What you need to know
Foreign visitors are subject to accommodation-registration requirements.
| Where you stay | What usually happens |
|---|---|
| Hotel | Hotel registers you |
| Private home | Registration must be completed |
| Private apartment | Registration must be completed |
| Non-hotel minsu (民宿) | Confirm the registration arrangement |
For non-hotel stays, registration generally needs to be completed within:
24 hours after arrival.
Hotels normally handle it
When you stay in a hotel, the property normally records your passport information and handles the required accommodation registration.
Private stays require attention
If you stay in a friend's home, a family home, a private apartment or certain non-hotel minsu, registration generally needs to be completed within the required time.
Who submits the registration can depend on the accommodation type and the current system requirements.
Nationwide online registration
Since September 21, 2026, online accommodation registration for foreigners staying in non-hotel accommodation has been available nationwide.
Current channels include:
- NIA government services;
- NIA 12367 App (移民局12367 App);
- NIA 12367 WeChat Mini Program (移民局12367微信小程序);
- supported Alipay (支付宝) services.
Offline registration remains available.
Ask before arriving at a private stay
A useful question is:
How will my foreign accommodation registration be handled?
Save the confirmation
For a non-hotel registration, keep a screenshot or record of the completed process.
Re-verify before travel
The 24-hour requirement and online system are current as of October 5, 2026. Check NIA guidance if your accommodation arrangement is unusual.
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Last verified 2026-10-05. Procedures and limits change — check official sources before you travel.