China Launches Online Accommodation Registration — Foreigners No Longer Required to Visit Police Stations (2026)
The National Immigration Administration launched an online accommodation registration system for foreigners staying outside hotels, starting with 7 pilot provinces on March 20, 2026. No more mandatory police station visits.
Key takeaway
Starting March 20, 2026, China's National Immigration Administration (NIA) launched an online accommodation registration system for foreigners staying outside hotels. The pilot covers 7 provinces — Hebei, Liaoning, Zhejiang, Hubei, Guangxi, Chongqing, and Sichuan. Foreigners can now register through the NIA website, NIA 12367 app, or WeChat/Alipay mini programs, eliminating the need to visit a police station within 24 hours of arrival. Nationwide expansion is planned.
Full report
What Changed
Under Article 39 of China's Exit and Entry Administration Law, every foreigner staying in mainland China must register their accommodation within 24 hours of arrival. Hotels handle this automatically at check-in, but foreigners staying in private residences, Airbnbs, or with friends and family have historically been required to visit the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) police station in person to complete registration. Failure to register could result in fines of up to ¥2,000 and a note on the traveler's immigration record.
On March 20, 2026, the NIA announced a pilot online accommodation registration service, published via the State Council's official English portal. The system is initially available in 7 regions: Hebei, Liaoning, Zhejiang, Hubei, Guangxi, Chongqing, and Sichuan. According to the NIA policy interpretation, registration can be completed through four digital channels: (1) the NIA Government Service Platform website, (2) the "NIA 12367" mobile app, (3) the "NIA 12367" WeChat mini program, and (4) the Alipay mini program.
Either the foreign visitor or the accommodation host can initiate the online registration. The policy interpretation clarifies that "long term" stays — defined as exceeding 180 days under Article 36 of the Exit and Entry Administration Regulations — may have additional requirements beyond the online registration system.
What to do next
- Before departure, check if your destination is in one of the 7 pilot provinces (Hebei, Liaoning, Zhejiang, Hubei, Guangxi, Chongqing, Sichuan). 2. If covered, download the NIA 12367 app or locate the mini program in WeChat/Alipay before arrival. 3. Register within 24 hours of arrival using your passport, entry stamp date, and accommodation address. 4. If outside pilot areas, visit the nearest PSB police station within 24 hours.
What may vary
The 7 pilot provinces are confirmed as of June 2026 — additional provinces will be added as the pilot expands, with no announced timeline. Some local PSB offices may still request in-person visits within pilot provinces during transition. Stays exceeding 180 days trigger additional registration requirements not fully covered by the online system.
FAQ
Do I still need to register my accommodation in China if I stay at an Airbnb?
Yes. The 24-hour accommodation registration requirement applies to all foreigners staying anywhere in mainland China. Hotels register you automatically, but for Airbnbs, private residences, or stays with friends, you must register — now online in 7 pilot provinces via the NIA 12367 app or mini programs.
What happens if I do not register my accommodation within 24 hours in China?
Under Article 76 of the Exit and Entry Administration Law, failure to register accommodation within 24 hours can result in a warning and a fine of up to ¥2,000 (approximately USD 275). In serious cases, the violation may be recorded on your immigration file and could affect future visa applications.
Can my Chinese friend register my accommodation for me online?
Yes. According to the NIA policy interpretation published on March 21, 2026, the person providing accommodation (the host) can complete the online registration on behalf of the foreign visitor through any of the four digital channels.
Is the online accommodation registration available everywhere in China?
No. As of June 2026, the pilot covers 7 provincial-level regions: Hebei, Liaoning, Zhejiang, Hubei, Guangxi, Chongqing, and Sichuan. If you are staying outside these areas, you must still visit a PSB police station in person within 24 hours. A nationwide expansion is planned.
Is the online registration available everywhere in China?
No. As of June 2026, the pilot covers 7 provincial-level regions: Hebei, Liaoning, Zhejiang, Hubei, Guangxi, Chongqing, and Sichuan. If you are staying outside these areas, you must still visit a PSB police station in person within 24 hours of arrival. A nationwide expansion is planned but no timeline has been announced.