information
• Travel and health details

After submission, you will receive a QR code that must be shown at the airport.

5. Other Documents (if needed)

Depending on your visa, you may need:

• Invitation letter (business or family visit)
• Proof of income or employment
• Bank certificate (for some tourist visas)
• Medical documents (for long-term stays)

Customs and Declarations When Entering China

After you pass immigration, you will go through customs. This is where officers check your luggage and review what you’re bringing into the country.

Here’s what you need to know to make this step smooth and stress-free:

What You Can Bring Into China

Personal Items

Clothes, toiletries, and personal gadgets for your own use are usually allowed without any issues.

Duty-Free Items

You can bring alcohol and tobacco within these limits:

• Up to 1.5 liters of alcohol (spirits or similar)
• Up to 400 cigarettes or 100 cigars

If you exceed these limits, you must declare them and may need to pay tax.

Money to Declare

You must declare if you carry:

• More than ¥20,000 CNY
• More than $5,000 USD (or equivalent in other currencies)

Prohibited or Restricted Items

These items are not allowed or strictly controlled:

• Illegal drugs – very serious penalties
• Pornographic materials – not allowed
• Endangered animal products (e.g. ivory, rare furs)
• Fake or counterfeit goods
• Fresh food, meat, fruits, or plants – usually banned

Electronics and Goods for Business

• If you carry multiple gadgets or items that look for resale, customs may question you
• High-value items (like cameras, drones, laptops) may need declaration if above ¥5,000 CNY

Medicines and Health Products

• Bring only a reasonable amount (personal use)
• Carry a prescription or doctor’s note if needed

Food and Agricultural Items

China has strict rules on food and agricultural products to prevent diseases and pests. Make sure you pack carefully to avoid fines or confiscation.

Not Allowed (Highly Restricted)

• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Meat and meat products (including dried or processed meat like jerky or sausages)
• Dairy products
• Plants, seeds, and soil
• Unprocessed animal products

Customs Channels (Very Important)

When exiting customs, choose the correct lane:

• 🟢 Green Channel (Nothing to Declare)
  If all your items are within the allowed limits
• 🔴 Red Channel (Goods to Declare)
  If you exceed limits or are unsure about any item

Tips for Your China Trip

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

Download apps before you go: Use Alipay and WeChat for payments

Getting around is easy: Take trains, metro, or use DiDi for rides

Stay connected: Get a SIM card or eSIM for internet access

Use local maps: Try Amap or Baidu Maps

Book early: Flights and hotels are cheaper when booked in advance