China’s new State Council regulation on exit and entry administration took effect today, giving immigration and visa authorities express powers to request electronic data when checking a traveler’s identity and reason for applying. The rules cover applications for exit, entry, stay and residence, as well as related border inspections.
Under Article 3, immigration authorities and visa offices may question applicants and require them to present documents, other materials and electronic data needed to verify identity or the stated purpose of travel. Applicants must cooperate with the checks, while people or organizations that issue invitation letters and supporting documents are responsible for their accuracy.
Authorities can refuse to issue an exit-entry document or deny a person permission to leave or enter when the applicant provides false material or makes a false statement. The provision concerns identity verification broadly and places digital records alongside conventional documents as information that officials may demand.
The regulation also establishes a registration system for organizations and individuals that provide immigration consulting, document handling and other exit-entry intermediary services. New providers must register with the local immigration authority within 15 days of establishment, while existing providers have 90 days from the regulation’s effective date to complete the process.
Intermediaries must maintain systems for staff management, training, record retention, data security and compliance. They are prohibited from supplying false material, helping clients obtain visas or passports improperly, selling personal information or assisting cross-border crime. Government bodies must protect state secrets, business information, personal privacy and personal data obtained through their work.
China has also been developing rules that affect identity data beyond border administration. A draft regulation published in June would restrict unnecessary biometric collection by internet applications. In the visa sector, an Italian center in Beijing added biometric enrollment systems for applicants seeking travel documents.
Other provisions let authorities impose exit restrictions on Chinese citizens following specified immigration offenses and entry bans on foreign nationals who submit false visa material or violate border laws. The regulation also requires government departments to publish overseas safety warnings and instructs immigration officers to caution Chinese travelers about high-risk destinations during document and border procedures.
The State Council issued the regulation under China’s Exit and Entry Administration Law. Its stated aims are to standardize administration, protect the lawful rights of travelers and strengthen national security and development interests.
Sources: State Council of the People’s Republic of China, State Council English Summary
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By the ID Tech Editorial Team
