Foreign visitors to mainland China must have their accommodation registered with the local public security authorities. For most tourists staying in a hotel, the hotel handles this during check-in. If you stay in a private home, rented flat or other non-hotel accommodation, you or your host must arrange registration within 24 hours of arrival at that address.
If you’d like to see what we are getting up to as it’s happening, please give our Instagram a follow @autismfamilytravelguide
There has been an important recent change for accomodation registration in China:
On 21 September 2026, China’s National Immigration Administration introduced nationwide online accommodation registration for foreigners staying outside hotels. You can still register in person with the local public security authorities. This guide explains both options and how to avoid problems when travelling between cities.
What Is Accommodation Registration in China?
Accommodation registration is the process of reporting where a foreign national is staying in mainland China. It is sometimes called temporary residence registration, temporary accommodation registration or 住宿登记 (zhùsù dēngjì).
The requirement comes from Article 39 of China’s Exit and Entry Administration Law. It applies to foreign visitors staying in hotels and to those staying in other types of accommodation. The difference is who submits the information: hotels register their foreign guests; at non-hotel addresses, the foreign visitor or the person providing the accommodation must do it.
Accommodation registration is separate from a visa, arrival card or permission to enter China. Having a valid visa or entering under a visa-free arrangement does not remove the registration requirement.
China Accommodation Registration Rules at a Glance
| Where You Stay | Who Registers? | What You Need to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel | Hotel staff | Present your passport or accepted travel document at check-in; the hotel submits the registration. |
| Friend’s or relative’s home | You or your host | Register within 24 hours of arriving at the address, online or through local public security authorities. |
| Privately rented flat or holiday apartment | You or the person accommodating you | Arrange non-hotel accommodation registration within 24 hours. |
| Another non-hotel address | You or your host | Check the applicable process and register within 24 hours of arrival. |
| New hotel during a multi-city trip | New hotel staff | Present your passport again at check-in so the new stay is registered. |
The nationwide legal rule for accommodation registration in China is 24 hours for non-hotel stays. Older local information may give different advice, so prioritise the current national immigration guidance and confirm any unusual situation with the local authorities.
Do Hotels in China Register Foreign Guests Automatically?
Hotels are responsible for registering foreign guests and reporting their accommodation information to the public security authorities. At check-in, you should be prepared to show your valid passport or another accepted identity document. Each foreign guest in your party should have their own documents available.
You generally do not need to visit a police station separately after checking into a hotel that has completed the required registration. If you are uncertain whether the hotel has done so, ask reception to confirm.
When booking, check that the property can process foreign guests’ identification and registration. If you are travelling with children, ask whether the property needs their passports at check-in too.
What If You Stay in an Airbnb-Style Rental, Apartment or Someone’s Home?
If you stay somewhere other than a hotel, you or the person accommodating you must complete the registration within 24 hours of arrival. This applies even if you are staying with friends or relatives, are not paying for the accommodation, or are visiting under a visa-free policy.
Before booking a holiday flat or private rental, ask the host who will handle accommodation registration, what documents they can provide to establish the address and whether they can help if the online application needs additional information. Do not assume that an accommodation booking platform submits the police registration on your behalf. Always ask.
If a host says registration is unnecessary, consult the official National Immigration Administration announcement rather than relying solely on that reassurance.
How to Register Accommodation Online in China
From 21 September 2026, the National Immigration Administration rolled out online accommodation registration nationwide for foreigners staying in places other than hotels. It followed a pilot launched in seven provincial-level regions in March 2026.
According to the official announcement, the foreign visitor or the person accommodating them can use one of these channels:
- The National Immigration Administration’s official government services website (s.nia.gov.cn).
- The NIA 12367 mobile app (see below).
- The NIA 12367 WeChat mini programme (see below).
- The National Immigration Administration service through Alipay’s mini programme (see below).
