The Short Answer
The one document that matters for a Chinese hotel check-in is your physical passport. Hotels also reference your entry stamp, booking confirmation, and a payment method. Here is the complete document checklist for foreign guests — and what you can leave at home.
Last verified: October 26, 2026. Individual hotels may ask for extras, but the core requirement is always the original passport.
The One Document That Matters: Your Passport
Bring the original passport, not a photocopy or phone photo. The hotel scans or types it into the police reporting system, which generally cannot accept images. Keep it on you whenever you check in or move hotels.
Your Entry Stamp / Admission Record
Your passport’s entry stamp (or electronic admission record) proves you are lawfully in China. The hotel records it during registration. Make sure the stamp is clear; a missing or smudged stamp can slow check-in (see our visa check-in guide).
Booking Confirmation
A screenshot or PDF of your booking confirmation helps, especially if the front desk can’t find your reservation or you need to prove the foreigner-friendly status. Keep it offline-accessible in case of spotty WiFi.
Payment Method
Have a payment method ready — international card, Alipay/WeChat linked to a foreign card, or RMB cash for deposits (see our deposit & payment guide). Some budget hotels collect cash deposits, so carry some cash.
What You Do NOT Need
- A visa photocopy (the passport itself is enough).
- Marriage or family certificates (unless booking a shared room with special needs).
- A Chinese phone number (you can often use your home number; see our booking tips).
- Return ticket (that’s a border question, not a hotel one).
| Document | Needed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Original passport | Yes (essential) | Not a copy or photo |
| Entry stamp / admission record | Yes | Part of passport; must be clear |
| Booking confirmation | Recommended | Screenshot or PDF |
| Payment method | Yes | Card / mobile / cash deposit |
| Visa photocopy | No | Original passport suffices |
| Return ticket | No | Not a hotel requirement |
Special Cases
- Name mismatch: Booking must match the passport exactly, or you risk rejection (see rejection guide).
- Dual passport: Check in with the same passport you used to enter China.
- Damaged passport: A machine-unreadable passport may require manual handling; allow extra time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check in with a passport photo?
Usually no for registration. Carry the original; a photo won’t satisfy the police system.
Do I need a Chinese ID?
No. Foreign guests use their passport; Chinese IDs are for citizens only.
What if I lost my passport abroad in China?
Report to your embassy for a replacement travel document, then register with police — hotels need a valid travel document.
Do hotels keep my passport?
No. They scan it and return it immediately. Never leave it as a “deposit.”
Can someone else check in for me?
No. The registered guest must present their own passport at check-in.
Do I need the credit card used to book?
Often yes for card-prepaid bookings; bring the same card or a matching one.
Is a digital passport copy on my phone enough?
For backup yes, but the original physical passport is required for registration.
Conclusion
Pack your original passport, ensure a clear entry stamp, and have a payment method ready — that’s the core. Avoid name mismatches (rejection guide) and choose foreigner-friendly hotels (star ratings). For deposits and tax, see our payment explainer. More in Hotel Guides.
Disclosure: This site may use affiliate links to booking platforms such as Trip.com, Booking.com, and Agoda. If you book through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This does not affect our independent, experience-based recommendations.
About the author: This guide was written by Karl Huang, based on on-the-ground experience helping international travelers book and check in to hotels across China. Last verified: October 26, 2026. Visa, entry, and hotel policies change — always confirm current rules with the property, platform, or official sources before you travel.
