A revised State Council regulation on exit-entry administration, signed by Premier Li Qiang, takes effect nationwide on September 15, 2026. A widely circulated Sohu explainer breaks down what actually changes — and what doesn't.
What stays the same (the part most travelers care about). All existing visa-free conveniences are preserved: unilateral 30-day visa-free entry for 50 countries, the 240-hour (10-day) transit visa-free policy, and Hainan's visa-free scheme. Normal tourism, family visits and business trips are unaffected.
What tightens.
- Purpose must match declaration. Visitors who enter visa-free may not work, study long-term or do business requiring employment; border inspection may check return tickets, hotel bookings and contracts. Work and study require the appropriate visa in advance.
- Fake materials = 1-5 year entry ban. Forged itineraries, hotel orders or invitation letters lead to refusal of entry and a 1-to-5-year prohibition on entering China.
- Invitation letters carry real liability. Individuals issuing false invitation letters face fines of RMB 5,000-10,000 plus confiscation of gains; companies face RMB 10,000-50,000, with the legal representative fined RMB 5,000-10,000. Serious cases can lead to criminal liability.
- Agencies face strict registration. Visa/immigration service agencies must file with the immigration authorities (existing agencies within 90 days; new ones within 15 days of establishment) and are barred from six red-line behaviors, including helping clients forge documents.
Bottom line for travelers. If your documents and stated purpose are genuine, nothing changes. Carry proof that matches your trip (invitation letter, tickets, hotel orders); don't use agents offering "guaranteed" paperwork.
Source: "9月15日正式落地！中国出入境新规来了", Sohu, August 6, 2026. Translated and condensed from Chinese; the explainer is based on the official regulation text, but on-site rules as determined by the National Immigration Administration and border inspection authorities prevail.