Foreigners staying in the city need to register at the nearest police station within 24 hours of arriving in Shanghai, the Shanghai Exit-Entry Administration warned yesterday.

People staying in hotels do not need to worry as hotel staff will register for them after they check in.

Visitors staying in the residences of relatives or friends must register with the local police station within 24 hours of their arrival.

The administration said a 72-hour limit would be given to individuals staying in the remote suburbs of Shanghai.

According to figures provided by the administration, the number of foreigners coming to Shanghai increased by 20 percent every year. The number reached 5.2 million last year. More than 10 million visitors from overseas are expected in the city in 2010 when the World Expo will be staged.

The registration of visitors' accommodation is intended to ensure their safety in the city, the administration said.

However, some foreigners and their hosts forget to register their arrival and the administration warned that they could be fined.