Inspection of Phones and Laptops? Stricter Chinese Immigration Checks Now Apply to Koreans as Well

China's New Immigration Rules: Authorities May Request "Electronic Data" for Identity Verification
Applies to Both Citizens and Foreign Nationals; Scope of Electronic Data Remains Unclear

Starting from September 15, China will implement new immigration regulations allowing authorities to require travelers to submit "electronic data" when verifying their identities and the reasons for entry, exit, or stay.

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According to Xinhua News Agency and other Chinese state media on September 15, China will enable immigration authorities to request not only documents and materials, but also "electronic data" from individuals as part of the process of confirming a traveler's identity and purpose of visit or stay.

Article 3 of the new regulation specifies that immigration authorities may pose questions related to these matters and request the submission of documents, materials, and electronic data. However, the regulation does not clarify exactly what kind of information is included under "electronic data."

Travelers are required to cooperate with these requests from the authorities. If they submit false materials or make untrue statements, authorities may refuse to issue immigration certificates or restrict entry or exit.

Koreans are not exempt from these rules, as the provisions apply to "travelers" without distinguishing between Chinese nationals and foreign nationals, allowing the confirmation of identity and purpose of entry or stay for all travelers.

Currently, holders of ordinary Korean passports can enter China without a visa for up to 30 days for purposes such as tourism, business trips, visiting relatives, exchanges, or transit. However, exemption from a visa does not mean travelers are also exempt from immigration inspection.

The criteria for restricting foreign nationals' entry have also been further specified. If a foreign national submits false materials or makes false statements when applying for a Chinese visa or entering the country, authorities may restrict their entry into China for a period ranging from one to five years.

Separately, the reasons for restricting Chinese nationals from departing the country have also been detailed. If authorities determine that a Chinese citizen has violated export control or technical export/import management regulations and thereby poses a threat to China's industrial or technological security, they may restrict their departure from the country.

As a general rule, individuals subject to an exit restriction must be informed of the facts, reasons, legal grounds, and possible remedies. However, authorities may withhold this information if there is a possibility it could affect national security or ongoing criminal investigations.

Meanwhile, concerns have been raised in Taiwan that the new regulations could lead to information stored on the mobile phones or computers of Taiwanese travelers visiting China being exposed, or could result in exit restrictions for them. The Taiwanese government maintains the current travel advisory level but has advised travelers to exercise caution when visiting China.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.