China has tightened travel controls as new exit and entry regulations came into force Tuesday, Sept. 15, giving authorities broader powers to restrict citizens from leaving the country over national security and technology-related concerns.
Issued by the State Council in July, the rules allow authorities to prevent citizens from leaving China if violations of technology import and export regulations are deemed capable of endangering national industrial or technological security.
In certain cases, citizens can also face travel bans lasting six months to three years after returning from overseas if they were involved in illegal activities that harmed China’s national security or interests.
Authorities can also refuse to issue travel documents or block entry and exit when applicants provide false information. Foreign nationals who submit false information in visa applications can be barred from entering China for one to five years.
Chinese officials say the regulations are aimed at protecting national sovereignty, security and development interests. Critics, however, warn that they could give the government greater control over citizens’ activities abroad.
Exit restrictions have already expanded sharply. BBC data from Safeguard Defenders shows that cases mentioning exit bans rose from 89 in 2016 to 188,760 last year. Civil verdicts involving exit bans also increased from about 0.23% in 2019 to 7.3% in 2025.
The rules also require border officials to warn citizens about traveling to “high-risk” countries and regions.
Critics say the measures evoke memories of China’s tighter travel controls during the Mao era, raising fresh concerns over restrictions on freedom of movement.
