Since September 21, 2026, foreigners staying overnight anywhere other than a hotel can complete their legally required accommodation registration online, from anywhere in China — the National Immigration Administration's announcement 2026 No. 7 made the pilot national. More than 90,000 registrations were completed online in the first month, according to the NIA's October 20 press briefing.

Who this affects

Anyone sleeping in a homestay, serviced apartment, hostel not registered as a hotel, or a friend's or relative's home. Hotels handle registration automatically at check-in, so this only matters if your accommodation cannot or will not file it for you. The 24-hour deadline from arrival applies, and skipping registration is an offense — a warning plus a possible fine under Article 76 of the Exit and Entry Administration Law.

What changed

  • Before: you or your host had to visit the local police station (paichusuo) in person within 24 hours of arrival.
  • Now: registration can be completed online through the NIA Government Service Platform — the official website, the "NIA 12367" app, or its WeChat/Alipay mini programs — under the Foreigner Service → Accommodation Registration module (source: National Immigration Administration, nia.gov.cn, Announcement 2026 No. 7, Sep 21, 2026).
  • Online registration has the same legal effect as in-person registration; the offline route at the local police station still exists and has not been removed.
  • First-time registration should be done with your host's help (Chinese or foreign — hosts can be either), since the host's account and residence details are needed. You can do it yourself afterwards if you register again at the same address, or if you stay at your own property.
  • Registration records can be viewed anytime under "Registration Record Inquiry" in the app — useful, since you may be asked for proof when extending a visa or checking into your next city.

What to do

  1. Ask your host before arrival whether they will register you; if not, agree who does it on the "NIA 12367" app.
  2. Complete it within 24 hours of arrival — set a reminder for the first night of any non-hotel stay.
  3. Screenshot the registration record as proof; it doubles as the document many travelers formerly collected as a paper slip.
  4. Stuck on the form? Call the 12367 hotline for English assistance, or ask at the local police station, which still processes registrations in person.

Last updated: 2026-10-21 · Confirm details with official channels before you travel.