China Travel Update | Last verified: October 12, 2026
Good news for international travelers! If you’re staying at a homestay (民宿, mínsù), a privately rented apartment, or with friends or relatives in China, accommodation registration has become easier.
Since September 21, 2026, China has made online accommodation registration available nationwide.
But there’s one important detail: if you’re staying at someone else’s private residence, your host should normally handle the initial online registration.
Here’s what you need to know.
Quick Answer: What’s Changed?
Foreign visitors staying outside hotels must generally register their accommodation with the local public-security authority within 24 hours of arrival.
This requirement is not new.
What’s changed is that eligible non-hotel accommodation registration can now be completed online throughout China.
China’s National Immigration Administration (国家移民管理局, Guójiā Yímín Guǎnlǐ Jú) announced the nationwide rollout of:
外国人旅馆以外住宿登记
Wàiguórén Lǚguǎn Yǐwài Zhùsù Dēngjì
Accommodation Registration for Foreigners Staying Outside Hotels.
The online service became available nationwide on September 21, 2026.
The good news: You no longer necessarily need to visit a local police station to register your stay.
1. Staying at a Homestay (民宿)? Here’s What Matters
Homestays are popular with travelers who want a more local experience in China.
But not every 民宿 operates under the same accommodation-registration arrangements.
Hotels and Registered Guesthouses
Hotels are responsible for registering their foreign guests.
Some properly registered homestays also operate under hotel-style accommodation arrangements and handle registration for their guests.
If your accommodation provider confirms that it handles foreign-guest registration, you generally do not need to complete the separate non-hotel registration yourself.
Private Homestays and Apartment Rentals
If you’re staying in someone’s private residence, a privately rented apartment, or accommodation outside the hotel registration system, the non-hotel registration procedure generally applies.
Your host should normally arrange the initial online registration.
Staying With Friends or Family
If you’re staying at a friend’s or relative’s private home, accommodation registration is generally required within 24 hours of arrival.
Dad’s practical advice: Before booking a 民宿, ask your host:
请问，您可以为外国客人办理住宿登记吗？
Qǐngwèn, nín kěyǐ wèi wàiguó kèrén bànlǐ zhùsù dēngjì ma?
“Can you arrange accommodation registration for foreign guests?”
This is a useful question when booking through Trip.com or directly with a homestay operator.
2. Who Completes the Online Registration?
This is the important clarification.
The National Immigration Administration explains:
外国人租住或者借住（寄住）他人住所，由留宿人代为办理。
Meaning: When foreigners rent or stay at someone else’s residence, the accommodation host handles the registration on their behalf.
The Chinese term is:
留宿人 (liúsùrén) — the person providing accommodation.
For example:
- Private homestay (民宿): Coordinate with the host or property manager.
- Rented apartment: Ask your landlord or accommodation provider.
- Friend’s home: Your friend should normally handle the initial registration.
- Relative’s home: Arrange registration with the person hosting you.
Foreigners staying in their own qualifying property may register themselves.
The NIA also allows eligible visitors who previously registered through its online platform to complete subsequent registration themselves at the same residence.
Important: Booking and paying for accommodation does not automatically mean your stay has been registered.
3. How to Register Online — Official Links
China’s National Immigration Administration (国家移民管理局, Guójiā Yímín Guǎnlǐ Jú) provides an official online service for foreigners staying outside hotels.
Official Online Registration Portal — National Immigration Administration
English Government Service Portal
Official Chinese Registration Guide (外国人旅馆以外住宿登记操作指南)
The Chinese guide is particularly helpful if your homestay (民宿, mínsù) host, landlord, friend, or relative is assisting with registration.
What to Look For
On the government-service platform, look for:
- 外国人服务 — Foreigner Services
- 住宿登记 — Accommodation Registration
- 登记记录查询 — Registration Record Inquiry
Follow the instructions, submit the required information, and confirm that registration has been completed successfully.
Important: If you’re staying at someone else’s private residence, your host should normally handle the initial online registration.
Once registration is successful, you can keep the electronic record on your phone. Printing is not required.
If online registration is unsuccessful, complete the registration in person at the local police station (派出所, pàichūsuǒ).
Dad’s tip: Before arriving at your 民宿 or friend’s home, send your host the Chinese registration guide. It may save both of you time and confusion.
