Staying
What do I need for hotel check-in in China?
Short answer
Bring your passport — it is the only ID that will do. The hotel registers your stay with the police automatically at check-in. Not every property is licensed to host foreign guests, so book places that show they accept international travellers.
At the desk
- Passport required — a driving licence or ID card will not work
- The hotel scans it and registers your stay; this is routine and quick
- Expect a deposit, refundable at checkout, sometimes cash only
Why some hotels turn foreign guests away
Properties need the right licence to register foreign guests. Many budget hostels and small inns do not have it, and some properties simply have not configured their system for passports. This is a property-level limitation, not a rule about you.
Booking platforms usually flag it. If a hostel is dramatically cheaper than neighbours, check the listing before you pay.
If you are staying with friends
Hotels register you automatically. In private accommodation you are expected to register at the local police station within 24 hours of arrival.
Related questions
Can I use a copy of my passport?
No for check-in — the physical document is scanned. Keep a photo of it separately for everything else.
Does the hotel keep my passport overnight?
No. It is scanned at the desk and handed straight back. If anyone asks to hold it, that is not standard practice.
Do I need a visa to check in?
You need to be lawfully in the country; the hotel registers whatever status your passport and visa show.
Related guides
Verified 2026-09-11. Policies and booking channels change — check the official channel before you rely on it.
Get ChinaPass — these answers offline, with the phrase cards that work at the counter when your data does not.