China strengthens hotel check-in procedures for minors to enhance safety

BEIJING -- China's public security authorities have made significant strides in enforcing check-in requirements for hotel operators accommodating minors to ensure their safety, the Ministry of Public Security said on Saturday.

Hotel operators are required to verify the identity of minors, inquire about guardian information, and record details of accompanying persons when accommodating minors to prevent crimes such as child trafficking.

In 2024, hotels nationwide reported over 42 million minor check-ins, and public security authorities conducted 522,000 checks on suspicious activities, according to the ministry.

The ministry released several typical cases regarding information checks of minors at hotel receptions. In one case from September 2024 in Northeast China's Heilongjiang province, three adults attempted to check in with an infant but failed to provide valid identification for the child. The hotel staff immediately reported the situation to the police. Subsequent investigations revealed that the baby had been abducted, ultimately leading to the resolution of a child trafficking case.

In another case from June 2024 at a hotel in Shanghai, two underage boys refused to provide their guardians' contact information. The hotel staff promptly notified the police, who later discovered that the boys had run away from home after arguments with their parents. Authorities then ensured their safe return.