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China Customs

China Customs

海关旅客指尖服务

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The China Customs Declaration mini‑program (海关旅客指尖服务) is the mandatory digital entry form every foreign traveller fills out before crossing the border. Submit your health questionnaire 24h before landing, screenshot the QR code, and scan it at customs.

Before you install — what you need

Every foreign traveller fills out China's customs declaration before crossing the border. Do it ahead of time so you're not stuck at the counter on arrival.

A

WeChat or Alipay on your phone

  • The declaration is a mini-program inside WeChat or Alipay — there is no separate app to install. Search 海关旅客指尖服务 in either app.
B

Your passport and flight details

  • Have your passport number, flight number and seat ready. Most fields also come up in English.
C

Do it within 24 hours of landing

  • Fill the health and baggage form, then save a screenshot of the QR code — you'll show it at the customs counter where Wi-Fi may be unreliable.

Step-by-step setup

1Open the mini-program

- In WeChat or Alipay, search 海关旅客指尖服务 and tap the official mini-program (blue verified badge).

2Fill the form

- Enter passport, flight and baggage details. One form is needed per traveller — fill one for each person in your group.

3Save your QR code

- Submit and screenshot the QR code. If the app stalls, the same form is also at htdecl.chinaport.gov.cn in any browser.

Daily use — real scenarios

What you can do with itDeclare baggage and goodsGet your border QR codeChoose the red or green channel

At the border

  • Show the QR code from your screenshot at the customs counter. If asked, declare cash over the allowance and any dutiable goods.

If the app won't open

  • Use the web form at htdecl.chinaport.gov.cn — it works the same way and needs no app.

For a family

  • Everyone crosses on their own QR code. Fill one form per person before you queue.

Troubleshooting — common problems and what to do

Common problems foreign visitors may run into

"I can't find the mini-program"
— Search the exact characters 海关旅客指尖服务 inside WeChat or Alipay, not in the App Store.
"The form won't submit"
— Switch to mobile data or use the web form at htdecl.chinaport.gov.cn. Save the QR code as a screenshot either way.
"I'm travelling with family"
— Each person needs their own QR code. Fill one form per passport before you reach the counter.

Need to talk to a real person?

  • Call the Customs hotline 12360 (English available) for declaration questions. At the airport, customs officers at the counter handle declarations directly.

Your backup plan

The web form at htdecl.chinaport.gov.cn is a full backup if the mini-program fails. Paper declaration cards are also available at the counter.

Frequently asked questions about China Customs

Is there a Customs Declaration app I must install?
No. The declaration channel is a WeChat / Alipay mini-program and official web form; a separate broader app, 掌上海关, also works but is not required.
Do I still need the health declaration card?
Mandatory filing was exempted from 2023-11-01; only travelers with infectious-disease symptoms or diagnosed conditions must proactively declare. Some ports may still ask for the QR (traveler-reported).
What must I declare?
Goods above the duty-free allowance, cash over RMB 20,000 or USD 5,000, prohibited / restricted items, and animals / plants / food. Use the red channel.
What are the duty-free limits?
Residents RMB 5,000; non-residents RMB 2,000; from Hong Kong / Macao residents RMB 12,000 (up to RMB 15,000 with inbound duty-free-shop purchases).
Is payment required?
Declaring is free; only duty on goods above the allowance is paid at the counter, with a Chinese wallet or cash.
Do I need a Chinese phone or SIM?
No — the public web form works without a local SIM, though a connection is needed; a Chinese eSIM makes it easier inside China.
Is the interface in English?
The mini-program and 掌上海关 app support Chinese and English; full menu coverage was not device-tested.

Sources

  • Official Operator (GACC) and delivery as mini-program + web form, not a standalone store app · SRC-CD-002 / SRC-CD-005
  • Official policy Health Declaration Card mandatory filing exempted from 2023-11-01; only symptomatic travelers declare · SRC-CD-001
  • Official policy Goods / baggage declaration governed by GACC 2025 No.43, effective 2025-04-01 · SRC-CD-002
  • Official policy Form name, red / green channel rule · SRC-CD-002
  • Official Electronic pre-declaration via mini-program and npc.chinaport.gov.cn · SRC-CD-002 / SRC-CD-005
  • Official Health declaration via mini-program, 掌上海关, 互联网+海关; web form at htdecl.chinaport.gov.cn · SRC-CD-003
  • Traveler report Some ports still request the health QR (frequency traveler-reported) · SRC-CD-011
  • Official policy Duty-free: resident RMB 5,000 / non-resident RMB 2,000 · SRC-CD-009
  • Official policy HK / Macao resident duty-free RMB 12,000 (up to 15,000 with inbound shop) · SRC-CD-010
  • Government guide Cash: RMB 20,000 or USD 5,000 equivalent may be carried; above must be declared · SRC-CD-004
  • Official 掌上海关 App Store id1272031506 (GACC, free, EN+ZH, US+CN); no Google Play listing · SRC-CD-006 / SRC-CD-007
  • OFFICIAL_SUPPORT_STEP / NEEDS_DEVICE_TEST Chinese + English declaration support (full coverage not device-tested) · SRC-CD-005
  • OFFICIAL_SUPPORT_STEP National customs hotline 12360, 24-hour · SRC-CD-008
  • Official policy Real-name / passport details collected in the declaration · SRC-CD-002 / SRC-CD-005
  • Field note Pre-fill before arrival; public web form works without a local SIM · SRC-CD-005

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