Do Foreigners Need to Register With Police in China? (2026)

Short answer: Yes. Every foreigner must be registered with the local police within 24 hours of arrival. A hotel does it at check-in. In a private home, rented flat or other non-hotel stay, you or your host must register — online across China since 21 September 2026, or at the local police station.

The rules

Where you stay	Who registers	Deadline
Hotel	The hotel, under hotel public-security rules	24 hours after arrival
Friend’s or family’s home, rented flat, other non-hotel lodging	You or the person hosting you	24 hours after arrival

• Online channels: 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.
• In person: local public security organs still accept on-site registration.
• Rollout: online registration started as a pilot on 20 March 2026 in Hebei, Liaoning, Zhejiang, Hubei, Guangxi, Chongqing and Sichuan. The NIA says it went nationwide on 21 September 2026.
• Self-registration: the NIA says the first registration should be done with the host’s help. You may register alone only if you already registered at the same residence through the platform, or you live in a home owned by you or your spouse in China.
• Exemption: if you already registered after arrival and return to your own home in China, or you hold a residence permit and return to your habitual residence, you don’t need to register again.

What to do

1. Hotel stay: hand over your passport at check-in. Keep your passport details unchanged; ask the front desk if they have registered you.
2. Non-hotel stay: ask your host to register you, or register yourself, as soon as you arrive. Have your passport ready.
3. Online: open the NIA online accommodation registration page for the official notice, then use the NIA Government Service Platform or the NIA 12367 app. After you register and verify your identity, go to Foreigner Service > Accommodation Registration.
4. Check the result under “Registration Record Inquiry.”
5. In person: take your passport to the local police station or exit-entry service window.

If you are on a short trip, see the arrival card guide and the visa-free entry rules. The trip checklist covers other pre-departure steps.

What happens if you get it wrong

Under Article 76 of the Exit and Entry Administration Law, a foreigner or host who fails to register may receive a warning and may also be fined. If your hotel says it cannot register you, ask the front desk or the local police station.

Common mistakes

• Assuming the host knows. A Chinese host may not realise a foreign guest must be registered. Raise it on day one.
• Counting the 24 hours from the wrong time. The clock runs from arrival, not from the day after.
• Skipping it for a short stay. The rule is not limited to long-term residents, and short visits are not exempt.
• Not re-registering after moving. A new address means a new stay, so register again.

FAQ

Do I need to register if I stay in a hotel?

No. The hotel registers guests under its own public-security rules. Bring your passport to check-in.

Is the rule the same for visa-free visitors?

The rule applies to foreigners in China generally, with no visa-free exemption. Register the same way as other visitors if you stay in a non-hotel home.

Can I register without going to the police station?

Yes. Register online through the NIA Government Service Platform, the NIA 12367 app, or its WeChat or Alipay mini program. Online registration has the same legal effect as in person.

Next steps for your trip

Official sources: en.nia.gov.cn · en.nia.gov.cn · en.nia.gov.cn · english.beijing.gov.cn. Rules change; check before you travel.