China to Tighten Entry-Exit Rules from 15 September

China will implement new rules on entry-exit administration from 15 September. The regulation tightens provisions on travel applications, identity and purpose checks, travel restrictions for Chinese citizens, and oversight of immigration intermediary service providers.

One of the key provisions requires applicants to state a correct and lawful purpose when applying to enter or leave China, or to reside and settle in the country.

During the inspection process, immigration and visa authorities may request additional information from applicants and ask for documents, supporting materials, or electronic data to verify identity and travel purpose. The use of false documents or statements may result in the rejection of travel document or entry-exit permit applications.

Foreigners who provide false documents or statements when applying for a visa abroad or when entering China through border checks may be subject to an entry ban of one to five years.

Similar sanctions may be applied to foreigners who have received criminal penalties for offences that obstruct border administration. Foreigners who receive administrative sanctions for obtaining travel documents unlawfully or for entering or leaving the country illegally may also be subject to an entry ban for the same period.

The regulation also places responsibility on individuals and organisations that issue invitation letters or application documents for foreigners. The accuracy of the information in such documents must be accountable.

Issuers of fake invitation or application documents may be fined. Individuals can be fined 5,000 to 10,000 yuan, while organisations can be fined 10,000 to 50,000 yuan. Illegal income obtained from such activities may also be confiscated, while responsible managers or staff may face additional sanctions.

Although the rules give authorities the power to request electronic data during the verification process, the new regulation does not establish random and comprehensive phone checks for all tourists or travellers.

The published provisions state that electronic data may be requested when necessary to verify identity or travel purpose. However, there is no provision stating that every traveller’s phone will be checked, nor that certain types of content on a device automatically become grounds for inspection.

Accordingly, the implementation of the new rules cannot be interpreted as an obligation for all tourists to undergo routine phone checks.