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Task answer · Official source checked · Last checked 2026-06-29

Do foreigners need accommodation registration when staying with a friend in China?

Quick answer

Yes. Existing NIA guidance says that when a foreigner stays in a domicile other than a hotel, the foreigner or the host should complete accommodation registration with local public security organs within 24 hours after arrival. Ask your friend or host how the local process works before you arrive.

Source statusOfficial source checked Last checked2026-06-29 Last updated2026-07-07 Next scheduled review2026-07-29

ChinaReady is an independent preparation guide, not an official government, police, hotel, embassy, consulate, or border-control website. Final registration requirements and handling rest with local public security and exit-entry authorities.

Who this applies to

  • Foreign visitors staying at a friend's home, family home, serviced apartment, homestay, or other non-hotel address.
  • Travelers who change from a hotel to a private address during the trip.
  • Hosts helping a foreign visitor complete local registration.

Who this does not apply to

  • Hotel stays where the front desk normally registers the guest's passport information.
  • Cases where a local authority gives different written instructions for a specific address.
  • Long-term residence procedures beyond short-term visitor accommodation registration.

Step by step

Before arrival, ask your friend or host how foreigner accommodation registration is handled locally.

Bring your passport and travel details to the host address.

Complete the local registration process within 24 hours after arrival when staying outside a hotel.

Use official online channels only where they are available and applicable.

If unsure, ask the local police station, exit-entry service window, hotel, host, or 12367 for guidance.

Required documents or information

  • Passport.
  • Host address in Chinese.
  • Host contact information.
  • Arrival date and stay period.
  • Any local documents or online account verification requested by the official channel.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming a friend's home works like a hotel.
  • Waiting until the last day of the stay to ask about registration.
  • Using an address that the host cannot verify.
  • Changing accommodation without asking whether a new registration is needed.
  • Assuming online registration is available nationwide.

What to do next

  • Open the accommodation registration guide and share it with your host.
  • Save the host address in Chinese before you travel.
  • If the local process is unclear, ask the host to contact the local police station or exit-entry service window.

Official sources

NIA - Policy interpretation of online accommodation registrationSource date: 2026-03-20 · Checked: 2026-06-29
NIA - Accommodation registration for foreignersSource date: 2021-04-01 · Checked: 2026-06-29

Disclaimer

ChinaReady is an independent preparation guide, not an official government, police, hotel, embassy, consulate, or border-control website. Final registration requirements and handling rest with local public security and exit-entry authorities.