Upon Arrival in Qingdao – Essential Information for First-Time Visitors

1. Immigration & Entry
Upon arrival at Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport, foreign travelers must present a valid passport and visa (or valid passport only if from a visa-exempt country) for immigration inspection. Fingerprint collection is required, and an entry card must be completed .
To save time, travelers are advised to complete the entry card online before departure via the "National Immigration Administration 12367" APP or WeChat/Alipay mini-programs. A QR code will be generated – simply scan and print it upon arrival at the self-service kiosk .

2. Accommodation Registration (Mandatory within 24 Hours)
Legal basis: Article 39 of the Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People's Republic of China .
Staying in a hotel: The hotel front desk will handle accommodation registration and report it to the public security authorities automatically .
Staying in a private residence, rental apartment, or with friends/family: You or your host must visit the local police station in your residential district to complete the Temporary Accommodation Registration Form within 24 hours of check-in .
Penalty for late registration: A warning and possible fine (up to RMB 2,000), which may also affect future visa renewals .
Note: Online accommodation registration is currently not available in Qingdao. In-person reporting at the local police station is required.

3. Emergency & Information Hotline
For any immigration or stay-related questions, call the China Immigration Service Hotline 12367.
Available 24/7, including weekends and public holidays 
Language support: Chinese, English, Russian, Japanese, Korean, and French (added December 2025) 
Also accessible via the "NIA 12367" app, WeChat, and Alipay mini-programs with bilingual (Chinese/English) support 

Sources:
Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport Entry Guide, Qingdao Airport Border Inspection Station
China's 24-hour visa-free direct transit policy expansion, National Immigration Administration (via english.beijing.gov.cn) 
China Immigration Service Hotline 12367, National Immigration Administration 
Qingdao Huanghai University International Student Entry and Exit Regulations 
Procedures for Foreigners' Temporary Accommodation in China, Shenzhen Polytechnic University (citing Exit and Entry Administration Law, Article 39) 
12367 Hotline French Language Service Launch, National Immigration Administration