2026 Guangzhou Arrival Card Guide for Singaporean Travellers

Planning a trip from Singapore to Guangzhou? Before you can start looking around the city, trying all the dim sum, visiting the old temples, and seeing the shiny skyline, there is something very important you need to do. You have to fill out the Guangzhou Arrival Card.

What is Guangzhou Arrival Card?

China has a digital entry system and the Guangzhou Arrival Card is a big part of it. The Guangzhou Arrival Card, also known as the China Digital Arrival Card, is that international visitors need to fill out before you get to China.

The China Digital Arrival Card started being used in November 2025. The China Digital Arrival Card makes it easier for the Chinese immigration authorities to get all the information they need from you.

Key information collected on the form includes:

• Full legal name (exactly as printed in your passport)
• Passport number and expiry date
• Date of birth and nationality
• Arrival flight number and date
• Port of entry (Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport)
• First night's accommodation address in Guangzhou
• Purpose of your visit
• Contact details (phone number and email)
• Health and recent travel history declarations

Do Singapore Citizens Need Guangzhou Arrival Card?

Yes, definitely. This is the question that Singaporean travellers are confused about. Even people who have a Singapore passport can go to mainland China without a visa for up to 30 days. They still have to fill out an arrival card when they get there. This is something that all foreign nationals have to do.

The main thing to know is that not needing a visa to get into China does not mean you do not have to do anything. When we say visa-free, it means you do not have to apply for a visa before you travel to China. But arrival card is a form everyone has to fill out, even if they do not need a visa to get into China. So the visa-free policy and the arrival card are two things that work together.

When to Submit Your Guangzhou Arrival Card?

Getting the timing right is important for the China Digital Arrival Card. The official time to submit is within 72 hours before arriving in China.

We suggest filling out the form on the day you leave Singapore one day before going to Changi Airport. This gives you time to check everything again and fix any mistakes if needed.

Where to Submit Guangzhou Arrival Card?

There are several official ways to complete your Guangzhou Arrival Card. Every official channel is 100% free.

1. Official NIA Website/App

The National Immigration Administration operates a dedicated web portal and app (12367). The site works on both desktop and mobile devices and supports English language.

2. WeChat or Alipay Mini-Programs

If you already use WeChat or Alipay, you can find the official arrival card service by searching for "移民局12367" or "入境卡填报". The mini-programs offer the same functionality as the website and are convenient if you are already familiar with these platforms.

3. On-Site at Guangzhou Baiyun Airport

Guangzhou Baiyun Airport is really easy to get through, especially the new Terminal 3. They have these self-service kiosks near the immigration counters. You can complete the form when you arrive. If you get stuck, there are staff around to help you. And do not worry, they still have paper forms.

How to Fill Out Your Guangzhou Arrival Card?

The form is straightforward and takes most people 5–10 minutes to complete.

Step 1: Access the Official Portal

Open the NIA website or app on your phone or computer, or launch the WeChat/Alipay mini-program. Select "Entry Declaration" to begin. 

Step 2: Upload Your Passport Photo

The first step is uploading a clear photo of your passports biographical page (the page with your photo and personal details). The system uses OCR technology to automatically extract your information, including:

• Full name (surname and given names)
• Passport number
• Date of birth
• Nationality
• Passport expiry date

Step 3: Verify Personal Details

Review the automatically extracted information carefully. If anything is incorrect or missing, manually edit it. You will also need to confirm your gender and place of birth.

Step 4: Enter Your Travel Information

Next, you will provide details about your journey to Guangzhou:

• Transport mode: Select "Air" for flights.
• Flight number: Enter your arriving flight number exactly.
• Arrival date: Select the date you land in Guangzhou.
• Entry port: Choose "Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport".
• Purpose of visit: Select from tourism, business, family visit, transit, etc.

Step 5: Accommodation and Contact Details

This is the section where errors are most common. 

• Address in China: Enter the full address of where you are staying for your first night in Guangzhou.
• Contact number: Your Singapore mobile number works fine if you have roaming enabled, or you can provide a local Chinese number if you already have one.
• Email address: Use an email you check regularly — your confirmation QR code will be sent here.
• Emergency contact: Provide the name and number of someone to contact in case of emergency.

Step 6: Health and Travel Declaration

You will answer a few standard questions about your current health status and recent travel history. 

Step 7: Review and Submit

Before hitting submit, take a moment to carefully review everything. Once you are satisfied, agree to the declaration terms and submit.

Step 8: Save Your QR Code

After successful submission, you will receive a digital arrival card with a unique QR code. This is your golden ticket! Make sure you:

• Take a screenshot and save it to your phones camera roll.
• Email yourself a copy as backup.
• Consider saving it offline in case you have no data on arrival.

Arriving at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) is China's southern aviation hub and one of the busiest airports in the country. 

Terminal 3: What's New?

Terminal 3 is a game-changer for arrivals. It spans over 422,000 square metres. Terminal 3 is a state-of-the-art terminal that features:

• Immigration kiosks with 21-language support.
• Faster biometric screening (fingerprints and facial recognition).
• China's first open-air airport observation deck.
• New Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn hotels directly connected to the terminal.
• Improved metro access via Baiyun Airport East Station.
• Modern "flower" design theme reflecting Guangzhous nickname as the "City of Flowers".

Arrival Process at T3

When you get to Guangzhou Baiyun Terminal 3, this is what you should do.

• You need to get off the plane and then follow the signs that say "Arrivals" and "Immigration".
• They will take your picture and fingerprints at a machine before you get to the immigration counter.
• Then you go to the line that says "Foreigners" and make sure your passport is open to the page with your picture on it.
• You also need to have the QR code from your arrival card ready.
• The officer will look at your QR code. Check if you can come into the country without a visa.
• After you get through immigration, you need to go get your bags. Look at the screens to see which carousel has your luggage.

Common Mistakes to Avoid on Guangzhou Arrival Card