How to Download the NIA 12367 Mobile App
To download the official NIA 12367 mobile app you can use the following links:
Android: The NIA 12367 android app can be downloaded by scanning the QR code on the linked webpage. There are also scannable codes on the NIA official website to download the app via Alipay or WeChat.
iOs and HarmonyOS: The iOS and HarmonyOS version of the NIA 12367 app can be downloaded through the Apple app store.
Find the accommodation registration service in the foreigner services area, complete the required identity verification and follow the instructions to enter the guest and address details. Exact screens and required uploads may vary. Have your passport, accommodation address and relevant host or property information ready.
Online registration has the same legal effect as registration in person. The online service does not extend the 24-hour deadline. Save the acknowledgement or confirmation after submitting, and check for any request to correct missing information.
How to Register in Person at a Police Station
In-person registration remains available through the public security authorities responsible for your accommodation address. Depending on the location, this may be the local police station or another designated public security service point.
- Find the public security office responsible for the address where you are staying.
- Take your passport or accepted identity document and details of the accommodation.
- Ask your host what proof of address or property documents are needed locally.
- Complete the registration within 24 hours of arrival.
- Keep the confirmation or registration record for your files.
To get directions to the public security offices you should visit to register your accommodation adddress you will need alternative China maps as Google Maps will not work as it does outside of China.
Requirements for property documents can differ locally. For example, Beijing’s official registration guidance describes proof of residence such as a lease agreement or property ownership document, along with identification. Check the rules for the city where you are staying rather than assuming Beijing’s document list applies everywhere.
What Documents Do You Need?
Prepare the following before you arrive at a non-hotel property:
- Your valid passport or another accepted travel or identification document.
- The complete address of your accommodation, ideally written in Chinese.
- Contact details for the person accommodating you or managing the property.
- Any rental agreement, property ownership information or other proof of address requested by the local authority.
- Access to the phone or account used for online identity verification, if registering digitally.
The precise document and photograph requirements are determined by the official application channel and local rules. Ask the host or local public security office before travelling if a document may be difficult to obtain.
Do You Need to Register Again When Changing Hotels or Cities?
Each hotel should register your stay when you check in. If you move from one private accommodation address to another, arrange registration for the new address rather than assuming your earlier registration covers the whole trip.
For example, a traveller spending three nights in a Shanghai hotel and then two nights at a friend’s apartment in Beijing would normally have the hotel register the Shanghai stay and would need to arrange non-hotel registration for the Beijing address within 24 hours of arrival.
Keep the dates and addresses of your accommodation in one travel document. If you change your passport or immigration status while staying in China, ask the relevant public security authority whether your registration details need updating.
Does the Rule Apply to Visa-Free Travel and Transit?
Yes. The National Immigration Administration confirms that accommodation registration also applies to foreign nationals entering under visa-exemption arrangements. Visa-free entry is not an exemption from reporting where you stay.
If you enter China under a transit arrangement and stay overnight in a hotel, the hotel handles registration. If you stay at a private address, the non-hotel rules apply. Remaining entirely airside without entering mainland China is a different situation from entering the country and staying at an address.
For transit planning, read our guide to leaving Beijing Airport during a layover and explanation of the TWOV airline code.
What Happens If You Do Not Register?
Failing to complete required accommodation registration can lead to enforcement action. Chinese official guidance warns that failure to register may result in a warning or a fine.
If you discover that your registration has not been completed, contact the appropriate public security authority promptly and explain the circumstances.
Tips for Autistic Travellers, Disabled Visitors and Families
The simplest way to reduce uncertainty is to arrange accommodation registration before it becomes a last-minute task.
- Choose a hotel if you want a simpler process: the hotel normally completes the required registration at check-in.
- Confirm private-host arrangements in writing: ask who will register the stay and whether the host can help with online forms.
- Prepare a document folder: keep passports, booking details and the address in Chinese together.
- Allow time on arrival: do not schedule a long excursion immediately after reaching a private rental if registration is still outstanding.
- Plan communication support: if forms, queues or unfamiliar instructions are difficult, arrange for a travelling companion or host to assist where permitted.
- Save confirmations: a screenshot or electronic record can help if you need to refer to the registration later.
