China Implements New Entry-Exit Rules for Foreign Nationals in 2026

Effective September 15, 2026, China’s State Council has introduced comprehensive new entry-exit administration rules. These regulations are designed to tighten oversight of foreign nationals, employers, and immigration service providers. The policy shift addresses several critical areas, including the submission of fraudulent supporting materials, the use of intermediary services, and the enforcement of entry restrictions for foreign nationals subject to specific Chinese legal measures. This move is part of a broader effort to standardize immigration compliance and enhance national security oversight regarding cross-border movement.

The new rules place a higher burden of proof on both the applicant and the sponsoring entity. By formalizing the consequences for providing false statements or misleading information, the government is signaling a zero-tolerance approach to administrative irregularities. These changes are expected to influence how residence permits are processed and how foreign workers are vetted, potentially leading to longer processing times for those whose documentation does not meet the new, more stringent verification standards.

This policy affects all foreign nationals applying for Chinese visas or residence permits, as well as the companies and agencies that sponsor or facilitate these applications. It is particularly relevant for business travellers, expatriate workers, and those utilizing third-party visa processing services.

Makutet anticipates that these regulations will lead to a temporary increase in visa application rejections as the system adjusts to the new compliance standards. We forecast that China will continue to digitize its immigration verification processes, likely integrating these new rules into an automated, AI-driven screening system by early 2027 to further reduce the reliance on manual document review.