Foreign visitors to China who stay outside of hotels can now register their accommodations online, a move aimed at simplifying travel procedures and improving administrative efficiency, according to officials. Previously, foreigners staying in places other than hotels were required to register their accommodation in person at local police stations within 24 hours of arrival under China’s Exit and Entry Administration Law. Failure to comply could result in warnings or fines up to 2,000 yuan (approximately HK$2,340).
The new system, introduced by the National Immigration Administration, allows visitors or their hosts to complete accommodation registration digitally via its official website, a dedicated app, or through popular Chinese platforms such as WeChat and Alipay. Those holding residency documents or who own property in China are exempt from re-registering upon each return.
A pilot program for online accommodation registration was launched on March 20 in seven provinces and regions, including Hebei, Zhejiang, and Sichuan. Officials described the trial phase as successful, citing increased convenience and better organisation. The administration plans to expand online registration services nationwide, stating that the move will enhance the efficiency and convenience of government services for foreigners working, studying, or living in China.
Under previous arrangements, hotels generally handled registration on behalf of foreign guests, but those staying in private homes or other non-hotel settings faced more cumbersome procedures. Some expatriates acknowledged that many foreign visitors and residents often did not register due to the inconvenience or lack of strict enforcement.
A Beijing-based American noted difficulties when staying in rural areas, where local police were sometimes unfamiliar with the registration process for foreign visitors. Yannick Benichou, a French biotech executive who has lived in China for nearly 20 years, said the new online option offers a significant improvement, making compliance easier for visitors.
Einar Tangen, senior fellow at the Centre for International Governance Innovation, described the update as a positive step toward modernising China’s administrative system. He highlighted that online registration facilitates compliance with existing regulations and provides a standardized method for authorities to track the whereabouts of foreign residents and visitors. Tangen added that while some foreigners may view such registration as intrusive, the practice aligns with China’s broader administrative culture, which includes nationwide household registration systems.
China has also implemented a range of measures in recent years to boost foreign tourism, including extending visa-free entry to travelers from multiple countries and simplifying access to digital payment platforms. The introduction of online accommodation registration is seen as part of the country’s ongoing efforts to streamline travel and residency management for foreigners.