2026 Shanghai Arrival Card Guide for Singaporean Travellers

Planning a trip from Singapore to Shanghai? The Shanghai Arrival Card, which is officially known as the China Digital Arrival Card, is really important for an arrival experience when you get to Shanghai. You will need the Shanghai Arrival Card to make sure everything goes well when you arrive in Shanghai.

What Is the Shanghai Arrival Card?

The China Digital Arrival Card (Shanghai Arrival Card) is a form that all foreign travellers need to fill out before coming into mainland China. This digital version was brought in to take the place of the paper arrival card. It was created to make the immigration process faster and make the experience better for travellers.

The card covers details such as:

• Full name (as per passport)
• Passport number and nationality
• Date of birth and gender
• Arrival flight or transport number
• Port of entry (e.g., Shanghai Pudong International Airport)
• Accommodation address in China
• Purpose of visit
• Contact information
• Health and travel history declarations

When you submit your information, the system creates a QR code just for you. You will show this QR code at the immigration counter when you get to Shanghai.

Do Singapore Citizens Need to Fill Out Shanghai Arrival Card?

Yes absolutely. Even though Singapore citizens enjoy visa-free entry to China for up to 30 days, you still need to complete the China Digital Arrival Card or Shanghai Arrival Card when entering to Shanghai.

When Should You Submit Shanghai Arrival Card?

You have to send China Digital Arrival Card at the time. The official window for China Digital Arrival Card submission is within 72 hours before you get to China. You cannot send it any earlier than that.

Where to Submit Your Shanghai Arrival Card?

You can fill out the China Digital Arrival Card using official channels. These official channels do not charge anything. You should not pay any money to submit the China Digital Arrival Card.

1. NIA 12367 Mobile App

The National Immigration Administration (NIA) has a mobile app called "移民局 12367" (Immigration Bureau 12367). This is the popular and convenient way to submit your arrival card, especially for travellers who prefer using their smartphones. The app is available in both Chinese and English, making it accessible for visitors.

You can download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store by searching for " 12367" or "NIA 12367".

Once installed, the process is straightforward: upload a photo of your passport → verify the extracted information → fill in your travel details and submit.

2. WeChat or Alipay Mini-Programs

If you already had WeChat or Alipay on your phone, you can look for the official arrival card mini-program. To do this, you just need to search for 移民局12367 or 入境卡填报. This way is really convenient if you do not want to have another app on your phone. Using WeChat or Alipay is also convenient.

3. Official NIA Website

If you like using a computer, you can fill out the arrival card on the National Immigration Administration website. This website works on computers and small mobile phones. It has the easy to follow steps as the app.

4. On-Site at the Airport

If you are not able to finish the arrival card before your trip, don't worry, you can still fill it out when you arrive at Shanghai airport. There are self-service kiosks located near the immigration counters where you can complete the form. Also paper forms are still available as an option.

How to Fill Out Shanghai Arrival Card?

Here is a detailed step-by-step guide to help you navigate the form:

Step 1: Access the Official Form

Open the NIA 12367 app, WeChat/Alipay mini-program, or official website. Select the "Entry Declaration" or "入境申报" option to begin. 

Step 2: Upload Your Passport Photo & Fill in Basic Information

You will be prompted to upload a photo of your passports personal information page (the page with your photo and details). 

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

Pro Tip: Take the photo in good lighting, ensuring the entire passport page is clearly visible and there are no glares or shadows. Double-check that the system has extracted your information correctly.

Step 3: Fill in Travel Itinerary Details

This section requires information about your travel to China:

• Mode of transport: Select "Air" if flying (most common for Singapore–Shanghai routes).
• Flight number: Enter your arriving flight number exactly as it appears on your ticket.
• Arrival date: Select the date you will land in Shanghai.
• Port of entry: Choose "Shanghai Pudong International Airport" (PVG) or "Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport" (SHA) depending on which airport your flight arrives at.
• Purpose of visit: Select the most appropriate option, tourism, business, visiting family, transit, etc.

Step 4: Provide Accommodation Information

You will need to provide:

• Accommodation address in China: Enter the full address of where you will be staying for your first night in Shanghai. This should be your hotels complete address, including the street name, district, and city. If you are staying with friends or family, use their full residential address.
• Contact number: Provide a phone number where you can be reached. Your Singapore mobile number is fine as long as it has international roaming enabled, or you can provide a Chinese number if you have one.
• Email address: Enter a valid email address; this is where your confirmation and QR code will be sent.

Step 5: Health and Travel Declaration

These questions are standard and may include:

• Whether you are experiencing any symptoms of illness.
• Your travel history over the past 14 days.
• Whether you have been in contact with anyone with a contagious disease.

Step 6: Review and Confirm

Pay special attention to:

• Your name — ensure it matches your passport exactly
• Passport number — check every digit
• Flight number — make sure it is correct
• Accommodation address — confirm it is complete and accurate

Step 7: Save Your QR Code

After successful submission, the system will generate a digital arrival card with a unique QR code. This is the most important part! Make sure you:

• Take a screenshot of the QR code and save it to your phones photo gallery.
• Email yourself a copy as a backup.
• Consider printing a physical copy if you are worried about battery or connectivity issues.

What to Expect When Arriving at Shanghai Airports?

Shanghai is served by two major international airports: Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Hongqiao International Airport (SHA). 

The typical arrival flow at the airport is:

1. Deplane and follow arrival signs: After getting off the plane, follow the signs for "Arrivals" or "Immigration".
2. Biometric information collection: Before reaching the immigration counter, you may need to have your fingerprints and photograph taken at a self-service kiosk. 
3. Immigration inspection: Proceed to the "Foreigners" immigration lane. Have your passport and arrival card QR code ready. The officer will scan your QR code, check your passport, verify your visa-free eligibility.
4. Passport stamp: If everything is in order, the officer will stamp your passport with your entry date and the allowed stay duration.
5. Baggage claim: After clearing immigration, proceed to the baggage hall to collect your luggage.
6. Customs: Walk through the customs channel. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel; if you have goods to declare, use the red channel.

Common Mistakes to Avoid on Shanghai Arrival Card

While not directly related to the arrival card, this is worth mentioning: your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into China. If your passport is expiring soon, renew it before travelling.