Traveling, on Business, or Living in Beijing: Carry Your Documents and Register Accommodation Within 24 Hours

Foreign nationals traveling, on business, studying, or working in China should observe two basic obligations. Under the Exit and Entry Administration Law, foreign nationals aged 16 or over must carry their own passports, other international travel documents, or foreigner stay or residence permits and present them for inspection by public security authorities. Before going out, even briefly, confirm that you have your documents; do not leave your only passport in a hotel room for an extended period or give it to someone else for safekeeping.

Registration differs for hotels and private residences

When staying at a hotel, the hotel handles accommodation registration in accordance with the law. When staying somewhere other than a hotel, such as a friend's home or a rented property, you or the person accommodating you must register with the public security authority for the place of residence within 24 hours of arrival. Short tourist stays, cross-border business trips, and long-term rentals are not automatically exempt from this obligation merely because of the length of stay.

Confirm registration again after changing address

After moving or transferring to another non-hotel residence, check your registration again. Failure to register a non-hotel residence as required may result in a warning and a fine of up to RMB 2,000. Provide the true address and document information when registering, and keep the confirmation that registration was completed.

For the full provisions, see the National Immigration Administration's Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People's Republic of China. For online registration channels, see the National Immigration Administration's 2026 announcement. Rental filing and school registration do not replace accommodation registration.