Travellers entering and leaving China will face stricter controls under new regulations covering travel applications from Sept 15.
These regulations, approved at a State Council executive meeting, were announced on July 31, Xinhua reported.
Under the rules, applicants must state a truthful and lawful purpose when applying to enter or leave China, or to stay or reside in the country, reported The Nation.
Immigration and visa authorities may question applicants, including requiring them to provide documents and data.
Those who submit false documents or statements may be denied permission to enter or leave China.
Strengthened warnings for citizens travelling to high-risk areas
Authorities will also be strengthening warnings for citizens who plan to visit areas facing serious risks of armed conflict, crime, natural disasters, major accidents or infectious-disease outbreaks.
However, a risk warning does not automatically result in an exit ban.
Chinese citizens placed under administrative detention for fraudulently obtaining entry or exit documents, or for illegally entering or leaving a country, may face an exit ban of six months to three years after serving their sentence, reported Taipei Times.
Foreign nationals may face up to 5-year entry ban
Separately, foreign nationals who provide false documents or statements when applying for a Chinese visa or seeking entry at Chinese border checkpoints may be barred from entering China for up to to five years, according to media reports.
Those who have a criminal record for offences obstructing border administration or for fraudulently obtaining travel documents, or entering or leaving the country illegally may also face the same ban, from when their sentence has been served.
Individuals found providing false documents for visa, invitation or entry and exit applications may face fines up to 10,000 yuan (S$1,900), while an organisation may be fined up to 50,000 yuan.
Any money earned illegally may also be confiscated, and those responsible may be fined separately, reported The Nation.
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