Last checked: 2026-07-06

China Entry Card and Customs Guide for Malaysian Travelers

You've just landed at Beijing Capital Airport after a six-hour flight from Kuala Lumpur. The cabin lights come on, and the flight attendant walks down the aisle handing out a small white card. That card-the China Entry Card (also called the Arrival Card or Customs Declaration Form)-is your first real interaction with Chinese immigration. Fill it wrong, and you could end up in a secondary inspection queue for 20 minutes. Fill it right, and you're through in under five.

This guide covers exactly what Malaysian travelers need to know about the entry card, customs rules, and the arrival process at Chinese airports. No fluff, no generic advice.

Quick Answer

Malaysian passport holders currently enjoy visa-free entry to China for tourism and business stays of up to 15 days (policy subject to change-always verify before booking). You still must fill out the China Entry Card (both immigration and customs portions) on arrival. The card is free and handed out on the plane or at the airport. Keep a pen handy-airlines don't always provide one.

For customs: declare any cash over USD 5,000, expensive electronics (laptops, cameras) if they look new, and any food, medicine, or plants. Don't declare your phone or clothes. If you're unsure, declare it-the penalty for not declaring is worse than the hassle of a quick check.

What To Know Before You Decide

The Entry Card Has Two Parts

The China Entry Card is actually two forms in one: the Immigration Card (left side) and the Customs Declaration Card (right side). Both must be filled out. The immigration card is collected by the border officer. The customs card is handed to customs after baggage claim.

Immigration Card fields:

• Full name (as on passport)
• Passport number
• Nationality (write "Malaysia")
• Date of birth
• Gender
• Flight number
• Purpose of visit (tourism, business, transit)
• Duration of stay in days
• Hotel address (write the first hotel name and address-no need to memorize, just have it handy)
• Signature (same as passport signature)

Customs Declaration Card fields:

• Personal information (name, passport, flight)
• Whether you carry prohibited items (drugs, weapons, counterfeit currency)
• Whether you carry cash over USD 5,000
• Whether you carry goods for commercial purposes
• Whether you carry plants, animals, or food products

The Card Is Bilingual (English and Chinese)

The card has English instructions. Don't worry about reading Chinese. But write clearly-block capitals are best. Chinese officers need to read your handwriting.

You Can Also Use the Digital Customs Declaration

Since 2023, China has rolled out a digital customs declaration system. You can scan a QR code at the airport or fill it online before arrival. The digital version replaces the paper customs card. The immigration card is still paper.

How to use digital customs:

• Search "China Customs Declaration" on WeChat or scan the QR code at the airport
• Fill out the form on your phone (same fields)
• Show the QR code to customs after baggage claim
• Keep your phone charged-you'll need the screen

Which is better? Paper is faster if you have a pen and fill it on the plane. Digital is better if you arrive at a busy airport and want to skip the paper queue. Most travelers use paper because it's simpler.

Step-by-Step Plan

Before You Fly

Check visa-free policy. As of mid-2026, Malaysian passport holders can enter China visa-free for up to 15 days. This applies to tourism, business, and transit. Confirm this with the Chinese embassy or your airline before departure. Policies change without warning.

Pack a pen. Not all airlines provide pens. A black or blue ballpoint works.

Have your first hotel address ready. Write it down or save it on your phone. You'll need it for the immigration card.

Charge your phone. If you plan to use the digital customs declaration, you'll need a charged phone and mobile data. An eSIM from Trip.com or Airalo works immediately on landing.

On the Plane

• The flight attendant will hand out the entry card. Take two if you're traveling with someone else.
• Fill out the immigration card immediately. Use block capitals.
• For "Duration of stay," write the exact number of days you'll be in China (e.g., "10").
• For "Hotel address," write the first hotel's name and full address. If you're staying with friends, write their address.
• Sign the card. Your signature must match your passport signature.
• Keep the card with your passport. Do not put it in your luggage.

At Immigration

• Follow signs for "Foreigners" or "All Passports."
• Hand the officer your passport and the immigration card.
• The officer may ask simple questions: "How long are you staying?" "Where are you going?" "What is your job?" Answer briefly and honestly.
• If you're visa-free, the officer will stamp your passport with a 15-day entry permit. Check the stamp-make sure the date is correct.
• Keep the customs declaration card. You'll need it after baggage claim.

After Baggage Claim

• Collect your luggage.
• Follow signs for "Customs" or "Nothing to Declare" (green channel) / "Goods to Declare" (red channel).
• If you have nothing to declare, take the green channel. Hand the customs card to the officer.
• If you have items to declare (cash over USD 5,000, expensive electronics, food), take the red channel and fill out a separate declaration form.
• The officer may ask to inspect your bags. This is rare for tourists but happens randomly.

Common Mistakes

Writing the Wrong Duration

Malaysian travelers on visa-free entry get exactly 15 days. If you write "20 days" on the immigration card, the officer will correct you or deny entry. Write the actual number of days you plan to stay (max 15).

Forgetting to Sign

The signature field is easy to miss. An unsigned card gets sent back. You'll have to fill a new one at the counter, wasting time.

Using a Pencil

The card is carbon-copy. Pencil marks are hard to read and may smudge. Use pen.

Declaring Nothing When You Should

Common items that need declaring:

• Cash over USD 5,000 (or equivalent in ringgit)
• New laptops, cameras, or drones (if they look unused and expensive)
• Food (snacks, dried meat, fruit)
• Medicine (especially if it contains codeine or other controlled substances)
• Plants or seeds

If you're unsure, declare it. The officer will either wave you through or ask a quick question. Not declaring can result in fines or confiscation.

Putting the Card in Your Luggage

Keep the card with your passport at all times until you pass customs. If you put it in your checked bag, you'll have to dig it out at immigration.

Recommended Booking / Planning Options

• eSIM for instant data: Buy a China eSIM from Trip.com or Airalo before you fly. Activate it on landing. You'll need data for the digital customs form, maps, and WeChat.
• Airport transfer: Book a private transfer through Trip.com or Klook. Public taxis at Chinese airports are fine, but the queue can be long. A pre-booked driver meets you at arrivals and handles luggage.
• Hotel near airport for late arrivals: If your flight lands after 10 PM, book a hotel near the airport for the first night. Don't try to go into the city at midnight-it's tiring and public transport stops early.

FAQ

Do Malaysian travelers need a visa for China in 2026?

As of mid-2026, Malaysian passport holders can enter China visa-free for tourism and business stays up to 15 days. This policy is temporary and subject to change. Always check with the Chinese embassy or your airline before booking.

What happens if I overstay my 15-day visa-free entry?

Overstaying is taken seriously. You may be fined, detained, or banned from re-entering China. If you need to stay longer, apply for a visa before travel or extend your stay at the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) office-but extensions are not guaranteed.

Can I use the digital customs declaration on my phone?

Yes. Scan the QR code at the airport or search "China Customs Declaration" on WeChat. Fill out the form, get a QR code, and show it at customs. The digital form replaces the paper customs card. The immigration card is still paper.

What should I declare at customs?

Declare cash over USD 5,000 (or equivalent), new electronics (laptops, cameras, drones), food, medicine, plants, and items for commercial use. If you're unsure, declare it. The penalty for not declaring is worse than the inconvenience of a quick check.

Can I bring my own food into China?

It depends. Packaged snacks (chips, biscuits, chocolate) are usually fine. Fresh fruit, meat, dairy, and homemade food are not allowed. If you bring food, declare it at customs. The officer will tell you if it's allowed.

What if I lose the entry card?

You can get a new one at the immigration counter. Just ask the officer. It takes an extra minute.

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