China’s National Immigration Administration (NIA) issued an urgent notice on 2 December warning foreign nationals about fraudulent third-party sites that mimic the new online Arrival Card system. The digital card, launched nationally on 20 November, allows visitors to submit entry details in advance and is free of charge.
Officials emphasised that legitimate submissions can only be made via the NIA’s official web portal, the 12367 government-service app, authorised WeChat or Alipay mini-programs, or by scanning a QR code displayed at ports of entry. Travelers unable to complete the form digitally may still use smart kiosks or traditional paper cards on arrival.
![China Warns Foreign Visitors About Fake Arrival-Card Websites]()
The advisory follows reports of scammers charging fees or harvesting personal data through look-alike sites—a risk heightened by the surge of inbound travellers under China’s widening visa-waiver programmes. Multinational firms should circulate the NIA’s official links to staff and verify that travel-management companies are using approved channels.
Failure to present a valid Arrival Card can cause delays at immigration, and using an unofficial site could expose travellers to identity theft. The NIA encourages anyone encountering fraudulent platforms to report them via its hotline.
Officials emphasised that legitimate submissions can only be made via the NIA’s official web portal, the 12367 government-service app, authorised WeChat or Alipay mini-programs, or by scanning a QR code displayed at ports of entry. Travelers unable to complete the form digitally may still use smart kiosks or traditional paper cards on arrival.
The advisory follows reports of scammers charging fees or harvesting personal data through look-alike sites—a risk heightened by the surge of inbound travellers under China’s widening visa-waiver programmes. Multinational firms should circulate the NIA’s official links to staff and verify that travel-management companies are using approved channels.
Failure to present a valid Arrival Card can cause delays at immigration, and using an unofficial site could expose travellers to identity theft. The NIA encourages anyone encountering fraudulent platforms to report them via its hotline.
