Interview at China border: answers, documents, and Online Arrival Card
How to pass through Chinese immigration without problems: what to expect, how to fill out the mandatory Online Arrival Card, and what to say if the officer asks questions.
Quick answer
As of 2025, the Online Arrival Card is mandatory before entering the immigration queue. Fill it out before boarding, bring documents in your carry-on, and prepare short, consistent answers for the officer.
Response script — practice before your flight
Short and consistent answers avoid unnecessary suspicion
What is the purpose of your visit?
"Tourism. I am visiting [Beijing/Shanghai] for [X] days."
Be direct. Avoid detailing your entire itinerary.
Where will you stay?
"[Hotel name], [city]. I have the booking confirmation."
Show the printed reservation or on your phone (offline).
Do you have a return ticket?
"Yes, my return flight is on [date]. I can show you the ticket."
Keep the ticket saved offline on your phone.
Who is paying for this trip?
"I am paying myself. I have my bank statement if you need it."
Bank statement as backup — rarely requested.
Online Arrival Card — mandatory since 2025
Without it: redirected at airport, you lose your place in line
Access the NIA portal before your trip (link in sources)
Fill in passport, flight, and address in China
Save QR code as PDF + screenshot offline
Keep a printed copy as additional backup
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What to have ready at the immigration counter
Passport
mandatoryOpen to photo page — ready to hand over
Online Arrival Card QR
mandatoryOffline screenshot or printed copy
Hotel reservation
mandatoryPrinted or offline on your phone
Return ticket
mandatoryShows intent to leave within visa validity
Bank statement
backupProof of funds — rarely requested
Travel insurance
backupPolicy number handy — rarely requested
Behaviour at the counter
Short, clear answers — avoid over-explaining
Stay calm, maintain eye contact, be polite
Do not volunteer information you were not asked for
Everything saved offline — no need for internet
What happens in the immigration queue
Upon landing, follow the "Foreign Passport" signs. The queue may be long during peak hours, but the process itself is straightforward: Arrival Card QR code, passport, fingerprints, photo, and possible brief 1-3 question interview.
The biggest cause of delay is not the interview — it is the missing filled-out Online Arrival Card. Those who arrive without it are redirected to fill it out at the airport, losing time and their place in line.
- Online Arrival Card QR code (mandatory since 2025).
- Fingerprints collected from both hands.
- Face photo at immigration booth.
- Brief interview: trip purpose, address, and return date.
Answers that work in the interview
The officer wants to confirm your entry is legitimate and that you have a clear plan. Vague or contradictory answers raise unnecessary suspicion. Prepare and practice in English before your flight.
If communication gets stuck, show documents instead of trying to explain. A hotel booking, a return ticket, and your Arrival Card proof communicate everything the officer needs to see.
- Purpose: "Tourism. I am visiting [city] for [X] days."
- Address: "[Hotel name], [city]. I have the booking confirmation."
- Return: "My return flight is on [date]. I can show the ticket."
- Funding: "I am paying myself. I have my bank statement."
How to fill out the Online Arrival Card
The NIA portal works outside China without restrictions. Fill it out calmly at home, at least 24 hours before boarding, with all your flight information and initial China address.
Save the proof as PDF and as a screenshot in your phone local storage. Do not rely on cloud: without VPN in China, you cannot access Google Drive or iCloud.
- Access NIA portal before your trip (link in sources below).
- Fill in personal data, passport, flight number, and China address.
- Save QR code as PDF and as offline screenshot.
- Bring printed copy as additional backup.
✓Action checklist
Frequently asked questions
1Is the Online Arrival Card really mandatory?
Yes, since 2025 most Chinese airports require advance completion. Without it, you are redirected to fill it out on-site, losing time and your place in line.
2What if my English is limited in the interview?
Show your documents instead of explaining verbally. A hotel booking, a return ticket, and your Arrival Card proof communicate everything the officer needs — without needing fluent conversation.
3Can I fill out the Arrival Card at my connection airport?
You can, but the ideal is to fill it out at home calmly before boarding, without the pressure of missing your flight or dealing with Wi-Fi instability.
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