Patient Q&A
Patient Q&A: If I stay in an apartment or with family, can I register my accommodation online in China?
In pilot areas, yes. The National Immigration Administration says foreigners staying in non-hotel accommodation in covered regions may complete accommodation registration online through official NIA channels instead of relying only on an in-person filing.
Question: If I come to China for treatment, recovery or a family-supported stay and I will live in an apartment or with relatives instead of a hotel, do I still have to handle accommodation registration in person?
Answer: The National Immigration Administration said on March 20 that foreigners residing or staying in domiciles other than hotels may complete accommodation registration online in pilot areas. The administration lists its website, the NIA 12367 app, the NIA 12367 WeChat mini program and the Alipay mini program as official channels, and it says the online filing has the same legal effect as an on-site registration in the covered areas.
This is immigration-process guidance, not a waiver of all local requirements everywhere in China. Patients and families should still confirm whether their destination is included in the pilot, whether the host information matches the passport record, and whether any local in-person follow-up is still required.