China has made online submission of an “Arrival Card” mandatory for all foreign passengers before entering the country, the National Immigration Administration (NIA) has informed Bangladeshi airlines.

In an official communication, the NIA said the requirement aims to ensure faster and smoother immigration procedures for inbound travellers.

The arrival form must be submitted through the NIA’s official website, the government service platform, or the “NIA 12367” mobile application.

The rule, however, does not apply to holders of the China Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card; Hong Kong–Macau non-Chinese residents with Mainland Travel Permits; passengers travelling on group visas or group visa-free entry; transit passengers who remain within the airport’s restricted area for less than 24 hours; cruise passengers arriving and departing on the same vessel; and foreign crew involved in international transport operations.