The new Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card (“FPRID”) of the People’s Republic of China will be officially issued and used from December 1, 2023 onwards. As required by relevant national authorities, the railway administration has improved its website 12306.cn (including the Railway 12306 app, similarly hereinafter) to allow FPRID holders to register and book tickets online, and help themselves go through real-name authentication, checking-in and checking-out procedures at ticket gates in railway stations, giving them access to the same online services and self-services offered by the railway administration to national Resident ID Card holders.

The railway administration has also launched online identity verification services for foreign passports on November 28, 2023. Previously, foreign passengers had to visit a railway station counter to get their identity verified by presenting their original passport before they can book a ticket via 12306.cn. With the launch of online identity verification services for foreign passports, passengers can log on to 12306.cn and type in their name, nationality, ID card number and relevant information according to system prompts, then the system will automatically verify their identity. Passengers may also choose to submit a photo of their passport information online for manual verification by the Back Office. In addition to online verification, passengers may still visit a railway station counter for verification. The railway administration reminds that foreign passengers may only book a train ticket upon going through identity verification procedures. Foreign passport holders are advised to check out the status of identity verification in a timely manner and complete the verification as soon as possible, in order not to affect ticket booking and traveling. For more information, please visit 12306.cn for queries.