Hotel Registration for Foreigners in China: The 24-Hour Rule
Foreign visitors in China must register their accommodation within 24 hours. What hotels handle for you, what to do if you stay privately, and why it matters.
Bokang Huang· Payments, eSIM and apps
Last updated
Tested in China on a foreign card. Sources linked at the foot of this page.
The short answer
Foreign visitors to China must register their accommodation with the local police within 24 hours of arrival. If you stay in a hotel, the hotel does it for you at check-in. If you stay privately, you are responsible for registering yourself.
How it works
| Where you stay | Who registers | When |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel | The hotel, at check-in | Within 24 hours of arrival |
| Guesthouse or hostel | The property, usually at check-in | Within 24 hours |
| A friend’s or family’s home | You, or your host | Within 24 hours |
| Rented apartment | You (or the host) | Within 24 hours |
Hotels that accept foreign guests handle the paperwork automatically. You simply hand over your passport. The catch is that not every property is registered to take foreign guests, which is why it is worth confirming before you book.
If you are staying privately
You (or the person hosting you) must go to the local public security bureau office and register. Bring your passport and your host’s ID. Since 21 September 2026, online accommodation registration is available nationwide for foreign nationals (it was piloted from 20 March 2026). You can use the NIA Government Service Platform website, the “NIA 12367” app, the NIA 12367 WeChat mini-program, or the Alipay mini-program. Online registration has the same legal effect as registering in person.
Why it matters for a layover
On a short stop this is easy to overlook: especially if you are staying with a friend or in a short-term rental rather than a hotel. It is a legal requirement, and skipping it can mean fines and complications with immigration. It also matters if you are on visa-free transit: officers may ask where you are staying, and an unregistered or out-of-area address can cause problems.
Practical tips
- Book foreigner-registered hotels for a stress-free arrival.
- Carry your passport. It is needed for registration and can be requested by authorities.
- Do it on day one. Do not wait until the end of your stay.
- Keep a record of the registration slip or confirmation if you are given one.
Bottom line
Registration is a simple 24-hour obligation that hotels handle for free. If you are not in a hotel, make it your first task after arrival. For the entry rules themselves, see 240-hour visa-free transit.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to register my accommodation in China as a foreigner?
Yes. Foreign nationals must register where they are staying with the local public security office within 24 hours of arrival. If you stay at a hotel, the hotel does this for you at check-in.
Do hotels register foreign guests automatically?
Foreigner-registered hotels complete the registration at check-in. Confirm your hotel accepts foreign guests, and keep your passport with you, it is used for registration.
What if I stay with a friend or in an apartment?
You, or the person hosting you, must register with the local police station within 24 hours. Since 21 September 2026 you can also register online, nationwide, which has the same legal effect as registering in person.
What happens if I do not register?
Failing to register can lead to fines and problems with immigration. It is a legal requirement, not a formality, so make sure it happens within 24 hours.
Sources & official links
Every factual claim on this page traces back to one of these documents. They are the authority, not us.