Foreign nationals staying outside hotels across the country can now register their stays online under a nationwide service launched Monday by the National Immigration Administration (NIA).
The NIA launched a pilot version of the service March 20 in Hebei, Liaoning, Zhejiang, Hubei, Guangxi, Chongqing and Sichuan. The service has now been expanded nationwide.
Under the service, accommodation registration can be completed online without an in-person visit to a public security office. Offline registration channels remain available.
Users can register through the NIA's official website (https://s.nia.gov.cn), the "移民局12367" ("NIA 12367") app, or the "移民局12367" miniprograms on WeChat and Alipay.
The registration may be completed either by the foreign nationals staying in private homes or by their hosts. Hosts, who may be Chinese citizens or foreign nationals, are generally expected to assist with first-time registrations, as they are usually more familiar with the relevant address details. Foreigners may register independently if they have previously registered the same residence through the NIA platform or are staying in a home they own in China.
Under the policy, repeat registration is not required in certain circumstances. These include when a foreigner returns to the same residence they own in China after traveling, or when a holder of a residence permit or permanent residence card returns to the same residence where they regularly live during the validity period of the document.
Under China's Exit and Entry Administration Law, hotels must register the accommodation information of foreign guests and report it to local public security authorities. Foreigners staying in private homes or other non-hotel accommodations must register within 24 hours of moving in, either personally or through their hosts. Foreigners or hosts who fail to complete the required registration may receive a warning or face a fine.
Online accommodation registration is already available in Shenzhen through the local police's online service. Scan the QR code below to register.
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