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China Travel Guide

How to Register with Police in China as a Foreigner (24-Hour Rule Explained)

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If you’re visiting China, there’s one rule you need to know: every foreigner must register their accommodation with local police within 24 hours of arrival. This applies whether you stay at a hotel, a friend’s apartment, or an Airbnb.

The good news? If you stay at a hotel, they handle this automatically at check-in. But if you stay somewhere else — a homestay, a friend’s place, a private apartment — you need to handle the registration yourself.

The Direct Answer

Every foreigner in China must register their accommodation with local police within 24 hours of arrival. Hotels do this automatically at check-in when they scan your passport. If you stay at a friend’s apartment, Airbnb, or any non-hotel accommodation, you must register yourself at the local police station with your passport, your host’s ID card, and proof of accommodation.

When Registration Is Automatic: Hotels

When you check into a hotel, hostel, or serviced apartment in China, the staff scans your passport and submits your information to the local police. You don’t need to do anything extra.

This is why hotels are the easiest accommodation option for foreign travelers — the registration happens as part of the normal check-in process.

When You Must Register Yourself

You need to handle registration yourself when staying at:

  • A friend’s or relative’s apartment
  • An Airbnb or other homestay
  • A private rental apartment
  • Any accommodation that doesn’t have hotel-style registration systems

Note: Some Airbnb hosts may tell you they “cannot accept foreigners” because they cannot register you. In reality, the law allows you to register yourself at the police station. The host does not need to do it for you.

Documents to Bring to the Police Station

To register at the local police station, bring these documents:

  1. Your passport — with your valid Chinese visa
  2. Your host’s ID card — Chinese national ID (身份证) of the person whose home you’re staying in
  3. Proof of accommodation — rental contract, property ownership certificate, or a written statement from your host

If you’re staying with a friend, ask them to write a simple statement: “I am hosting [your name] at my apartment at [address] from [date] to [date].” They should sign it and include their ID number.

The Registration Process at the Police Station

  1. Find the nearest police station — Use Amap (高德地图) and search for “派出所” (police station). Ask your host or a local for the nearest one that handles foreigner registration.

  2. Go during business hours — Police stations are typically open during daytime hours. Call ahead if you can.

  3. Present your documents — Hand over your passport, host’s ID, and proof of accommodation.

  4. Fill out the form — The form is called “临时住宿登记表” (Temporary Accommodation Registration Form). Some stations have English versions; others require Chinese. If you don’t speak Chinese, bring a friend or use a translation app.

  5. Receive your registration slip — The police will issue a paper slip confirming your registration. Keep this safe.

  6. Time required — The process usually takes 15-30 minutes, depending on the station.

Why You Need the Registration Slip

The registration slip is useful for:

  • Visa extensions — You’ll need it when applying to extend your stay
  • Bank account opening — Some banks require proof of address
  • Other official processes — Various administrative procedures may ask for it

Even if you don’t plan to extend your visa, it’s wise to keep the slip. You may need it unexpectedly.

What Happens If You Don’t Register

The official penalty for failing to register is a fine of up to 500 RMB (about $70). In practice, enforcement varies:

  • Major cities like Beijing and Shanghai — Enforcement is stricter; you may be checked
  • Smaller cities — Enforcement is often less consistent

Beyond the fine, not registering can cause problems with:

  • Visa renewal applications
  • Future visits to China (records may be checked)
  • Situations where you need official proof of address

It’s simply safer to register than to skip it.

Changing Cities or Addresses

Each time you change accommodation, you need to re-register:

  • Move from Beijing to Shanghai: register again in Shanghai
  • Move from a hotel to a friend’s apartment: register at the police station
  • Extend your stay at the same address: you typically don’t need to re-register

The 24-hour rule applies to each new accommodation.

Common Mistakes

  1. Assuming Airbnb hosts will handle registration — Many won’t; you should register yourself
  2. Skipping registration in smaller cities — Enforcement may be lighter, but the rule still applies
  3. Forgetting to re-register after city changes — Each new city requires new registration
  4. Not asking your host for their ID card — You need it for the registration; arrange this before you arrive
  5. Losing the registration slip — Keep it safe; you may need it later

Bilingual Phrases for the Police Station

If you need to communicate at the police station, these phrases may help:

  • “I need to register my accommodation” — 我需要登记住宿
  • “I am staying with a friend” — 我住在朋友家
  • “Where is the nearest police station?” — 最近的派出所在哪里?
  • “I don’t speak Chinese” — 我不会说中文

A translation app on your phone can also help fill gaps.

Summary Checklist

  • Hotels register you automatically at check-in
  • For homestays and private apartments, register within 24 hours at the local police station
  • Bring: passport, host’s ID card, proof of accommodation
  • Keep the registration slip for visa extensions and other official uses
  • Re-register each time you change cities or accommodation types
  • Fine for non-registration: up to 500 RMB; enforcement varies by city

Final words

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