I. Is it necessary to handle temporary accommodation registration?

The answer is yes. Whether you stay in a hotel, a homestay, at a friend’s or relative’s house, or change accommodation locations, you must comply with this regulation. Failure to register as required may result in warnings, fines (up to 2000 RMB), or other legal consequences.

II. Procedures for Different Types of Accommodations

1. Staying at a Hotel or Formal Accommodation Facility

• Automatic Registration: All formal hotels and guesthouses in China will directly report your check-in information to the public security authorities through their system; you just need to provide your original passport and visa page.
• Precautions:
• Some small homestays or hostels may not be connected to the public security system, so you should confirm in advance whether they can process the registration on your behalf.
• When checking out, it is recommended to request an accommodation receipt (including address and date) for future reference.

2. Staying at a Private Residence (Friend's or Relative's Home, Rental, etc.)

• Processing Entity: The person providing lodging (the homeowner) or the foreigner themselves must go to the local police station to handle the registration.
• Required Documents:
• Original passport and copy of the visa page for the foreigner
• Original ID card and copy for the homeowner
• Property ownership certificate or lease contract (if not the homeowner, an authorization letter is required)
• Fill out the "Temporary Accommodation Registration Form for Overseas Personnel" (provided by the police station)
• Process:
• Go to the police station under the jurisdiction of your accommodation location (you can query the address in advance via a map app).
• Submit the documents and complete the form; after the staff reviews them, you will receive a "Registration Receipt".
• Keep the receipt; no re-registration is needed before departure unless you change your accommodation, in which case you need to re-register.

III. Handling Special Situations

• Language Barrier: It is suggested to carry translated documents or use translation software, or contact the hotel/host for assistance.
• Remote Areas: If there is no police station nearby where you are staying, you can consult the local community police station or call 110 for inquiries.
• Visa Type Differences: Regardless of the type of visa (including visa-free policy cities), the registration requirement must be followed.

IV. Answers to Common Questions

1. How is the “24-hour” period calculated? It starts from the time of your first check-in or entry into the residence (for example: if you check in at 3 PM, you must complete the registration by 3 PM the next day).

2. Do multiple people sharing the same accommodation need individual registrations? Yes, each foreigner must register individually.

3. Do you need to carry the registration proof at all times? It is recommended to keep an electronic copy or photocopy of the "Registration Receipt", as police officers may randomly check it.

V. Consequences of Violation

Failure to register in a timely manner may affect subsequent visa applications, hotel check-ins, high-speed train ticket purchases, etc., and serious cases may result in restrictions on departure.