4. Do You Need to Print the Registration Record?
No. This is another welcome improvement.
The NIA states:
通过本系统网上办理住宿登记后，无需打印住宿登记记录。
Meaning: After completing accommodation registration through the online system, there is no need to print the registration record.
The NIA also explains:
在办理签证证件业务或接受检查时，可出示电子住宿登记记录，无需再提交纸质住宿登记表。
Meaning: During visa-related procedures or official checks, you may present your electronic accommodation-registration record without submitting a paper form.
The Chinese term is:
电子住宿登记记录 (diànzǐ zhùsù dēngjì jìlù) — Electronic Accommodation Registration Record.
Keep the electronic record accessible on your phone.
If you specifically need a paper copy, the NIA says it can be obtained from the local police station indicated in your electronic record.
5. What If Online Registration Doesn’t Work?
Don’t worry. The traditional in-person registration option remains available.
The NIA states:
网上未成功办理的，应前往派出所现场办理。
Meaning: If online registration is unsuccessful, you should complete registration in person at the local police station.
派出所 (pàichūsuǒ) — Local Police Station.
You can also call 12367, the National Immigration Administration service hotline, for assistance.
Online and in-person registrations have the same legal validity.
Important: An attempted online submission is not the same as successfully completing your registration.
6. Frequently Asked Questions
I’m Booking a 民宿 Through Trip.com. Do I Need to Register Myself?
First, ask whether the property handles foreign-guest registration through the hotel system.
If it does, the accommodation provider normally takes care of registration.
If you’re staying in a private homestay outside the hotel registration system, coordinate with your host to complete the applicable non-hotel registration.
What About Privately Rented Apartments?
If you’re renting someone’s private residence, the host should normally arrange the initial online registration.
Don’t assume that booking and paying for accommodation automatically completes the registration.
I’m Staying With a Chinese Friend for Three Nights. Do I Need to Register?
Yes. The general requirement is registration within 24 hours of arrival, even for a short stay.
Your friend should normally help complete the initial registration.
I’m Moving Between Different Homestays. Is One Registration Enough?
No. Accommodation registration is linked to the address where you’re staying.
Arrange the appropriate registration when moving to a new private residence.
Can I Complete Registration Myself?
In certain circumstances, yes.
For example, foreigners staying in qualifying self-owned accommodation or returning to the same residence after previously registering through the NIA online platform may be eligible.
Does This Apply to Ordinary Hotels?
Hotels normally handle accommodation registration for their foreign guests.
You generally do not need to use the separate non-hotel registration service.
What We Learned: Easier Registration, Less Hassle
China’s September 2026 nationwide rollout is a welcome improvement for international travelers.
The existing 24-hour registration requirement remains, but the process is now more convenient.
Whether you’re staying at a 民宿, a private apartment, or a friend’s home, remember three things:
1. Ask your host who handles registration.
2. Make sure registration is completed within 24 hours.
3. Keep your electronic registration record accessible.
And if you’re staying at a hotel that registers its guests, the hotel normally takes care of everything.
Dad’s final tip: A good homestay host should be able to explain how foreign-guest registration is handled. Ask before you book, not after you arrive.
A little preparation makes independent travel in China much easier.
ChinaTravelBUG — See China. Understand It Better.
Official Sources and Further Reading
This article is based on information published by China’s National Immigration Administration (国家移民管理局).
- Official Announcement — Nationwide Online Accommodation Registration (September 21, 2026)
Confirms the nationwide rollout, the existing 24-hour registration requirement, and the availability of online registration. - Official Chinese Announcement — 国家移民管理局关于全国推广网上办理外国人旅馆以外住宿登记的公告
The original Chinese government announcement, useful for Chinese-speaking hosts and accommodation providers. - Who Can Register Online? — 哪些人员可以网上办理住宿登记
Explains when the host must complete registration and when foreigners may register themselves. - Electronic Registration Records — 网上办理住宿登记后，有哪些注意事项
Confirms that electronic registration records are accepted without printing. - Official Step-by-Step Online Registration Guide — 网上办理住宿登记指南
Practical Chinese-language instructions for hosts and foreign visitors. - Official Online Accommodation Registration Portal — 国家移民管理局政务服务平台
Access the government registration service.
Last verified: October 12, 2026.