For other practical planning tools, see our guides to apps to download before visiting China, map apps for China and accessible transport in China.
FAQ About Accommodation Registration in China
Do Tourists Have to Complete Accommodation Registration in China?
Yes, but perhaps not personally. Hotels register their foreign guests. Foreign visitors staying in accommodation other than hotels must ensure that they or their host register the accommodation within 24 hours of arrival.
What Is the 24-Hour Registration Rule in China?
Foreign nationals staying at a non-hotel address must have that stay registered with the local public security authorities within 24 hours of arriving at the address.
Does a Hotel Register My Stay for Me?
Yes. Hotels are responsible for registering foreign guests and submitting the relevant information. You must provide the identification required at check-in.
Can I Register a Private Apartment Online?
Yes. Nationwide online registration for foreigners staying outside of hotels began on 21 September 2026. Official channels include the NIA website, NIA 12367 app and supported WeChat or Alipay mini programmes.
Do I Still Have to Visit a Police Station?
Not necessarily. Online registration is now available nationwide for non-hotel stays and has the same legal effect as in-person registration. In-person registration remains an option.
Does My Airbnb Host Register Me Automatically?
Do not assume so. Ask the host whether they will complete the official registration and obtain confirmation. A platform booking is not, by itself, proof of police accommodation registration.
Do I Need to Register If I Stay With Family or Friends?
Yes. The visitor or the person providing accommodation must register the non-hotel stay within 24 hours of arrival.
Does Visa-Free Entry Exempt Me?
No. The National Immigration Administration confirms that accommodation registration still applies to visitors entering under visa-exemption arrangements.
What If I Change Accommodation During My Trip?
The new hotel should register your check-in. If you move to a new private address, arrange registration for that address within 24 hours of arrival.
What If I Miss the Registration Deadline?
Contact the relevant public security authority as soon as possible. Failure to register can lead to a warning or fine; do not assume that late registration removes any consequences.
Information checked against national immigration guidance available in November 2026. This article concerns mainland China; Hong Kong and Macao have separate immigration and accommodation arrangements. Registration processes and local documentation requirements may change, so confirm unusual cases with the relevant authorities.
Continue Planning Your Visit to China With Autistic Children
- Heading to the capital? Our guide to Beijing with autistic children is a good starting point
- Find out if you can leave the airport during a layover in China
- Our guide to laying over in Beijing Capital Airport explains everything you need to know
- Need airport assistance? Learn all about special assistance at Beijing Capital Airport
- Visiting the airport with a disability? Learn more about the disabled facilities at Beijing Capital Airport
- Travelling with medication? Learn more about bringing medication into China
- Here is everything you need to know about bringing a power bank into China
- Are you British? Learn more about the visa-free travel agreement with China
Continue Planning Your Asia Itinerary With Kids
- Start with planning your overall Asia family trip, including flights, pacing, transport and choosing destinations that suit your child’s needs
- Travelling via an airport to Taiwan? Learn how to book special assistance and what help you can expect
- Travelling with medication? Learn what to include on your doctors travel letter for medication
- Looking for easier first-time Asia destinations? Consider visiting Japan with kids for clean transport, family facilities and predictable routines
- Prefer beaches and slower travel? Find out more about Thailand with children for resort stays, nature and flexible family days out
- Planning big city adventures? Discover what to expect in Hong Kong with autistic children
- Hoping to Island hop? Learn more about visiting the Philippines with autistic kids
Continue Planning Your Trip With Autistic Children
- Find out about the help available if you are travelling through an airport
- Discover whether a cruise with an autistic child would work for your family
- Find out how to make travelling with ADHD manageable
- Learn more about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard
- Check out guides to all of the different destinations we have travelled to with autistic children
- Learn step-by-step how to set up the accessibility feature on Google maps
- Learn more about our favourite sensory toys for travelling
- Discover an app that helps you locate a playground anywhere in the world
- Always alerted at the last minute that the little one needs a toilet? Find a toilet anywhere with this app