by Natasha Lair
Last updated: 10:05 AM ET, Wed September 16, 2026
China has introduced new entry and exit rules that expand the circumstances under which some foreign nationals can be denied entry to the country.
The rules, which were announced in July and took effect Sept. 15, place a particular focus on national security, export controls and sensitive technology, Reuters reports.
For Canadian travel advisors and their clients, however, the changes do not amount to a broad restriction on leisure travel to China.
New Grounds For Exit Bans
According to reports the regulations allow Chinese authorities to prevent citizens from leaving the country in cases involving violations of export controls or technology import and export rules that could be considered a threat to the country's industrial or technological security.
The rules also address the conduct of Chinese citizens while overseas.
Under the new framework, a citizen who returns to China after committing an illegal or criminal act abroad that authorities determine has harmed China's national security or interests could be prevented from leaving again for between six months and three years, CTV News reports.
Travel restrictions are not new in China. Reuters reported in 2023 that some civil servants and employees of state-linked companies were facing tighter controls on private overseas travel, including requirements to seek approval for trips.
Foreign Travellers Could Also Be Affected
The new regulations include provisions affecting foreign nationals entering China.
Reuters reports that foreigners who make false statements when applying for a Chinese visa overseas or seeking entry at the border could be prohibited from entering the country for between one and five years.
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Chinese authorities have said the broader regulations are intended to address illegal cross-border activities and national-security concerns rather than interfere with legitimate international travel.
According to Reuters, officials have said ordinary overseas tourism, family visits, study and legitimate business activities should not be affected.
What Canada Is Telling Travellers
Ottawa currently advises Canadians to “exercise a high degree of caution” in China.
Canada's travel advisory already includes a specific warning about exit bans, noting that Chinese authorities may prevent individuals from leaving the country in connection with open civil or criminal investigations, including business disputes.
According to the advisory, an exit ban can potentially involve situations connected not only to the traveller, but also to their family, employer or business associates.
The government also warns that travellers may not discover that an exit ban has been placed on them until they attempt to leave China and says obtaining information about such restrictions from Chinese authorities can be difficult.
Canada's advisory further cautions that Chinese authorities broadly interpret national security legislation and that foreign journalists and other media workers can face restrictions, surveillance and heightened scrutiny, particularly when reporting on subjects considered sensitive by the government.
Canadians Currently Have Visa-Free Access
At the same time China is expanding its entry and exit regulations, visiting the country has become easier for many Canadian leisure travellers.
Canadian passport holders are currently included in China's temporary visa-waiver program.
According to the Government of Canada, eligible Canadian passport holders can enter China without a visa for stays of up to 30 days for tourism, business, family visits or transit.
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The measure applies until Dec. 31, 2026.
Canada recommends that travellers confirm their eligibility with the nearest Chinese embassy or consulate before departure. Those who don't qualify for visa-free entry must obtain the appropriate visa for the purpose of their trip.
Regular Canadian passports must also be valid for at least six months upon entry into China.
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