Last checked: 2026-07-06

China Entry Card and Customs Guide for Thai Travelers

You've booked your flight from Bangkok to Shanghai, packed your bags, and double-checked your visa-free eligibility. But when you land at Pudong Airport, there's still a yellow form to fill out, a customs declaration to scan, and a queue that moves faster if you've prepared right.

This guide covers exactly what Thai travelers need to know about China's entry card and customs process-no fluff, no guesswork.

Quick Answer

All travelers entering China, including Thai passport holders, must complete two things: a paper or digital Entry Card (also called Arrival Card) and a Customs Health Declaration (usually done via the "China Customs" mini-program on WeChat or Alipay). The customs declaration is mandatory for everyone, even if you have nothing to declare. The entry card asks for basic info: flight number, passport details, duration of stay, and address in China.

For Thai travelers, the key points:

• Visa-free entry (as of 2024-2026) means you skip the visa interview, but you still fill out both forms.
• Digital customs declaration is faster than paper-do it before you land.
• Prohibited items include fresh fruit, meat, seeds, and certain medicines (like codeine-based painkillers).
• Duty-free allowance is 5,000 RMB (approx. 25,000 THB) for personal goods.

What To Know Before You Decide

Entry Card: Paper vs. Digital

Most international flights still hand out paper entry cards during the flight. You fill it out with a pen (bring your own-airlines sometimes run out). The card asks for:

• Full name (as on passport)
• Passport number and expiry
• Flight number and seat number
• Purpose of visit (tourism, business, transit)
• Duration of stay in days
• Address in China (hotel name and address is fine)
• Signature and date

Digital alternative: Some airports (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou) now accept a digital entry card via the "China Customs" mini-program on WeChat. But paper is still the most reliable method for first-time visitors. If you use digital, screenshot the QR code before you land-airport Wi-Fi can be spotty.

Customs Health Declaration

This is a separate form, required since COVID-19 protocols were relaxed but still in place for health monitoring. You complete it on the same WeChat mini-program or Alipay app. It asks:

• Recent travel history (14 days)
• Any symptoms (fever, cough, etc.)
• Whether you're carrying animal/plant products, cash over 20,000 RMB, or goods for commercial use

Pro tip: Do this 24 hours before your flight. The QR code expires after 24 hours, so don't do it a week early. Screenshot the QR code-you'll scan it at customs.

What Thai Travelers Often Miss

• Medicines: Thailand sells codeine-based painkillers (like some cough syrups) over the counter. In China, codeine is a controlled substance. Carry a doctor's prescription in English or Chinese, and only bring a 7-day supply.
• Fruit and food: Don't bring durian, mangoes, or any fresh fruit. Dried snacks (like dried mango) are usually fine, but declare them.
• Cash: You can bring up to 20,000 RMB (approx. 100,000 THB) or equivalent foreign currency without declaring. More than that requires a declaration.
• SIM cards and eSIMs: You can bring a foreign SIM, but it won't work on China's networks without roaming. Buy a China eSIM before you travel (Trip.com sells them) or pick up a physical SIM at the airport.

Step-by-Step Plan

Before your flight (24 hours prior): Open WeChat or Alipay, search for "China Customs" mini-program, fill out the health declaration. Screenshot the QR code.

On the plane: Fill out the paper entry card (even if you have digital). Keep your passport and boarding pass handy.

After landing: Follow signs to "Arrivals" or "Foreigners." You'll pass through immigration first-hand over your passport and entry card. The officer may ask your hotel name or return flight date.

Baggage claim: Collect your luggage.

Customs: Scan your health declaration QR code at the kiosk. If you have nothing to declare, go through the green channel. If you have prohibited or dutiable items, use the red channel.

Exit: After customs, you're in the arrival hall. Look for airport transfer signs or your pre-booked driver.

Common Mistakes

• Filling out the entry card in pencil. Use a black or blue pen. Pencil smudges and may be rejected.
• Not declaring medicine. Even if it's legal in Thailand, declare it. Customs officers are strict about controlled substances.
• Assuming visa-free means no forms. Visa-free only waives the visa application. You still fill out entry and customs forms.
• Forgetting to screenshot the QR code. Airport Wi-Fi often requires a Chinese phone number to log in. Without a local SIM, you're stuck.
• Bringing durian. It's banned on public transport and in many hotels. Leave it at home.

Recommended Booking / Planning Options

• Airport transfer: Pre-book on Trip.com or your hotel's website. Taxis at the airport queue can be long, and drivers may not speak English or Thai. A pre-booked car with a sign is smoother.
• eSIM: Trip.com sells China eSIMs that activate on arrival. No need to swap SIM cards or find a physical store.
• Hotel with airport pickup: Some hotels (especially in Shanghai and Beijing) offer free or paid airport shuttles. Check when booking.

FAQ

1. Do Thai passport holders need a visa for China?

As of 2024-2026, Thai citizens can enter China visa-free for tourism for up to 30 days. This policy is subject to change-check the Chinese embassy in Bangkok before booking.

2. Can I fill out the entry card on my phone?

Some airports accept digital entry cards via the China Customs mini-program, but paper is still the standard. Do both to be safe.

3. What happens if I lose the entry card?

Ask a customs officer for a replacement. They're available at the immigration counter. Don't panic-it happens.

4. Can I bring Thai snacks like dried mango or fish sauce?

Dried fruit is usually fine if declared. Fish sauce (in sealed bottles) is okay for personal use. Avoid fresh fruit, meat, or dairy.

5. Do I need to declare my phone or laptop?

No, personal electronics are fine. Only declare if you're carrying multiple new devices (e.g., five phones) that look commercial.

6. How long does customs take?

With a pre-filled digital declaration, 10-20 minutes. Without it, 30-45 minutes during peak hours.

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