Hotels in China for foreigners: booking, check-in and registration

Every foreigner staying in China has to be registered with the police at their place of stay. In a hotel this happens automatically when you check in with your passport. If you stay anywhere else, you (or your host) must register yourself. Here is how both work.

Can any hotel take foreigners?

For years, some hotels in China, mostly smaller and budget ones, told foreign guests they were not allowed to accept them. In May 2024 the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of Commerce and the National Immigration Administration (NIA) told hotels they must not refuse foreign guests because they lack “foreign-related” qualifications or cannot handle the paperwork.

In practice, international chains, Chinese chains and most mid-range hotels in cities accept foreigners without problems. A few small guesthouses, especially in rural areas, may still turn you away because their system cannot read a foreign passport.

Where to book

• Trip.com and Booking.com both have large selections in China, in English, paid with a foreign card. Trip.com usually has more Chinese hotels and flags whether a property accepts foreign guests.
• International chains (Marriott, Hilton, IHG, Accor, Hyatt) can be booked on their own sites.
• Chinese chains such as Atour, Hanting, Ji Hotel, Jinjiang and Home Inn are everywhere and good value. If their own apps give you trouble, book them through Trip.com.
• Hostels (青年旅舍) in tourist cities register foreigners like hotels and are a good budget option.

Airbnb closed its listings in mainland China in July 2022, so do not plan on it. Local short-term rental apps exist, but rentals in private flats bring the registration duty described below.

Checking in

• Bring your physical passport. A copy or photo is not enough. Staff scan it and upload your details to the police; that is your registration.
• Every adult in the room is registered, so everyone needs their passport at the desk.
• Most hotels take a refundable deposit (押金, yājīn) at check-in, as a card pre-authorisation, an Alipay or WeChat Pay hold, or cash. It is released when you check out. Ask how much before you pay.
• Check-out is usually at 12:00. Many hotels store luggage for free after check-out.
• Ask reception for a hotel card with the name and address in Chinese to show taxi drivers.

Staying with friends or in a private rental

If you stay anywhere other than a hotel, such as with friends, relatives or in a rented flat, the law requires you or your host to register within 24 hours of arrival with the local police. Failing to do so can lead to a warning and a fine.

You can register in person at the local police station, bringing your passport and details of the address. Since 21 September 2026, you can also register online anywhere in China through the NIA’s official platforms:

1. The NIA government service website or the NIA 12367 app
2. The NIA 12367 mini-program in WeChat, or the NIA mini-program in Alipay
3. Choose the accommodation registration service under foreigner services, verify your identity and fill in the address.

Hosts usually do the first registration, because they have the property details. The NIA hotline 12367 can help with questions. Online registration is new, so the steps may change; check the NIA site before your trip.

Good to know

• Moving hotels means a new registration each time, and it is automatic again.
• Keep your passport with you during your stay. Police can ask for it, and you need it for trains and many sights.
• Save the Chinese address of every place you stay: see our countdown checklist and the apps you need.