Is there a digital Immigration form for arrival into Pudong?

Question

Hi,

I'm trying to complete as much mandatory forms and what not in advance of flying. Does China have an online immigration form I can complete in advance of arrival for my family an I? So I can just scar a QR code on arrival?

I'm flying from the UK to Shanghai Pudong, stopping over for 24-48 hours before flying to Japan - the return journey is the same, so I will utilise the 144 hour visa free transit.

Thanks!

Answer

For travelers entering China via Shanghai Pudong Airport under the 144-hour visa-free transit policy, there is currently no fully digital immigration form that allows you to complete the process entirely online and use a QR code for entry. All travelers are required to complete the standard arrival card provided by Chinese immigration upon arrival at the airport.

However, there are some preparatory steps you can take to make the process smoother:

Ensure you have all passport details, flight information, hotel bookings, and onward travel tickets ready before arrival.
Some airlines provide an electronic health declaration or “Health QR code” that may be required due to COVID-19 protocols, which can be completed online before your flight.
Double-check with your airline if they offer any pre-arrival electronic forms that can be completed to speed up the immigration process.

On arrival at Pudong, you and your family will need to fill out the physical immigration cards, which will ask for basic personal information, flight details, and address in Shanghai. Once completed, you proceed to the immigration counters. For the 144-hour visa-free transit, you must have proof of onward travel to a third country (Japan in your case) and hotel reservation in Shanghai.

In summary, while you can prepare documentation in advance, there is currently no official online system for fully pre-filling the immigration form with a QR code at Pudong Airport.