China Online Police Registration for Foreigners: 2026 Pilot Guide

Quick Answer

As of March 20, 2026, the National Immigration Administration (NIA) has launched a pilot program allowing foreigners staying in private residences (such as Airbnbs, apartments, or friends' homes) to register their accommodation online. This service is currently available in seven provincial-level regions: Hebei, Liaoning, Zhejiang, Hubei, Guangxi, Chongqing, and Sichuan. If you are staying in these areas, you or your host can complete the mandatory 24-hour registration via the official NIA website or the 12367 platform, eliminating the need to visit a local police station (Paichusuo) in person.

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The Legal Requirement: The 24-Hour Rule

Under Article 39 of the Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People’s Republic of China, all foreigners must register their place of residence within 24 hours of arrival.

• If you stay in a hotel: The hotel handles this automatically. They scan your passport and transmit the data to the Public Security Bureau (PSB).
• If you stay in a private home: You or your host are legally responsible for reporting your stay to the local police.

Failure to register can result in fines, warnings, or difficulties with future visa applications. Historically, this required a physical trip to the local police station with your host and their property ownership documents. The 2026 pilot program aims to digitize this process for a more seamless travel experience.

The 2026 Pilot Regions

Starting March 20, 2026, the NIA introduced the online accommodation registration service in the following regions. If your destination is outside these areas, you may still need to register in person or check for local city-specific WeChat mini-programs (such as those used in Shanghai or Beijing).

How to Register Online: Step-by-Step

The NIA has unified the registration process through its official government portal. This marks a shift away from fragmented, city-specific WeChat programs toward a centralized national system.

1. Access the Platform

Visit the NIA Government Official Website or use the NIA 12367 service platform. The interface is designed to be accessible for both foreigners and their Chinese hosts.

2. Prepare Your Documents

Before starting, ensure you have digital copies (clear photos) of the following:

• Your Passport: The photo/information page.
• Your Visa/Entry Stamp: The most recent entry stamp or your valid residence permit.
• Selfie with Passport: Some regions require a photo of you holding your passport to verify identity.
• Host Information: The host’s ID card (Shenfenzheng) number and the exact address of the property as it appears on the property deed.

3. Fill in the Details

You will be asked to provide:

• Full name (as it appears in your passport).
• Passport number and nationality.
• Date of birth.
• Purpose of visit (e.g., tourism, visiting relatives).
• Arrival date and intended departure date.
• Detailed address of the residence.

4. Submission and Confirmation

Once submitted, the system will process the information. In the pilot regions, online registration has the same legal effect as on-site registration. You should receive a digital confirmation or a "Registration Form of Temporary Residence" (Zhushe Dengjibiao). It is highly recommended to save a screenshot or PDF of this confirmation on your phone.

Local Insight: The Shift to Unified Systems

For years, international travelers in China faced a confusing patchwork of registration methods. In Wuhan (Hubei) or Chongqing, you might have been told to use a specific local WeChat mini-program, while in other cities, the police might have insisted on a physical visit.

Local authorities in the pilot regions are now being trained to recognize the NIA 12367 platform as the primary digital channel. This is particularly helpful for travelers using platforms like Airbnb. In the past, some hosts were reluctant to accompany guests to the police station due to the time commitment. With the 2026 online pilot, you can now prompt your host to provide the necessary property details so you can complete the registration yourself, or they can do it on your behalf from their own phone.

Tripilot Planning Tip

When planning a stay in a private apartment or with friends in China, use Tripilot to add a "Registration Reminder" to your itinerary for your first day in each new city. You can also use the local Q&A feature to ask for the specific NIA registration link if you have trouble navigating the official portal upon arrival. Having these reminders ensures you don't miss the 24-hour legal window.

Common Failure Modes and Backup Plans

While the online system is designed for convenience, technical issues can occur. Here is how to handle common problems:

• Address Recognition Errors: Chinese addresses can be complex. If the system doesn't recognize the address, ask your host for the "Standard Address" (Biaozhun Dizhi) used by the local police.
• Photo Upload Failures: Ensure your photos are under the size limit (usually 2MB or 5MB) and that there is no glare on the passport's plastic laminate.
• System Downtime: If the NIA website is undergoing maintenance, do not wait. If you are approaching the 24-hour limit, you must go to the nearest police station in person.
• Hotline Support: If you encounter difficulties, dial 12367. This is the NIA’s integrated support hotline, which offers English-language assistance for immigration and registration queries.

What to Verify Before You Arrive

1. Confirm the Pilot Status: While the pilot launched in March 2026 for seven provinces, specific districts within those provinces may implement the digital system at different speeds. Always ask your host if they have successfully used the online system recently.
2. Check for Local Apps: In some cities like Hangzhou (Zhejiang), local "City Brain" apps may still coexist with the NIA platform. The NIA platform is the official national pilot, but local police may sometimes prefer their own city-specific tools.
3. Physical Copy for Visas: If you are planning to renew your visa or apply for a residence permit while in China, check if the local PSB office requires a physical "Registration Form of Temporary Residence" with a red ink stamp. While the online registration is legally valid for staying, some administrative visa tasks still require the traditional stamped paper version.

Summary Checklist for Travelers

• Check Location: Are you in Hebei, Liaoning, Zhejiang, Hubei, Guangxi, Chongqing, or Sichuan?
• Gather Info: Get your host's ID number and the property's official address.
• Register Within 24 Hours: Access the NIA website or 12367 platform immediately after checking in.
• Save Proof: Keep a digital copy of the registration confirmation on your mobile device.
• Call 12367: Use the hotline if the website fails or if you have questions about your specific situation.