A member of staff officer helps an international traveler complete her entry card via a self-service kiosk at Hangzhou International Airport. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]

Hangzhou Border Inspection launched self-service kiosks for foreigner entry cards on Jan 16, making Hangzhou – capital of East China's Zhejiang province – the first city in the region to implement online entry card submissions.

Travelers can complete the form online before departure via QR codes or apps using their mobile devices – or after arrival, using airport WiFi or self-service kiosks at the inspection hall. A QR code will then be generated for printing.

The system supports seven languages, including English, Japanese, Korean and French.

The initiative addresses the inefficiencies of handwritten forms, such as illegible writing and repeated clarifications. In 2024, Hangzhou processed over 4.7 million entries and exits, with foreign arrivals up 80 percent. The new kiosks streamline procedures, reducing waiting times and enhancing the traveler experience.

As the Spring Festival approaches, with an estimated 706,000 travelers during the travel rush, Hangzhou Border Inspection is on the move. It's coordinating with airlines to promote the system – encouraging travelers to pre-fill forms and select the correct entry card type for smoother processing.

An officer assists an overseas visitor fill in his entry card via a self-service kiosk at Hangzhou International Airport. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]