China will introduce tougher border controls from 15 September, with new rules allowing officials to demand additional information, documents and electronic data from travellers entering or leaving the country.
The regulations, published on 31 July, require travellers to provide ‘truthful and lawful reasons’ for entering, leaving, staying or residing in China.
Immigration and visa officials will be able to question applicants and request supporting materials while verifying their identity and purpose of travel.
Anyone found to have provided false information or documents could be refused permission to enter or leave China.
Foreign nationals who submit false details when applying for a Chinese visa or seeking entry could also face a ban of one to five years.
In January, the UK secured a deal for Brits to travel visa-free to China. Under the agreement, UK citizens are able to enter China for up to 30 days without a visa, bringing the UK into line with 50 other countries, including France and Germany.
