China has officially launched a new digital arrival card system for foreign nationals entering the country, marking a major step toward modernizing immigration procedures. Effective 20 November 2025, international travelers, including Ugandan traders, businesspeople, and students, can now complete their arrival card online before departure through official platforms managed by China’s National Immigration Administration (NIA).
This system significantly reduces the need for traditional paper arrival cards previously filled out on airplanes or at Chinese airports. For Ugandans who travel frequently to China for trade, sourcing, studies, or factory visits, this change means less paperwork, shorter queues, and smoother entry
What Is the Digital Arrival Card for China?
The digital arrival card is the online replacement for the paper arrival card that foreign visitors were required to complete upon arrival in China. It collects essential immigration information such as:
- Personal details
- Passport information
- Visa details
- Travel itinerary
- Address in China
- Emergency contact information
Previously, Ugandan travelers would receive a paper form during their flight or fill one out at the airport after landing, often while tired and rushed. With the digital arrival card, this information can now be submitted before boarding your flight to China, making the arrival process faster and more efficient.
This is especially helpful for Ugandan traders flying to Guangzhou, Yiwu, Shenzhen, or Shanghai, as well as students heading to Chinese universities, where arrival halls can be crowded during peak seasons.
How Ugandan Travelers Can Complete the Digital Arrival Card
Ugandan nationals traveling to China can complete the digital arrival card using several official Chinese government platforms:
1. Official NIA Website
The primary and most reliable method is the official National Immigration Administration portal:
➡️ https://s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC
This website allows travelers to fill out the digital form on a computer or mobile browser before departure.
2. Mobile App and Mini Programs
Travelers can also submit their arrival card via:
- “NIA 12367” mobile app
- Mini programs available on WeChat and Alipay
These options are convenient for Ugandan traders already using WeChat to communicate with Chinese suppliers or freight agents.
3. QR Code Access
At airports and ports of entry, official notices may display a QR code. Scanning it with a smartphone opens the digital arrival card form instantly.
Once completed, the system usually generates a digital confirmation or QR code, which you can show to immigration officers upon arrival.
What If You Don’t Complete the Digital Arrival Card Before Traveling?
If you forget or are unable to complete the digital arrival card before your flight, you will not be denied entry.
China’s immigration authorities have confirmed that travelers may still:
- Scan a QR code at the airport to complete the form on their phone
- Use self-service immigration kiosks at arrival halls
- Complete a paper arrival card if necessary
This flexibility is especially useful for Ugandan travelers transiting through multiple airports or those traveling on short notice.
However, completing the digital arrival card in advance is strongly recommended to avoid delays, particularly during busy travel periods such as trade fairs, university intakes, or sourcing seasons.
Who Is Required to Complete the Digital Arrival Card?
Most Ugandan citizens entering China for trade, study, work, or tourism must complete the digital arrival card. However, the NIA has identified seven categories of travelers who are exempt:
- Holders of a valid Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card of China
- Holders of a Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents (non-Chinese citizens)
- Travelers using group visas or group visa-free entry
- Passengers in 24-hour direct transit who stay within the transit area
- Cruise passengers entering and exiting on the same ship
- Travelers using E-channel automated immigration lanes
- Foreign crew members of international transport vehicles
For Ugandan traders attending exhibitions and students enrolling in Chinese universities, completing the digital arrival card is mandatory in most cases.
Why the Digital Arrival Card Is Good News for Ugandan Traders and Students
China’s move to a digital system offers several key benefits:
1. Faster Immigration Clearance
Pre-submitted information allows immigration officers to process arrivals more quickly, reducing long queues — especially at major airports like Guangzhou Baiyun and Shanghai Pudong.
2. Greater Convenience
You can complete the digital arrival card at home in Uganda, at the office, or even while waiting at Entebbe International Airport.
3. Reduced Errors
Typing information online minimizes handwriting mistakes that could cause delays at immigration counters.
4. Multiple Access Options
Whether you prefer a website, mobile app, WeChat, Alipay, or QR code, the system adapts to your travel style.
For Ugandan business travelers who fly frequently, this digital shift aligns China with global trends seen in countries like Singapore, South Korea, and the UAE.
Important Travel Tips for Ugandans Going to China
To ensure a smooth journey, keep these tips in mind:
- Complete your digital arrival card before departure whenever possible
- Save or screenshot your QR code confirmation for easy access at immigration
- If traveling by land (e.g., via Hong Kong), confirm whether your entry point requires the digital form
- During the early rollout, keep a paper arrival card as backup if available
For flight bookings, visa guidance, and travel support to China, Ugandan travelers can consult Travelcare Uganda Air Ticketing, a trusted local resource for China-bound passengers.
Conclusion
China’s digital arrival card system is a major upgrade to its immigration process and a welcome change for Ugandan traders and students traveling to China. By allowing travelers to submit arrival information online before landing, the system reduces paperwork, improves efficiency, and makes entry into China smoother than ever.
While exemptions exist, most Ugandan visitors should expect to complete the digital arrival card before arrival. To avoid delays, always use the official NIA portal and stay updated through reliable travel advisors or airline guidance.
For the latest and most accurate information, refer directly to the National Immigration Administration website or consult your airline before departure.
