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 guides
More questions answered
Official sources
- Exit and Entry Administration Law of the PRC, Article 39 — hotels register foreign guests with the public security organs; foreigners staying outside hotels, or the persons accommodating them, must register within 24 hours of arrival
- National Immigration Administration, Announcement No. 7 of 2026 — online accommodation registration rolled out nationwide from 21 September 2026, with the same legal effect as on-site registration
Policies and booking channels change — check the official channel before you rely on it.