Do I have to register with the police in China?
Checked
Short answer
Yes. Every foreigner must have their accommodation registered within 24 hours of arrival. In a hotel, hotel registers you at check-in.
Staying with friends, family or in a private rental: self or host registers within 24 hours. Since online from 2026-09-21; NIA 12367 app, WeChat/Alipay mini program.
Not registering can bring a warning and a fine (warning; fine up to RMB 2,000). It applies to visa-free and transit visitors too.
| Fact | Value | Checked | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24-hour residence registrationForeigners staying outside hotels | within 24 hours of arrival | National Immigration Administration (en.nia.gov.cn) | |
| Hotels register guestsForeigners staying in hotels | hotel registers you at check-in | UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (gov.uk) | |
| Private rentals, friends, familyForeigners in Airbnb, rentals, or with friends or family | self or host registers within 24 hours | National Immigration Administration (en.nia.gov.cn) | |
| Online registration nationwideForeigners in non-hotel stays and their hosts | online from 2026-09-21; NIA 12367 app, WeChat/Alipay mini program | National Immigration Administration (en.nia.gov.cn) | |
| Online registration pilot from March 2026Foreigners in non-hotel stays in pilot regions | pilot 2026-03-20 in 7 provincial-level areas | National Immigration Administration (en.nia.gov.cn) | |
| Penalty for not registeringForeigners and hosts who fail to register | warning; fine up to RMB 2,000 | Chongqing Medical University (hosting statute text)Secondary source | |
| Law wording covers 'foreigners'Visa-free and transit visitors | applies to all foreigners; no exemption found | Visas NewsSecondary source | |
| 240-hour transit sticker for registration240-hour visa-free transit visitors | sticker used for registration | Shanghai Municipal Government (English) |
What does the law say?
Article 39 of the Exit and Entry Administration Law: within 24 hours of arrival. The US (24 hours; each hotel or residence) and Canadian (within 24 hours) governments give the same advice.
I'm staying in a hotel. Do I need to do anything?
No. hotel registers you at check-in. Show your passport at check-in. If you change hotels, the new hotel registers you again.
I'm staying with friends or in an Airbnb. What do I do?
self or host registers within 24 hours. Your host can do it, or you can go to the local police station with your passport.
Online: online from 2026-09-21; NIA 12367 app, WeChat/Alipay mini program. It started as a pilot (pilot 2026-03-20 in 7 provincial-level areas). Separate city systems in Shanghai or Beijing: Not confirmed yet.
Does this apply on visa-free entry or 240-hour transit?
Yes, as far as the sources show: applies to all foreigners; no exemption found. The UK government's China page gives the 24-hour rule alongside visa-free entry (register within 24 hours; hotel does it at check-in). Transit visitors get a temporary entry permit: sticker used for registration. See 240-hour transit.
What happens if I don't register?
The law provides a warning and possibly a fine: warning; fine up to RMB 2,000. Hotels that fail to report guests face their own penalty (warning; fine RMB 1,000 to 5,000 if serious). The US government warns of fines and deportation (US advice).
Questions people ask
Do I need to register with the police if I stay in a hotel in China?
No, the hotel does it at check-in.
Can I register my Airbnb stay online in China?
Yes: online from 2026-09-21; NIA 12367 app, WeChat/Alipay mini program.
What is the fine for not registering in China?
warning; fine up to RMB 2,000.
Sources
- Announcement No. 7 of 2026 on nationwide online accommodation registration (quoting Article 39), National Immigration Administration (en.nia.gov.cn), retrieved
- China travel advice: Entry requirements, UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (gov.uk), retrieved
- Announcement No. 1 of 2026 on pilot online accommodation registration, National Immigration Administration (en.nia.gov.cn), retrieved
- Exit and Entry Administration Law, Article 76 (English text), Chongqing Medical University (hosting statute text), retrieved
- Online accommodation registration for foreigners: nationwide rollout, Visas News, retrieved
- 240-hour visa-free transit policy update, Shanghai Municipal Government (English), retrieved
- China travel advisory / country information page, US Department of State, retrieved
- China travel advice and advisories, Government of Canada, retrieved