I. Required Documents for Hotel Check-in in Mainland China
For Chinese mainland residents, accommodation registration requires valid identification with a photo, such as the second-generation ID card (minors under 16 cannot check in alone). Foreigners must use their passports. The specific acceptable documents include seven types:
- Second-generation Resident ID Card (minors under 16 cannot check in alone)
- Household Register (mainly for minors under 16)
- Temporary Resident ID Card
- Motor Vehicle Driver’s License
- Home Return Permits for Hong Kong/Macao residents and Taiwan Compatriot Permits
- People’s Republic of China Passport (for Chinese citizens)
- Military and police certificates issued by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army or Armed Police Force (e.g., officer certificates, soldier certificates)
Both Chinese citizens and foreign visitors can use the above valid documents to check in at hotels.
Regulations for Foreigners and Hong Kong/Macao/Taiwan Residents Staying in Mainland China
Under the Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People’s Republic of China:
- When foreigners stay in hotels, the hotel must handle temporary accommodation registration in accordance with public security regulations and submit the registration information to the local police within 24 hours. In non-open areas, a travel permit is also required.
- For foreigners staying in non-hotel residences (e.g., private homes or rental apartments), they or their hosts must report to the local police station within 24 hours of check-in (72 hours in rural areas) with valid documents.
Note: All foreign visitors to Mainland China must legally complete temporary accommodation registration. Failure to do so may result in a warning and a fine of up to ¥2,000 under Article 39 of the law.
Key Notes:
- Update accommodation registration information when moving to a new city or changing residence.
- Update registration when changing passports or residence permits.
What is Temporary Accommodation Registration?
This refers to the process where individuals without a Chinese mainland ID card (e.g., foreigners, Hong Kong/Macao/Taiwan residents) must present valid documents and fill out a Temporary Accommodation Registration Form when staying in hotels, guesthouses, schools, enterprises, or other Chinese institutions.
How to Apply for Temporary Accommodation Registration?
Applications must be submitted by the individual or their host (e.g., an institution) to the local police station. Here are the main methods:
1. Online Application
Log into the local online registration system for foreigners. Major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen offer online services.
Beijing Online Accommodation Registration System for Foreigners
Shanghai Online Accommodation Registration System for Foreigners
Guangzhou Online Accommodation Registration System for Foreigners
Shenzhen: Visit the official Shenzhen Public Security WeChat platform → “Exit-Entry Services” → “Temporary Accommodation Registration for Foreigners” → Start Application
Benefits: No need to visit a police station, submit materials, or wait in line. Simply provide your phone number, ID number, and email address.
2. Hotel Registration (for hotel stays)
If the hotel’s system is linked to the police database, the hotel will directly handle the registration and provide a registration form.
Penalties for hotels: Fines and warnings apply to hotels that fail to register foreign guests properly (up to ¥5,000 for serious violations).
3. Local Police Station or Foreigner Service Center (for non-hotel stays)
Required documents for non-hotel stays:
- Valid travel documents (passport, Home Return Permit, Taiwan Compatriot Permit, etc.)
- Copies of the latest entry visa (if applicable) and entry stamp (if applicable)
- ID of the host or institution (if applying on behalf of the foreigner)
- For stays at private residences: Host’s name, ID number, contact info, and address
- For rental/purchased homes: Lease contract, property certificate, or purchase agreement
Temporary Accommodation Registration Form (download here)
Fee: Free of charge.
Example Process (Beijing Online System):
- Step 1: Read the system disclaimer and confirm.
- Step 2: Register/Log in (requires a Chinese phone number for new users).
- Step 3: Click “New Application” to start filling in details.
- Step 4: Select ID type (e.g., passport).
- Step 5: Upload ID photo (e.g., passport bio page).
- Step 6: Upload personal photo.
- Step 7: Upload proof of accommodation (e.g., lease contract).
- Step 8: Fill in personal information and submit for review.
Note: Accurate information is critical. False reporting may lead to legal consequences.
II. Recommended Hotel Booking Websites/Apps in China
1. Ctrip
- Founded in 1999, listed on NASDAQ in 2003. Headquartered in Shanghai, with branches in 17 cities (Beijing, Guangzhou, etc.).
- Features: Comprehensive bookings (hotels, flights, tours), visa services, and localized support for Chinese travelers.
- Website: https://www.ctrip.com/
- App: Available on Apple Store and Google Play.
