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New: you can now register your accommodation online – and why it matters if you are not staying in a hotel
This is the rule that catches out more visitors than any other, and almost nobody writes about it.
The rule
If you stay in a hotel, the hotel registers you. Nothing to do.
But if you stay anywhere else — an apartment rental, a friend’s flat, a homestay, or a guesthouse that does not take foreigners — you or your host must register your accommodation with the local police within 24 hours of arrival.
This is Article 39 of the Exit and Entry Administration Law. It is not a formality: failing to register can mean a fine, and it can cause problems when you try to leave.
What changed in September 2026
As of 21 September 2026, the National Immigration Administration rolled out online accommodation registration nationwide. You can now register through any of these:
- The NIA official website
- The NIA 12367 app
- The NIA 12367 WeChat mini program
- The Alipay mini program
The in-person channel at a local police station still works. Online registration has the same legal effect.
Why this matters practically
Until now, registering meant finding the right police station, usually with a language barrier and limited opening hours — and plenty of hosts did not know the rule existed. This is one of the most useful changes for independent travellers in years.
Last verified: 1 October 2026. Source: National Immigration Administration, Announcement No. 7 of 2026.
Has anyone tried the online registration yet? I would like to hear how it went in practice.
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