IMPORTANT! - What Should You Do Within 24 Hours of Arrival in China?

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Some people may not be aware that you should register yourself at local Police Station within 24 hours of arrival in China.

Travel Regulations for Visitors and Tourists Too.

All foreigners should register your temporary address at Police Station within 24 hours of your arrival in the country, no matter what type of visa you are holding.

You need to re-register when 
i. You exit China and enter again
ii. You change your residence/accommodation address
iii. You extend/change your Visa details in China

If you are staying at hotel, hotel staff should register Temporary Residence for Visitors on your behalf. Get a copy of your registration from your hotel in case you needed it while you at China.

If you stay at your host/friend/family house, you should register yourself at the nearest Police Station or Household Registration Office (户籍办公室) near your address within 24 hours (72 hours apply for Village/Countryside address). Ready all the required documents and go to submit your registration.

Documents required for registration:
a. Passport - Original passport, a photocopy of the passport's data/photo page, China visa page and entry stamp page

b. Photo - One recent 6 months colour passport photos (bare-head, full face, clear) against a white background (size: 48mm x 33mm) attached.

c. House owner -
i) Chinese ID Card - Photocopy of both front and back sides.
ii) Household Registration Book (户口本) - Photocopy of information page and house owner personal details page.

Please keep your Temporary Residence for Visitors Registration with you all the time while you at China. Police have been more frequently stopping foreigners and asking them to show proof that they have registered.

Fine may apply if you failed to register or failed to prove you have registered.

Useful link
Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People’s Republic of China