Practical guide
China rail: use the manual identity-verification fallback
If online verification does not complete, take your passport to the station ticket office.
The Ministry of Commerce’s English guide says foreign travelers must complete identity verification before purchasing rail tickets. It describes 12306 English web/app verification, passport-page upload for manual review, and a station ticket-office option using a valid passport. Use 12306 for the current interface and requirements.
A clear next step
- Try the current 12306 English website or app verification flow.
- If needed, follow the passport-page manual-verification option.
- If that does not resolve the issue, take your valid passport to a railway-station ticket office.
Sources & verification
Last verified
- Guide to Working and Living in China | Ministry of Commerce identity verification is required before purchase · 12306 and station ticket-office verification paths · passport-page manual verification option
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