Overview & preparation
Hotel check-in: what to prepare
Keep your passport and booking confirmation ready. Accommodation registration is a legal requirement, not an optional extra.
The basics
- ✓Hotels normally handle residence registration for foreign guests at check-in.
- ✓For non-hotel accommodation, registration is required within 24 hours; check the official local route.
- ✓Save the property’s address, contact number and your booking details before arrival.
If you need more than an overview
- ✓Check-in actions and registration questions are covered below.
- ✓Contact the property ahead of time about a late arrival or an unusual booking requirement.
Free sample · From the complete guide
Try this part of your Shanghai journey
Private address: submit, check approval, save proof
Prepare the address with your host
Have your passport and the complete Chinese address ready, including room number. Ask your host to confirm the address rather than translating a building nickname.
Create an account and enter your stay
Choose the document type, upload its image and check the extracted details. Enter the requested address and stay information. Read the commitment before agreeing and submitting.
Wait for approval—not only a submission screen
Check the review result. Approval generates a Temporary Residence Registration Form; a download link is normally sent by email and SMS. Save the form offline.
If this does not workIf rejected, correct the details. If it still fails, visit the local police or community public-security window; call 12367 for help. Do not wait beyond the registration deadline for an app to work.
About this excerpt
Selected from Check in and complete Shanghai accommodation registration. Guide updated October 5, 2026. App labels and local arrangements can change.
Inside the Full Guide
Included in the Full Shanghai Guide, together with this city’s Quick Cards.
- Check in and complete Shanghai accommodation registration
- Related Quick Cards
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