China’s National Immigration Administration (NIA) has issued an urgent 2 December notice alerting foreign visitors to a spike in fraudulent websites mimicking the new nationwide online Arrival Card system . The digital card—launched on 20 November—allows travellers to submit entry information in advance at no cost via the NIA portal, the 12367 app or authorised WeChat/Alipay mini-programs.
Scammers have set up look-alike portals that charge ‘‘processing fees’’ or harvest personal data. The NIA stressed that using unofficial sites could lead to identity theft and delay immigration clearance if the traveller cannot produce a valid barcode on arrival. Legitimate alternatives remain available: smart kiosks and traditional paper cards at all ports of entry.
![China’s immigration bureau warns of fake online arrival-card sites after digital rollout]()
Corporations with frequent inbound visitors should circulate the official links and embed them in travel-management systems. Travel managers are urged to add a pre-trip checklist confirming the source of the Arrival Card QR code and to warn staff against Google-search ad traps.
The incident reflects broader cyber-fraud risks created by China’s rapid shift to e-government mobility tools, from e-channel facial recognition to digital health declarations. Authorities encourage reporting of fake sites via the NIA hotline or the 12367 in-app function.
Scammers have set up look-alike portals that charge ‘‘processing fees’’ or harvest personal data. The NIA stressed that using unofficial sites could lead to identity theft and delay immigration clearance if the traveller cannot produce a valid barcode on arrival. Legitimate alternatives remain available: smart kiosks and traditional paper cards at all ports of entry.
Corporations with frequent inbound visitors should circulate the official links and embed them in travel-management systems. Travel managers are urged to add a pre-trip checklist confirming the source of the Arrival Card QR code and to warn staff against Google-search ad traps.
The incident reflects broader cyber-fraud risks created by China’s rapid shift to e-government mobility tools, from e-channel facial recognition to digital health declarations. Authorities encourage reporting of fake sites via the NIA hotline or the 12367 in-app function.
