In China, confirmed travel plans are now required when departing…
In China, confirmed travel plans are now required when departing abroad. Chinese authorities have introduced new strict rules regulating the exit of citizens and entry of foreigners, according to RBC.
Consensus
- New rules on exit and entry into China will come into effect on September 15, 2026.
- Citizens must provide truthful and lawful reasons for travel abroad.
- Immigration and visa officials may request additional documents to verify travel purposes.
- Authorities, including regional bodies, may prohibit citizens from leaving the country for up to three years if they engaged in activities harmful to national security or state interests abroad.
- Travelers may be subject to questioning about their travel plans and electronic data checks on mobile phones.
- The rules aim to control the outflow of talents, technologies, information, and social media data, which are now considered part of national security.
- The new regulations apply to travel for tourism, business, and other purposes, including those related to education and immigration.
- The rules are issued by the State Council of China and consist of 19 articles or sections.
Points of divergence
- The new rules are intended to normalize exit and entry procedures, protect travelers' rights, and ensure national sovereignty, security, and development interests. — vedomosti
- The new rules explicitly include the prevention of the outflow of 'talents, technologies, information, and social media data' as a national security concern. — fontanka
- The rules include penalties for citizens who commit crimes abroad, with the same three-year exit ban applied. — vedomosti
- The rules allow for the restriction of exit based on activities conducted abroad that are deemed harmful to national security, even if not criminal. — fontanka
- The rules emphasize control over industrial and technological security, with responsibility for violations linked to export and technology trade. — kommerant
- The Chinese Ministry of Commerce announced sanctions against six U.S. organizations in response to U.S. measures on forced labor. — vedomosti
- Russia and China are discussing the introduction of a permanent visa-free regime. — fontanka
Coverage (5 sources)
- In China, confirmed travel plans are now required when leaving abroad — The Moscow Times
- China will tighten control over citizens' travel abroad — Ведомости
- China tightens rules on travel abroad — Фонтанка
- It will be harder for Chinese citizens to leave the country — Вести
- Chinese authorities tighten rules for citizens leaving the country — Коммерсантъ