Hotels usually register you
Licensed hotels that accept foreign guests normally register your stay automatically at check-in. Check that the front desk has scanned your passport and that your name is spelled correctly. Keep the registration slip if they give you one.
Private stays are different
If you stay in a private apartment, a friend’s home or a homestay that does not register foreigners, you generally need to register at the local police station within 24 hours of arrival (or before you move on). Bring your passport, visa/entry stamp, the host’s ID and the lease or address proof. Rules and deadlines can vary by city; ask the host or hotel to confirm.
Why it matters
Registration is a legal requirement and is checked when you extend a visa, open a bank account, register a marriage or deal with some government offices. A missing registration can lead to a warning or fine. If you change address, register again.
Reality check
Hotels often register you silently; private stays are where people forget. A missing slip can surface months later at a visa office.
Local tip: Photograph the registration slip and keep it with your passport copies.
Step by step
- At a hotel: give your passport at check-in and confirm registration.
- At a private stay: ask the host whether the building can register foreigners.
- Go to the local police station with passport, visa and address proof.
- Keep the registration slip or receipt.
- Re-register if you move to a new address.
- If unsure, call the hotel or local 12367 immigration hotline.
Typical costs
| Item | Cost / note |
|---|---|
| Hotel registration | Included |
| Police station registration | Usually free |
| Fine for late/missing registration | Varies by city; avoid it |
Prices are indicative and change. Confirm with the official provider before paying.
Documents to prepare
- Passport and visa/entry stamp
- Host’s ID and property proof
- Lease or booking confirmation
- Local phone number and address in Chinese
Common mistakes
- Assuming a hotel that accepts you will register you — confirm.
- Staying in an unlicensed apartment that cannot register foreigners.
- Missing the 24-hour window after moving.
- Losing the registration slip before a visa extension.
If things go wrong
- If the hotel says it cannot register you, change hotel or ask the local police for guidance.
- If you missed the window, go to the police station with your host and explain; do not ignore it.
FAQ
Does the hotel do it automatically?
Most licensed hotels do, but confirm at check-in. Keep the slip if issued.
Can I stay with a friend?
Yes, but you may need to register at the local police station with the host and address documents. Ask the host to check.
What if I move cities?
Register again at the new address; the previous registration does not cover a new stay.
First 72 hours: the field guide
The first three days are mostly logistics: documents, a working phone, a bed and a registered address. Get those right and the rest of the trip becomes much easier.
Before you land
Keep one offline folder with your passport photo page, visa, insurance, first hotel address in Chinese and onward ticket. Put the hotel address on your lock screen or a paper card. If you take prescription medicine, keep it in hand luggage with the prescription; checked bags get delayed.
At the airport
Complete the arrival card before the queue. Use the foreign-passport lane unless a staff member directs you elsewhere. After baggage, choose the red customs channel if you have anything to declare: food, plants, large cash, restricted medicine or commercial samples. The green channel is only for nothing-to-declare.
The first evening
Buy or activate a data plan, test a small mobile payment, and confirm that the hotel has registered your passport. If you are staying privately, ask the host about police-station registration before you unpack. Save the local emergency numbers and your embassy contact.
Quick checks
- Passport, visa and hotel address offline
- Working data plan and one payment app
- Registration confirmed at hotel or police station
- Cash backup and a second card
- Embassy and 120/110 numbers saved
Printable checklist
Print this page or save it as a PDF. Tick each item before you go.
- Passport and visa/entry stamp
- Host’s ID and property proof
- Lease or booking confirmation
- Local phone number and address in Chinese
- At a hotel: give your passport at check-in and confirm registration.
- At a private stay: ask the host whether the building can register foreigners.
- Go to the local police station with passport, visa and address proof.
- Keep the registration slip or receipt.
- Re-register if you move to a new address.
- If unsure, call the hotel or local 12367 immigration hotline.
This guide is a practical summary, not an official or legal document. Rules and prices change. Use the official links below, and confirm with the relevant authority or a qualified professional.
Last verified 2026-10-29. China Handbook is independent and not affiliated with any government. Information is provided for general guidance only.