Now, register your accommodation in China online

A rule that often goes unnoticed when staying at a hotel

This rule is outlined in Article 39 of China’s law on administration of exit and entry entries. When a foreigner stays at a hotel, the establishment registers them and submits their information to the local police. Travelers have nothing to do in this case, which is why many are unaware of this mandatory requirement.

Everything changes when staying elsewhere: with friends or family, in a rented or borrowed apartment, or even in your own residence. In these cases, the foreigner or the host must register the stay with the local police within 24 hours of arrival.

The number of travelers affected has increased significantly with China opening up. According to the National Immigration Administration, 23.72 million foreign entries were made without a visa between January and August 2026 — 77.6% of the total and up 26.8% year-on-year. Many of these visitors are benefiting from extended visa-free stays for citizens of 26 countries until December 31, 2026 or the 240-hour visa-free transit. Not everyone will be staying in hotels.

What changes as of September 21, 2026

Previously, registration had to be done in person at the local police station. On March 20, 2026, the National Immigration Administration launched a pilot program for online registration in seven provinces, regions, and municipalities: Hebei, Liaoning, Zhejiang, Hubei, Guangxi, Chongqing, and Sichuan.

With the release of Notice No. 7/2026 issued on September 21, 2026, the service is now available nationwide. Online registration can be completed via four channels:

• the online services website of the National Immigration Administration;

• the "Immigration 12367" mobile app;

• the "Immigration 12367" mini-program on WeChat;

• the equivalent mini-program on Alipay.

All online registration methods now carry the same legal validity as in-person registration at a police station. However, travelers who choose to register online must first create an account and verify their identity on the platform.

The official interpretation clarifies that the first registration must be done with the host’s assistance, to ensure accuracy of the declared information. The host can be a Chinese citizen or another foreigner.

Travelers may then register independently in two scenarios:

• if they have already declared a stay at the same address via these channels and need to register again;

• p

  you reside in accommodations you personally own.

For example, if you spend a week staying with relatives or in a rented apartment, you must rely on your host for the first registration

. It’s advisable to discuss this with your host before arrival, because the 24-hour deadline runs from the moment you move in.

There is no need to re-register in certain cases, particularly for foreigners already residing in China. The official interpretation explains:

Once registered, you do not need to repeat the process if staying again at the same address after a domestic or international trip. The same applies to holders of a residence permit: you do not need to re-register after returning home, as long as the permit remains valid.

It does not apply to short-term visitors. Any new address outside a hotel still requires a new declaration.

When encountering issues with online registration, the National Immigration Administration refers travelers to the procedure guide on each registration page, its hotline at 12367, or to the in-person service at the local police station.