Faster Inbound Clearance: Online Arrival Card Submission and Smart "Face-Scan" Clearance
From online submission of arrival cards and the full rollout of electronic border area permits to the wider use of smart facial-recognition clearance, a series of border-crossing facilitation measures continues to be implemented, making cross-border travel more efficient and smooth.
Customs clearance is the first step for travelers setting foot on Chinese soil. In recent years, a series of "digital + smart" measures are making this step faster and faster.
Arrival cards can be filled out online
Traditionally, travelers had to fill out paper arrival cards on the plane or at the port of entry. Now, foreign nationals' arrival cards supportonline submission, allowing travelers to complete their information online in advance, making customs clearance faster upon landing and reducing the burden of on-site waiting and manual form-filling.
Fully Electronic Border Management Area Permits Now in Use
Electronic border management area permits have been fully rolled out, digitally replacing traditional paper documents. This improves processing and inspection efficiency and makes access management in the relevant areas more standardized and efficient.
"Facial Recognition" Smart Customs Clearance
At some ports, travelers can use smart clearance lanes equipped with "facial recognition" technology to quickly complete identity verification through biometrics. At some land ports adjacent to Hong Kong and Macao, smart lanes using "face + iris" recognition for vehicle clearance have also been introduced, further improving the efficiency of both vehicle and passenger clearance.
Overall Improvement in Customs Clearance Efficiency
- The new Huanggang Port implements the "cooperative inspection, single release" clearance model;
- Promote the application of expedited vehicle customs clearance at some land ports;
- Border inspection modes have been continuously innovated and optimized, and the efficiency of clearance for people, goods, and means of transport has been steadily improved.
How can travelers use it?
Travelers can learn about the facilitation arrangements at their destination port before departure, complete online filling of entry cards and other information in advance, and prepare a valid passport and relevant documents. As clearance procedures become more digital and intelligent, "smooth upon arrival" is becoming the real experience of more and more travelers.
Pre-arrival checklist
Before travelling, look up the facilitation arrangements at your port of entry, complete online filing of the arrival card and similar information in advance, and prepare a valid passport and relevant documents. As the level of digitalisation and available channels can differ between ports, confirm the requirements through official channels before departure and follow on-site guidance on arrival.