China’s new exit-and-entry rules take effect on 15 September, expanding immigration authorities’ ability to verify travellers’ identity and trip purpose. (Image by Diem Nhi Nguyen)
China will introduce new exit-and-entry regulations on 15 September 2026, giving immigration and visa authorities clearer powers to verify travellers’ identities, documents, and stated purpose of travel. The rules require travellers to provide truthful and lawful information when applying to enter or leave China, or when staying or residing in the country.
Officials can ask for more information
Under the new rules, authorities may ask travellers questions and request relevant documents, materials, or electronic data when verifying their identity or stated purpose of travel. Travellers are required to cooperate with these checks.
Providing false information or documents can affect a traveller’s ability to obtain the relevant travel documents or enter or leave China. For foreign nationals, specified immigration violations can also result in entry restrictions.
What tourists should have ready
For ordinary holidaymakers from Malaysia and elsewhere in Southeast Asia, the message is simple: make sure your travel information is accurate and your documents are in order.
Have the appropriate passport and travel documents, keep your itinerary and accommodation details accessible, and ensure that your stated reason for visiting China matches your actual plans.
The rules do not mean blanket phone checks
The new rules do not state that every tourist entering China will have their phone searched. While authorities can request relevant electronic data where necessary as part of identity or travel-purpose checks, the regulations do not establish routine device inspections for all travellers.
China is still expanding visitor access
The changes come as China continues to expand visa-free and transit arrangements for international visitors. They should therefore be viewed as changes to immigration verification procedures, rather than as a blanket tightening of tourism access.
For travellers, the practical takeaway is to arrive with accurate information, valid documentation, and a clear understanding of the purpose of your trip. Knowing what information you may be asked to verify can make the immigration process more straightforward, particularly as China continues to welcome international visitors through a range of visa-free and transit arrangements.
