China, Plainly

Accommodation

Where to Stay: Accommodation Registration

2026-11-01 · 4 min read

Checked 1 November 2026. This is a summary of official English-language pages, not the official text. Registration channels and local practice change. If anything here differs from an official source, the official source prevails. Confirm your case with the local public security bureau or the National Immigration Administration's 12367 hotline.

Foreign visitors in China are subject to accommodation registration. The rule applies whether you stay in a hotel or in a private home, and it is enforced at the local level. The good news is that hotels handle it for you, and for private stays there is now an online option in some regions.

If you stay in a hotel

Hotels register foreign guests and report the registration to the local public security organ. This is the hotel's obligation, not yours, but you must provide your passport at check-in.

In practice:

  • Bring the passport you used to enter China. A copy is usually not enough.
  • Check that the hotel has recorded your details correctly, especially the passport number and the length of stay.
  • Keep the registration slip or check-in record. Some hotels issue one; keep it with your passport.

If you move to another hotel, the new hotel registers you again. You do not need to visit a police station between hotels.

If you stay somewhere other than a hotel

This covers staying with friends or relatives, in a rented apartment, or in a private home. Under Article 39 of the Exit and Entry Administration Law, foreigners staying in domiciles other than hotels, or the people accommodating them, must complete registration with the local public security organ within 24 hours of arrival.

The accommodation host can be a Chinese citizen or a foreigner. In practice the host usually knows the address and the local police station, so it is easier for the host to go with you or to complete the registration on your behalf.

Bring:

  • Your passport.
  • The host's identity document.
  • Proof of the address, such as the property certificate, lease, or the host's household registration book.
  • The host's contact details.

Local offices may ask for slightly different documents. Call the local police station or 12367 before you go if you are unsure.

Online registration

From 20 March 2026, the National Immigration Administration has piloted an online accommodation registration service for foreigners staying in places other than hotels. The pilot covers seven provincial-level regions: Hebei, Liaoning, Zhejiang, Hubei, Guangxi, Chongqing and Sichuan. It is being expanded nationwide over time.

The online service is available through:

  • The NIA Government Service Platform website.
  • The "NIA 12367" app.
  • The "NIA 12367" WeChat mini program.
  • The Alipay mini program.

Online registration has the same legal effect as registering in person. The offline channel at local public security organs remains available.

The initial registration is normally completed with the host's assistance, because the host has the residence information. A foreigner may register independently if they have registered through the platform before and are returning to the same residence, or if they live in a self-owned residence.

When you do not need to register again

According to the official policy interpretation, re-registration is not required in these cases:

  • You live in your own residence in China and return to the same residence after travelling within or outside China.
  • You hold a residence permit or permanent residence permit, live at your habitual residence, and return to the same residence during the validity of that permit.

A "self-owned residence" means a residence owned by you or your spouse in China. A "habitual residence" is the place where you reside or plan to reside long term.

What happens if you do not register

The official policy interpretation states that foreigners or their accommodation hosts who fail to complete accommodation registration as required may be given a warning and may also be fined, under Article 76 of the Exit and Entry Administration Law.

This is a paperwork issue, but it is taken seriously. If you arrive late at night, register the next morning rather than leaving it for several days. If you move to a new private address, register again.

Practical checklist

  1. Hotel: give your passport at check-in; keep the record.
  2. Private stay: go with your host to the local police station within 24 hours.
  3. Check whether your province is in the online pilot; if it is, use the NIA platform or app.
  4. Keep the registration record with your passport.
  5. If you move, register at the new address.
  6. If in doubt, call 12367 or ask the local police station.

Official sources

The pilot regions, app channels and local document requirements may change. Confirm with the official pages above or the local public security bureau before you rely on this summary.

Details change. Confirm current prices, opening hours and entry rules before you rely on them.