I. Scope
This service guide is for foreign nationals applying for the People's Republic of China Travel permit.
II. Basis for Examination and Approval
The Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People's Republic of China
III. Responsible Authorities
The National Immigration Administration (NIA) authorizes the exit-entry administrations of the public security organs in cities above the prefecture level (including the districts and counties within the municipalities directly under the Central Government) to process applications for and issue the Travel permits for foreigners.
Following the approval from NIA at the request of the exit-entry administrations of the public security organs at the provincial level, county-level exit-entry administrations may process applications for and issue the Travel permits as mandated by NIA.
IV. Eligibility
Any foreign applicant seeking to travel in non-open regions for foreigners may obtain a Travel permit with a specified validity period upon submitting all the supportingpermits required.
V. Application Materials
(I) Supporting materials concerning the purpose of the applicant's stay or residence in the designated areas.
(II) For any foreign tourist group intending to visit regions where access is restricted for foreign nationals, the travel agency concerned must present a detailed reception plan to the exit-entry administration of the public security organ under the local provincial government (in the place where the agency is located) 60 days prior to the arrival of the foreign tourist group in China. The exit-entry administration shall verify whether the proposed itinerary includes any non-open area, and no further approval shall be required if no non-open area is included. Should the itinerary include any non-open area, however, the travel agency shall provide a reception plan, a list of participants, and photocopies of the valid passports and visas of foreign tourists for approval.
VI. Procedure and Method
(I) Application: Applicants must apply in person at the exit-entry administrations of the public security organs. If permitted as per relevant regulations, a travel agency may submit an application on behalf of a foreign national at the exit-entry administration of a public security organ under the local provincial government (in the place where the agency is located).
(II) Acceptance: For an application found to fulfill the necessary conditions for acceptance, the responsible exit-entry administration will accept the application, issue an acceptance receipt, and decide whether or not to issue a Travel permit within the validity period indicated in the receipt. In the event where the applicant has failed to complete the procedure or submit all required materials, the processing authority shall notify the applicant of any additional step to be completed or material needed at one time.
(III) Review: The exit-entry administrations of public security organs shall verify the authenticity of the reasons for applications through face-to-face interviews, phone queries, on-site investigations, and other methods deemed necessary. The authority shall also confirm whether the applicants are foreign nationals. In the case where an applicant, the representatives of the relevant entities, and other relevant individuals fail to attend scheduled interviews without a valid reason, the Travel permit may not be issued in accordance with the laws.
(IV) Decision: The Travel permits will be issued to individuals meeting the conditions and criteria.
VII. Processing Time
The decision to issue a Travel permit shall be made within 30 working days from the date the application is accepted.
VIII. Result Delivery
The applicant must visit the responsible exit-entry administration with the receipt to collect his/her Travel permit.
IX. Obligations of Applicants
Applicants are expected to adhere to the following obligations in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations:
1. To ensure that all materials are submitted and all the information provided to the administrative authorities is accurate without being falsified. Applicants shall be held liable for the authenticity of the materials submitted.
2. To cooperate with the administrative authorities during face-to-face interviews, phone queries, and on-site investigations conducted for verifying the authenticity of the application materials.
3. To fulfill all additional responsibilities stipulated by relevant laws and regulations.
Annex: Visa/Stay Permit/Residence Permit Application Form
Annex
