Hotels in China for Foreigners: Booking, Check-In and Accommodation Registration

Last reviewed: October 2026

Most hotels in China can accommodate international visitors, but it's worth confirming that a property can process foreign passports before you book. A listing may not make its check-in requirements clear, especially if you're booking through a third-party platform.

Then there's accommodation registration. It's a legal requirement for foreign visitors, and hotels normally handle it at check-in. If you're staying in a private home or other non-hotel accommodation, you or your host must make sure registration is completed within 24 hours of arrival.

Quick answer: what do foreigners need to know about hotels in China? Confirm that the property can check in guests with foreign passports, bring your original valid passport, and make sure your accommodation is registered. Hotels normally handle registration for hotel guests. For private homes and other non-hotel stays, registration is required within 24 hours, with online and in-person options available.

Part of our China travel guide for foreigners.

Before you book

Check these details on the listing:

• Clear confirmation that the property accepts foreign passport holders and can process their check-in.
• A location near the metro, a railway station or the places you plan to visit.
• Recent reviews, particularly from international guests.
• The cancellation policy and check-in hours.
• Accepted payment methods and any deposit requirements.
• Whether staff can help with directions or transport if needed.

If the listing is unclear, message the property before paying. For example:

"Hello, I plan to arrive on [date] with a [country] passport. Can you check in foreign passport holders and complete the required accommodation registration?"

Keep the property's response and booking confirmation in case you need to clarify the arrangement later.

Why you need your original passport

For an ordinary hotel stay, bring your original valid passport. The hotel needs to verify your identity and record your accommodation information for submission to the local public security authorities.

A photograph or photocopy is not a reliable substitute for the original document at check-in. Keep your passport somewhere secure but accessible when you arrive.

If staff ask to retain your passport, ask why it is needed, how long it will be held and when it will be returned. Avoid leaving it with anyone whose role you cannot verify.

Accommodation registration, explained

Foreign visitors staying in mainland China must comply with accommodation-registration requirements. The process depends on where they stay.

In a hotel: The hotel is responsible for registering foreign guests and submitting their accommodation information to the local public security authorities. Present your passport and follow the hotel's check-in procedure.

In a private home, short-term rental or other non-hotel accommodation: The visitor or host must ensure registration is completed within 24 hours of arrival at the accommodation.

Since September 21, 2026, the National Immigration Administration (NIA) has offered online accommodation registration nationwide for foreigners staying outside hotels. Registration can be completed through the NIA government service website, the NIA 12367 app, its WeChat mini-program or its Alipay mini-program. In-person registration through local public security authorities remains available.

The NIA recommends that the host assist with the initial online registration so the accommodation details are accurate. Whether you can complete the process independently depends on your circumstances and the applicable procedure.

Staying with friends or relatives: Ask your host to help arrange registration. Visa-free entry does not exempt you from this requirement.

If you're unsure how to register, consult the official NIA guidance or ask your host to contact the local public security authorities. The local police station, known as the paichusuo (派出所), can also be a starting point for in-person assistance.

Official guidance: National Immigration Administration — accommodation registration outside hotels.

Choosing where to stay

Hotel vs short-term rental

Hotels are usually the simpler option for first-time visitors because check-in and accommodation registration are built into the process.

Short-term rentals can offer more space, kitchen facilities and a residential feel. However, before booking one, confirm that the host can accommodate foreign guests and help complete the required registration. Don't assume that a property listed on an international booking platform automatically meets every local requirement.

Pick a location that works

Chinese cities can be enormous, and a hotel described as central may still be a long journey from your main destinations. Prioritise:

• Walking distance to a metro station, or a straightforward metro journey.
• Restaurants, convenience stores and other useful services nearby.
• Easy access to the airport or railway station you'll use.
• The exact location of your planned activities, not just the city's centre.

Our train booking guide explains why the arrival station matters when choosing accommodation.

What to do at check-in

1. Present your original passport. Show any additional entry or immigration documents if requested.
2. Confirm your booking details. Check your name, dates and number of nights.
3. Ask about practical details. Confirm breakfast hours, Wi-Fi and late-arrival procedures.
4. Save the Chinese address. Ask for the hotel's address in Chinese or a business card to show a taxi driver.
5. Clarify the deposit. Check the amount, payment method, refund process and expected timing.
6. Confirm registration if necessary. Ask the front desk if you need reassurance that your accommodation registration has been completed.

Many hotels request a deposit, but policies vary. If you pay by card, ask how the deposit is processed and how long the release or refund normally takes.

Paying at the hotel

Payment methods vary by property. Some hotels accept international bank cards, while others may prefer mobile payments or cash. A hotel may also have separate rules for room payment and deposits.

Before arrival, confirm which payment methods are accepted and whether a deposit is required. Our Alipay and WeChat Pay guide explains how to prepare mobile payments before your trip.

Common hotel mistakes

• Assuming the listing tells you everything. Confirm that the property can process foreign-passport check-in.
• Forgetting your original passport. A photo may not be enough for check-in.
• Ignoring registration for private stays. Make sure the host or visitor completes registration within 24 hours.
• Assuming online registration is always a solo process. The host may need to assist, particularly with an initial registration.
• Not saving the Chinese address. It can make taxis and navigation much easier.
• Booking accommodation in the wrong area. Check actual travel times rather than relying on a “central” label.
• Not checking the deposit policy. Confirm how much is required and how it will be returned.

Checklist

• Property confirmed to accommodate foreign passport holders.
• Original valid passport packed and accessible.
• Chinese name and address of the accommodation saved offline.
• Payment methods and deposit requirements checked.
• Booking confirmation and cancellation policy saved.
• Registration plan in place for any non-hotel stay.
• Host contact details saved if staying in a private home or rental.

FAQ

Can foreigners stay in any hotel in China?

Many hotels accommodate foreign visitors, but don't assume every listing has the same check-in procedures. Confirm that the property can process your passport and complete the required registration before booking. Official guidance also encourages equal access to accommodation services.

Do I need to register my accommodation in China?

Yes. Hotels are responsible for registering foreign guests. For a private home or other non-hotel accommodation, the visitor or host must ensure registration is completed within 24 hours of arrival.

What if I'm staying with a friend?

Ask your friend to help arrange accommodation registration within 24 hours. Since September 2026, nationwide online registration has been available through official NIA channels, while in-person registration remains an option.

Is Airbnb-style accommodation allowed for foreigners?

It depends on the property and applicable local requirements. Confirm that the host can accommodate foreign guests and help complete the required registration. A listing on a booking platform alone does not guarantee that every requirement has been met.

What documents do I need at check-in?

For a typical tourist hotel stay, bring your original valid passport and booking confirmation. Follow the property's instructions if additional immigration documents are needed.

Will the hotel keep my passport?

The hotel needs to verify your identity and record your details, but you should ask why if staff want to retain your passport and when it will be returned. Do not assume that every property follows the same document-handling procedure.

Do visa-free visitors still need accommodation registration?

Yes. Visa-free entry does not remove the accommodation-registration requirement.