Quick answer
- Every foreigner in China has to have their accommodation registered with the police (住宿登记). If you stay in a hotel, the hotel does it for you at check-in. If you stay anywhere else, such as a friend's flat, a relative's home or a private rental, you or your host must register within 24 hours of arrival. Since 2026 you can do this online anywhere in the country. Here's how it works.
The legal rule
Article 39 of China's Exit and Entry Administration Law sets out two cases (NIA quoting the law):
- Hotels: the hotel registers you under hotel-industry security rules and sends your details to the local police.
- Any other place: you, or the person you're staying with, must register with the local public security organ within 24 hours after you arrive.
The rule applies however you entered: with a visa, 30-day visa-free entry or 240-hour transit. The NIA confirms that visa-free visitors must still register, and the arrival card you fill in at the border says so under "Important Note" (NIA Q&A). For transit visitors, NIA officials also stress registering within 24 hours at a hotel or the local police station (NIA press conference).
Case 1: staying in a hotel
What happens: the front desk checks your passport and registers you. Under Article 6 of the Hotel Industry Security Regulations, hotels must check ID, record the required details accurately, and send foreign guests' registration to the local police within 24 hours (Ministry of Public Security reply, gov.cn). You don't need to do anything else.
Can every hotel take foreigners? Officially, yes. In 2024, the Ministry of Public Security and NIA said hotels must not refuse foreign guests on the grounds that they lack a "foreign-guest qualification" (涉外资质) (MPS reply). A July 2024 notice from seven ministries, including MOFCOM, MPS and NIA, says local authorities and booking platforms should not use qualification requirements to stop accommodation businesses from hosting foreigners, and businesses should not post "no foreigners" notices (MOFCOM et al. 2024 No. 324).
In reality: before these rules, some small or budget hotels turned foreigners away because staff didn't know how to enter passport details. That's why the government stepped in. It can still happen occasionally, so book places that clearly take international guests, or message the hotel first.
What to bring: your passport. The hotel registers you with it. Keep the passport you entered China on, because the hotel records its details.
Case 2: staying with friends, family or in a private rental
If you're not in a hotel, you or your host must register within 24 hours. You have two options.
Option A: register online (nationwide since 2026)
The NIA has launched online accommodation registration nationwide for foreigners staying anywhere other than a hotel. It has the same legal effect as registering in person (NIA policy interpretation, 21 Sept 2026).
Where to do it: the NIA Government Service Platform, which includes:
- the official website
- the "NIA 12367" app
- the "NIA 12367" WeChat mini program
- the Alipay mini program
Steps:
- Open one of the channels and create an account and verify your identity.
- Go to Foreigner Service → Accommodation Registration and follow the prompts.
- Afterwards, tap "Registration Record Inquiry" to check it worked, and take a screenshot.
Who should do it: the NIA says the host should help with the first registration, since they know the address details best. The host can be Chinese or foreign. You can register on your own if you've already registered at the same address through the platform before, or if it's your own home (NIA).
Option B: register in person
Go to the local police station (派出所) or the exit-entry service window of the local public security bureau (NIA). Ideally bring your host. Exact documents vary by area, but plan to bring the items in the checklist below (check locally).
What if you don't register?
Under Article 76 of the Exit and Entry Administration Law, foreigners or hosts who fail to register a non-hotel stay get a warning and may be fined up to RMB 2,000 (law text; NIA). Hotels that fail to report foreign guests can also be penalised.
FAQ
Do I need to register if I stay in a hotel?
No. The hotel registers you with your passport at check-in and reports your details to the police.
I'm staying with a friend. What do I do?
You or your friend must register within 24 hours of arrival, either online through NIA 12367 (app, WeChat or Alipay mini program) or at the local police station.
Does this apply to visa-free visitors?
Yes. The NIA confirms that foreigners who enter visa-free must still register their accommodation.
Can a hotel refuse me because I'm a foreigner?
Official guidance says hotels shouldn't refuse foreign guests for lacking a "foreign-guest qualification". It still sometimes happens, so confirm with the hotel before you book.
What's the penalty for not registering?
A warning, plus a possible fine of up to RMB 2,000, under Article 76 of the Exit and Entry Administration Law.
Sources
- enghunan.gov.cn — 201707/t20170713 1712523.html
- National Immigration Administration — c237273/content.html
- National Immigration Administration — c183401/content.html
- www.gov.cn — 202407/content 6964443.htm
- web.archive.org — 202405/content 6952770.htm
- National Immigration Administration — n1689239/index.html
- yn.gov.cn — yhbmhsfw/gjmqzc
Last checked 12 November 2026. Rules and app menus change; if something's outdated, let us know.
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