China's Stringent Hotel Check-In Measures Safeguard Minors

Authorities in China, under the guidance of the Ministry of Public Security, have made notable progress in enforcing robust check-in protocols at hotels across the country. These measures require staff to verify the identities of minors, collect information about their guardians, and record details on any accompanying persons, all aimed at curbing criminal activities such as child trafficking.

In 2024, the nationwide hotel industry reported more than 42 million check-ins by minors. During the same period, public security officials undertook 522,000 checks on suspicious circumstances, highlighting an active and targeted effort to safeguard vulnerable children.

Several noteworthy cases illustrate the effectiveness of these measures. In one instance from Heilongjiang province, three adults attempted to check in with an infant without valid identification for the child; the hotel's prompt action, followed by police intervention, led to the discovery and subsequent resolution of a child trafficking situation. In another case in Shanghai, hotel staff responded swiftly when two young boys, who had not provided their guardians' contact information, raised concerns. The police later determined that the boys had run away after a domestic dispute, and their safe return was secured.