As China moves towards digital entry procedures, travel agents play a key role in helping clients navigate the China travel requirements effectively. The China Digital Arrival Card is an online immigration form that all international travellers must complete before entering China, replacing the traditional paper-based version. The card collects essential information, including personal, passport, travel, accommodation, and health details, generating a QR code for immigration checks. Understanding the China arrival card process allows agents to proactively brief travellers, reduce errors, and ensure smooth, stress-free arrivals for both individual and corporate clients. For Indian travellers, completing the China digital arrival card for Indian travelers correctly is crucial to avoid unnecessary delays at immigration.
How to Complete China’s Digital Arrival Card
Below is a step-by-step guide that travel agents can share with their clients to simplify the process.
Accessing the China Digital Arrival Card
- Travel agents should brief travellers on how to access the official China Digital Arrival Card via the authorised digital platform before departure.
- The form is usually accessed by scanning an official QR code shared by airlines, displayed at airports, or included in pre-travel communications.
- Travellers should use a smartphone or tablet for the best compatibility, as the platform is designed for mobile use.
- Encourage clients to complete the China arrival card online before landing to reduce congestion at immigration and avoid last-minute stress.
- Completing the form early also allows time to review details carefully, minimising errors that could trigger secondary checks.
- Guiding travellers in advance reinforces the travel agent’s role as a reliable partner and ensures a smoother entry process.
Entering Personal and Passport Details
- This stage is crucial, and agents can add value by helping travellers understand basic China travel requirements.
- Advise travellers to enter their full name exactly as shown on the passport, including spelling, spacing, and order.
- Ensure the correct nationality and passport type are selected, especially for clients holding multiple passports.
- Passport number and date of birth should be entered carefully, as even minor errors can cause delays.
- Remind travellers to cross-check all personal information before submission to prevent last-minute issues at immigration.
Providing Travel and Accommodation Information
- Agents should ensure clients enter the correct arrival flight number and port of entry, as these are often reviewed at immigration.
- Accurate country of departure and recent travel history are essential, particularly for multi-leg journeys.
- Accommodation details must include the hotel name, full address, and contact number.
- For business travellers, the registered company or host address should be used wherever applicable.
- Clear guidance at this stage reduces mistakes and helps travellers complete the China immigration card smoothly.
Completing the Health Declaration
- The health declaration is mandatory and plays a key role in a smooth arrival.
- Travel agents should instruct clients to provide honest health information, as discrepancies can lead to additional screening.
- Setting expectations early allows travellers to complete this section confidently and ensures compliance with China travel update requirements.
Reviewing and Submitting the Form
- As a travel agent, remind clients to review every section carefully, from passport details to accommodation information.
- Submitting the China Digital Arrival Card only after a thorough review helps prevent delays or follow-up questions at immigration.
- Travellers should save or screenshot the confirmation page or QR code immediately after submission.
- Keeping the confirmation easily accessible on a phone ensures smooth verification by immigration officials.
- A few minutes of guidance at this stage can significantly improve the overall arrival experience.
Common Issues Travel Agents Should Help Avoid
- Incorrect passport or flight details are a frequent cause of delays.
- Incomplete accommodation information can trigger additional questioning.
- Filling the form too late, such as at the immigration counter, often causes unnecessary stress.
- Failing to save the submission confirmation or QR code may result in complications during checks.
- Proactive guidance from travel agents ensures travellers avoid these pitfalls and arrive confidently.
Conclusion
As entry procedures evolve, understanding how to complete the China Digital Arrival Card is vital for travel agents managing China-bound clients. Beyond compliance, this knowledge helps reduce on-ground challenges and ensures smoother, stress-free arrivals. By briefing travellers through each step, agents can prevent common errors, enhance traveller confidence, and reinforce their role as trusted advisors. Partnering with a specialist visa service like Riya The Travel Experts adds further value. Their services help agents stay up-to-date with China travel requirements and China travel updates, provide documentation guidance, and assist with all visa and arrival formalities, allowing agents to focus on client service while ensuring seamless entry processes.
