Going through Chinese customs used to mean filling out a tiny paper form with a borrowed pen while standing in a massive queue. Not anymore. In 2026, the process is fully digitized.
If you fill out the digital mini-programs on your phone before you board the plane, you can literally scan a QR code and walk through the border in under 10 minutes.
1. The 2 Digital Forms (Do This First)
Within 72 hours before your flight to China, you need to fill out two digital forms. Both are accessed via WeChat or Alipay mini-programs (no download needed).
- Form 1: The Arrival Card (For Immigration)
This replaces the paper arrival card. We have the exact QR code and guide below. - Form 2: Customs Declaration (For Baggage)
Search for "China Customs" (海关旅客指尖服务). This tells customs what you are bringing in. You usually only need to fill this out if you have goods to declare (like drones or cash over $5k).
2. Scan & Fill Guide (保姆级)
To fill out the Arrival Card, you MUST have WeChat or Alipay installed on your phone. If you haven't installed it yet, click the buttons below first.
👇 Scan This Official QR Code 👇
Open Alipay OR WeChat, tap the "Scan" button, and point your camera at this code.
⚠️ Do not use your phone's default camera app. You MUST use the scanner inside Alipay or WeChat.
Both work perfectly. We recommend Alipay because it has no "friend verification" lock.Once you scan the code above, follow these steps:
- Fill in Your Details
Enter your passport details, flight number, and the address of your first hotel in China (have the English name ready). - Submit & Save the QR Code
Once you submit it, it will generate a new, personal QR code. Take a screenshot of it immediately. You will scan this personal code at the border kiosks. - Clear the Gate
When you land, skip the paper forms. Walk straight to the self-service kiosks, scan your screenshot, and the gates will open. (Do not rely on having airport Wi-Fi to load it later).
💡 The Ultimate Time-Saver
Most tourists don't know about these forms. When you land, you will see a massive crowd fighting over paper forms at the arrival hall. You will just bypass them, head straight to the self-service kiosks, and clear the border instantly.
3. Customs: The Green vs. Red Channel
After immigration, you must collect your luggage and walk through customs. You will see two channels:
- Green Channel (Nothing to Declare): Take this if you only have personal clothes, toiletries, and electronics for your own use.
- Red Channel (Goods to Declare): You MUST go here if you are carrying cash over the limit, drones, professional filming equipment, or goods worth over ¥5,000 RMB.
The Golden Rule: If you are unsure, ALWAYS go through the Red Channel. Voluntarily declaring an item usually results in a quick check. Trying to sneak it through the Green Channel is considered smuggling, which carries heavy fines.
4. Absolutely Banned Items (Zero Tolerance)
China has some of the strictest biosecurity laws in the world. They conduct random X-rays of luggage coming out of the baggage claim.
🚫 Do NOT Bring These (They will be confiscated):
- All Fresh Food & Meat: No fresh fruit, vegetables, seeds, raw meat, or even cooked meat like beef jerky or sausages. (They are terrified of African Swine Fever).
- Dairy & Eggs: No fresh milk, cheese, or raw eggs.
- Bird's Nests: Non-canned bird's nest is strictly banned.
5. Medications & Cash Limits
Medications: You can bring personal prescription meds, but keep them in original packaging with a doctor's note. CRITICAL: Medications containing Codeine, Ephedrine, or Morphine (often found in strong cough syrups) are treated as narcotics and are strictly banned.
Cash: You must declare cash if you are carrying more than $5,000 USD (or equivalent) or more than ¥20,000 RMB. Hiding cash in your shoes or luggage linings is a major red flag.
6. Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to fill out a paper arrival card for China?
No, paper forms are being phased out. You should fill out the Digital Arrival Card via the QR code above within 72 hours before your flight.
Can I bring food or meat into China?
No. Absolutely no fresh fruits, vegetables, raw or cooked meat (including jerky), or seeds. Dairy and eggs are also banned.
How much cash can I bring into China?
You must declare cash if you carry more than $5,000 USD or ¥20,000 RMB. Hiding cash is a major red flag.
Once you pass through customs, if you have a long layover, don't just sit at the airport. Learn how to claim a FREE airport transit tour here →