Welcome to China, BIG TIP: Register as Soon as You Arrive!

So.. you've JUST arrived in China, and navigated successfully to your hotel (or wherever you might be staying). Welcome globetrotter. Before you start your adventures, there is one thing special "to-do" item that is a requirement for staying in China, read on... we'll guide you through the process of registering your accommodation.

A Little Background:

While this might seem unusual for some travellers, registering for accommodation is a practice that is also done in countries like Germany, Japan, Italy, and others. The practical reasons for this are crime prevention, urban planning, and more pragmatically, ensuring the safety of overseas nationals in case of personal emergencies to quickly render assistance, or in the case of other emergencies like natural disasters, health crises, etc. to help in coordinating responses. Very important in a place like China where there can be language barriers between the local population and travelers.

Case in Point: Let's say you've had a lovely time out at a KTV, and can't seem to remember where your hotel is, and lost the address. Can't find your way back to your temporary Shanghai abode? Find a police officer and present your passport. They'll be able to look up this information and help you navigate back to your hotel.

So in this guide, we'll cover the guidelines, as well as the procedures to get this done easily and quickly!

Make sure to bookmark this!

Question 1: What are the accommodation registration rules?

1. Hotels: If you're bunking in a hotel, they'll sort out your registration with the local public security bureau.
   
2. Other Places: If you're staying somewhere that's not a hotel, like a short-term apartment rental or a friend's place, you (or your host) need to register with the local public security bureau within 24 hours of check-in.
   
3. Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan Residents: Folks from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, whether staying in a hotel or other accommodations on the Chinese mainland, also need to register their stay within 24 hours.
   

Question 2: How do overseas travelers register their accommodation?

1. Hotels: Just show your valid ID at check-in, and the hotel will handle the rest. This goes for all hotels in the city. Easy peasy.
2. Communities (Residential Areas): You've got options! Register online through the "Self-Help Declaration System For Overseas Personnel's Accommodation Registration" or do it the old-fashioned way at local public security service windows, foreigner service stations, or immigrant integration service stations.
   

Pro-Tip: If you want to register in person (or just in general want to know the location of nearby institutions that help overseas visitors), use these search terms in your mobile phone map App:

• Police Station (Public Security Bureau): Type in 派出所 (pai chu suo)
• Immigrant Integration Station: Type in 移民融入服务站 (yimin rongru fuwu zhan) or 境外人员服务站 (jingwai renyuan fuwu zhan)

Question 3: How to use the "Self-Help Declaration System For Overseas Personnel's Accommodation Registration" online?

1. System login methods:

• Scan the QR code below with your phone.
• Enter https://gaj.sh.gov.cn/crj/24hr in the browser.

2. System registration email:

• Whose Email? Use your own email or a representative's. This email is crucial as it's your key to logging into the system and where you'll receive your electronic "Registration Form of Temporary Residence." Don't use a fake email address or one you can't log into, because you'll need access to get your registration documents.

3. Review time for the application:

• Automatic Review: Fill out your info correctly, and the system will typically approve it within 5 to 10 minutes. Check the "History" module in the system for an "Approved" status, and you'll get the electronic registration form in your email.
• Manual Review: If the system doesn't approve it right away, it'll be manually reviewed and show "Under Review." Check back 24 hours later. For any questions, dial the 12367 hotline. If you applied in advance, make sure to check after your actual check-in date.

4. Entering your address correctly:

• Using the Map: Select the street name via the map, then detail "Lane, Number, Room" in the "Detailed Address" field. Don't forget, the lane number is a must if applicable. Need a hand? Watch the "Guide for Filling Address" video on the application page.

5. What if you submitted incorrect information?

• Solution: Simply submit a new, accurate entry through the system.

6. What if the system says "Your application was not successful, please go to the local public security service window"?

• Double-check your address and try again online. Chances are you might have made a mistake with the address details.
• For urgent cases, visit the local public security service window.
• Call the 12367 hotline for help.

Question 4: How to register accommodation at the local public security service window?

1. Documents Needed: Present your valid ID and proof of residence.
   
2. No Proof of Residence? For example, if you're couch surfing, or with a friend or family member, as long as it can be verified by the Public Security Bureau with no false records, you can provide a written statement confirming your accommodation's authenticity.
3. Third-Party Registration: If someone else is handling your registration, they need to show their valid ID along with yours.
4. Proof of Residence Includes (choose one)
   
   

• Lease contract (including online rental transaction records)
  
• Property ownership certificate
  
• Host's household registration book
  
• A valid "Letter of Commitment" from the resident
  

Note: "Local public security service window" refers to police station service windows or those in community service centers. Contact your local police station for specific locations.

Question 5: In what cases is repeated registration not required?

In the following cases, no repeated registration is required

1. Foreigners:

• With a "Permanent Residence ID Card for Foreigners or a residence permit issued by the exit and entry administration, who have already registered their accommodation at their residence, and enter and exit during the validity period of their permanent residence card or residence permit, with no change in residence.

2. Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan residents:

• With a valid "Residence Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents" or "Residence Permit for Taiwan Residents," and residence is the same as the permit address.
• Or living in self-purchased houses, with no change in residence.

Question 6: How to obtain the "Registration Form of Residence For Visitors from Overseas" after registration?

1. Registering at Local Public Security Service Windows: You can get the form printed directly at the service window.

2. Registering Online or at Service Stations: Check the "History" module in the self-service system. If approved, click "Approved" to preview or download the electronic registration form.

3. Staying in Hotels: The hotel will provide a printed form.

Question 7: What if I am on a multiple entry Business Visa or Tourist visa, I exit China, but return (because it's so fabulous)

If you are on a tourist or business visa with multiple entries and have left China and returned, you'll need to complete registration again, even if you are staying at the same location.