The China arrival card vs police registration PSB question has a short answer: you need both. The China arrival card is a border declaration you make to immigration. Registration with the Public Security Bureau (PSB) reports your lodging within 24 hours. Hotels usually file it for you; private stays need self-registration.
this is an independent guide, not a government site. Check details and fill in the arrival card at the National Immigration Administration portal (s.nia.gov.cn).
China Arrival Card vs Police Registration PSB Compared
Do you need both? Yes, visa-exempt visitors included.
| Aspect | China arrival card | PSB registration |
|---|---|---|
| Who runs it | National Immigration Administration | Local Public Security Bureau (PSB) and police station |
| Why it exists | Border clearance | Residence record under the Exit and Entry Administration Law |
| When you file | At the port of entry | Within 24 hours of reaching your lodging |
| Where you file | Immigration counter or online at s.nia.gov.cn | Hotel system or local police station |
Registration is a separate step: you report your lodging within 24 hours of arriving there. The NIA portal lists 住宿登记 (accommodation registration) as a separate service.
Hotels, Private Stays and Split Trips
Hotels register you automatically; in a private home you file within 24 hours of arriving. Hotel staff, serviced-apartment reception and college dorms handle the filing for you, so you show your passport containing your visa or residence permit. Ask for the slip.
Staying with a friend or in a rental? Paid homeshare, including Airbnb, isn’t treated as a hotel, so you register yourself, usually at the local police station. Some cities have launched online registration systems, which can be easier than a visit in person.
Go to the police station
Take your host with you if you can
Hand over the documents
Passport and visa copies, plus the host’s papers
Collect the registration form
Keep it with your passport
- Copies of your passport photo and visa pages
- Residence proof (居住证明), a lease signed by both parties and the landlord’s ID copy
Say you stay three hotel nights, then move to a friend’s apartment. If you move to a new address, you need to register there, within 24 hours of arriving at it — and if your lodging details change on the arrival card too, see the hotel, host and multi-city address format guide.
Singapore: China Arrival Card vs Police Registration PSB
Singapore passport holders who enter China visa-free skip the visa application but still complete both steps. Check current terms with the Chinese Embassy in Singapore; its 24-hour consular protection hotline is +65-64750165.
- Arrival card: online form at s.nia.gov.cn (外国人入境卡填报).
Penalties, Re-Registration and Common Mistakes
Miss the deadline and you can get a warning or a fine of up to 2,000 RMB, and deportation is possible. The deadline is 24 hours. Residents of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan who stay in some rural areas may register within 72 hours.
You register again after each re-entry, an address change, a visa category change or a new passport. Some local governments, for example Fujian Province and Fengtai District in Beijing, require it after an extension. Carry your passport and registration form; photocopies of both help show that you comply with the rules.
- Relying on the arrival card or your first hotel for a later stay: register again at each new address.
- Visiting the police station without host papers: bring them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
China arrival card vs police registration PSB: do I have to complete both?
Yes, they’re separate duties. You submit the arrival card at the border, and you report your lodging to the PSB within 24 hours of reaching it. Visa-exempt visitors are included. Hotels usually handle the second step for you, while private stays don’t.
China arrival card vs police registration PSB: which do I need at a friend’s apartment?
Both, and the second one is yours to file. Submit the arrival card at the border. Then register at the local police station within 24 hours of reaching the apartment, ideally with your host, or use a city portal where one exists.
How long do I have to register my accommodation?
Within 24 hours of reaching the place you stay. The 24 hours count from your arrival at the address. If you move to a new address, a new registration starts a new 24 hours.
Can I do PSB registration online?
Sometimes. Some cities have online registration systems. In many places registration is still done in person at the local police station. Rules vary by municipality, so check current local requirements before you travel.
What documents do I need to register a private stay?
Your passport copies and your host’s papers. Some branches may also ask for the host’s proof of residence and possibly a photograph. The information you give must be correct, because any inconsistencies could result in serious problems.
What happens if I miss the 24-hour deadline?
Go to the police station as soon as you notice, with your passport and your host’s documents. The possible penalties are listed in the section above. Ask staff there what else they need, since requirements vary by branch.
Does Singapore’s visa-free entry exempt me from police registration?
No. Visa-free entry waives only the visa application. You still complete the arrival card and register your lodging within 24 hours. Keep a copy of the entry stamp page, since registration asks for it. Visa-free status doesn’t change your registration obligation.
Where can I fill in the China arrival card online?
Go to s.nia.gov.cn and choose the foreigner entry card form (外国人入境卡填报).
Sources and Further Reading
- National Immigration Administration: online arrival card form.
- Chinese Embassy in Singapore: consular information and hotline.
Rules may change, so check the portal before you travel.
