Hotels in China — book one that takes your passport
Updated September 2026 · Verified against official sources
The biggest surprise: not every hotel in China can check in a foreign passport.
Checking in at a hotel that takes foreign passports
The hard facts (you cannot guess these)
License
Many hotels cannot host foreign passports
Real-name
Passport scanned & uploaded
24 hours
Police registration if not in a hotel
Self-pay
You pay the room yourself
Sources: PRC Exit & Entry Administration Law Art.39; Shanghai PSB hotel rules (2025).
How to book without getting rejected
Use a platform that filters for foreigner-friendly hotels; confirm in writing.
Rejected at check-in? Call the platform — they usually rehouse you free.
Book on a platform that filters for foreigner-friendly hotels. Confirm in writing before you pay.
One question, two paths. Your answer picks the road.
Check-in & the 24-hour rule
Hotel does it for you; if you stay with friends, you register at the police station within 24h.
- Bring the original passport.
- Ask before paying by card.
- Do the 24h registration the day you arrive.
Staying with friends or in an Airbnb? You must register at the local police station within 24 hours.
⚠ Things people actually get stuck on
▶
- Booked a place that cannot host foreigners
- Only had a passport photo, not the original
- Missed the 24h police registration
- Assumed the hotel takes Visa
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