- Payment: Visa, Mastercard, Discover, Amex, PayPal, Alipay.
2. Booking.com
- Global platform with 28+ million listings (hotels, homestays, hostels, etc.).
- Features: 180+ million genuine guest reviews, diverse accommodation types, and multilingual support.
- Website: https://www.booking.com/index.zh-cn.html
- App: Available on Apple Store and Google Play.
- Payment: Visa, Mastercard, Discover, Amex, PayPal, Apple Pay, Alipay.
3. Qunar (去哪儿网)
- Launched in 2005, headquartered in Beijing. Focuses on budget-friendly searches for flights, hotels, and tours.
- Features: Competitive prices during promotions, wide coverage in rural areas, but limited customer service and higher cancellation fees.
- Website: https://www.qunar.com/
- App: Available on Apple Store and Google Play.
- Payment: Visa, Mastercard, Discover, Amex, PayPal, Alipay.
4. Tongcheng Travel
- Founded in 2004, headquartered in Suzhou. Offers B2B/B2C services for hotels, flights, and attractions.
- Features: Affordable options for students and families, fewer breakfast choices, strong for domestic tours.
- Website: https://www.ly.com/
- App: Available on Apple Store.
- Payment: Credit cards, WeChat Pay, Alipay.
III. Hotel Check-in Process for Foreigners in Mainland China
Step 1: Verify if the Hotel Accepts Foreign Guests
- Check the hotel’s official website or contact them directly to confirm foreign guest policy.
- Tip: Save the hotel’s address in Chinese for transportation and security.
Step 2: Arrive and Complete Check-in
- Go to the front desk and present your passport, Home Return Permit, or Taiwan Compatriot Permit.
- Review the printed personal information for accuracy and sign to confirm.
Step 3: Pay a Deposit
- Most hotels require a cash deposit (refunded upon checkout if no damages).
- Confirm the deposit amount with the staff.
Step 4: Room Assignment
- Receive room keys, Wi-Fi password, and information about breakfast, housekeeping, etc.
- Hotel Responsibilities: Hotels must register guests in the public security system, copy ID documents, and submit records to the local police within 24 hours.
Why Some Hotels Refuse Foreign Guests:
- Complex registration procedures (requires English input and foreign language communication).
- High penalties for errors (fines up to ¥5,000 or business license revocation for repeated violations).
- Limited resources for handling foreign guest formalities.
Check-in Tips:
- Secure your passport and valuables.
- Request amenities (e.g., water, toiletries) at the front desk.
- Respect no-smoking policies and waste disposal rules.
- Use simple English and polite gestures for communication.
IV. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I use a Chinese passport to check into domestic hotels?
- A: Chinese citizens generally must use a mainland ID card for domestic hotels. Passports are accepted only at foreign-friendly hotels (e.g., international chains). For Chinese citizens with canceled household registration, a passport plus proof of foreign residency (e.g., green card) is required.
Q2: Can foreigners stay in homestays?
- A: Only in homestays registered to accept foreign guests. Always confirm with the host in advance.
Q3: Why do some Chinese hotels reject foreign guests?
- A: Hotels must meet security and infrastructure standards (e.g., international TV channels, multilingual staff) to host foreigners. Approximately 72% of domestic hotels lack these qualifications.
Q4: Does Ji Hotel (全季酒店) accept foreign guests?
- A: No. It only accepts mainland ID cards and does not have foreign 接待资质 (qualifications to host foreigners).
Q5: Why do some hotels only accept mainland guests?
- A: Mainly due to security requirements and lack of foreign-friendly facilities (e.g., English menus, international services).
Q6: Can I use a temporary ID card for check-in?
- A: Yes. Temporary ID cards are legally valid for accommodation registration.
Q7: How to register if staying outside a hotel (e.g., at a friend’s home)?
- A: Report to the local police station within 24 hours (72 hours in rural areas). Hosts or institutions (e.g., universities) can register on behalf of foreigners.
Q8: What is the validity period of temporary accommodation registration?
- A: Valid until departure from China or change of residence/passport. Registration must be updated for each new entry or address change.
Q9: What are the consequences of skipping registration?
- A: Fines up to ¥2,000, potential deportation, or a negative record that may bar future entry to China.
Final Note: Proper accommodation registration ensures a smooth and legal stay in Mainland China. Always keep your documents updated and follow local regulations. Safe travels!