How to Register Your Passport on China Railway 12306

Before you can book train tickets on

View Guide →, you need to register your passport as a valid ID. This is a one-time process that takes about 10 minutes, but it requires identity verification that can take up to 24 hours to complete. Do this before you arrive in China.

Create a 12306 Account

1. 1. Download the 12306 app

   Search '12306' in the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android). The official app is published by 'China Railway'. Install it.

2. 2. Open the app and tap 'Register'

   On the login screen, tap 'Register' (注册). You'll be asked for a phone number. Enter your international phone number including country code (e.g. +1 for US, +44 for UK). You'll receive an SMS verification code.

3. 3. Set a password

   Create a password for your account. The app requires a mix of letters and numbers. Save this password — you'll need it every time you log in.

Add Your Passport as an ID

1. 1. Go to 'My' → 'Passenger Management'

   Tap the 'My' tab at the bottom of the screen. Find 'Passenger Management' (常用联系人) or 'My Passengers'. Tap 'Add Passenger'.

2. 2. Select 'Passport' as ID type

   In the ID type field, select 'Passport' (护照) from the dropdown. This is the option for foreign tourists — do not select 'ID Card' which is for Chinese citizens.

3. 3. Enter your passport details

   Enter your full name in English exactly as it appears on your passport. Enter your passport number. Enter your date of birth. Enter your nationality. Double-check everything — errors here will cause problems at the station.

4. 4. Save the passenger

   Tap Save. Your passport is now saved as a passenger profile. You can add multiple passengers (e.g. travel companions) using the same process.

Complete Identity Verification

12306 requires identity verification for foreign passport holders before you can complete a purchase. This is a one-time step.

1. 1. Go to account settings and find 'Real-name Verification'

   In the 'My' section, look for 'Real-name Verification' (实名认证) or 'Identity Verification'. Tap it.

2. 2. Upload passport photo

   The app will ask you to photograph your passport. Take a clear photo of the photo page of your passport — make sure all text is readable and there's no glare. Some versions of the app also ask for a selfie.

3. 3. Submit and wait

   Submit the verification. You'll receive a notification when it's approved — usually within a few hours, but can take up to 24 hours. Once approved, you can buy tickets.

Practical Tips

• Do this at home: The verification requires a stable internet connection and good lighting for passport photos. Do it before you travel, not at a Chinese train station.
• Name must match exactly: The name on your 12306 account must match your passport exactly, including middle names if they appear on your passport. Mismatches cause problems at the gate.
• Multiple travelers: Add each travel companion as a separate passenger in 'Passenger Management'. Each person needs their own passport details entered.
• App language: The 12306 app is primarily in Chinese. Use Google Translate's camera mode to read menus if needed, or follow the steps above by position rather than text.
• Alternative: If 12306 registration is too difficult, use Trip.com (Ctrip) instead — it's fully in English and designed for international travelers.