China's NIA reports 192 million border crossings and 5.34 million passports issued in Q3 2026. New exit-entry rules now require truthful applications and registered agencies.
China’s National Immigration Administration (NIA) published its third-quarter figures on 20 October 2026. Between July and September, immigration authorities checked 192 million border crossings, up 7.9% year on year. Mainland residents accounted for 95.96 million crossings, up 7.4%, and mainland residents left the country 48.508 million times, up 7.5%. Over the same period, 5.338 million ordinary passports were issued. Foreigners entered China 11.601 million times, of which 8.992 million entries were visa-free, up 24.1% and equal to 77.5% of all foreign entries.
For Chinese citizens planning to work, study or settle abroad, the numbers show that demand for outbound travel keeps rising and that passport offices and border checkpoints are busy. At the same time, the State Council Provisions on Exit and Entry Administration (State Council Decree No. 841), in force since 15 September, set clearer expectations on truthful applications and on exit-entry agencies. They are worth understanding before you plan a move.
Q3 figures: who crossed the border
Mainland residents remain the largest group. Residents of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan made 73.14 million crossings, up 6.4%, while foreigners made 23.272 million, up 15.6%, the fastest growth of the three groups. Vehicles, aircraft, trains and vessels crossing the border totalled 10.955 million, up 10.6%.
On the service side, the NIA government service platform provided queries and other services 22.863 million times in the quarter, and the 12367 service platform handled 2.03 million consultations and other requests. If you need a new or renewed passport, see our passport guide and book early, especially if a visa appointment is already fixed.
New rules in force: exit applications must be “true and lawful”
According to the official Q&A published by the NIA, the Provisions require that the stated reason for leaving be true and lawful, and applicants must cooperate with checks on their identity and purpose. Submitting false materials or making false statements can lead to documents being refused or exit being denied. For countries or regions at the highest risk level, immigration authorities may, where necessary, advise people not to travel.
The Provisions also list specific grounds for an exit ban, including administrative detention for obtaining exit-entry documents by fraud or for illegal border crossing, crimes committed abroad that harm national security and interests, and violations of export-control, technology import and export or similar rules. The authority that issues an exit ban must inform the person in writing of the facts, reasons, legal basis and available remedies.
Never use fake employment letters, bank statements or invitation letters for a visa or migration application. Under the new rules, such documents can get a foreign visa refused and may also affect your ability to obtain Chinese documents and leave the country.
Choosing an agency: check that it has filed
Agencies that offer exit-entry policy consulting, document handling or application services must file with their local immigration authority within 15 days of being set up. Agencies already operating before the rules took effect must file within 90 days of the effective date. Overseas companies and organisations may not provide these services inside China, although foreign-invested and Hong Kong, Macao or Taiwan-invested entities legally established in China may. Agencies may not publish false information or misleading advertising, and may not supply false materials.
- Check the filingAsk whether the agency has filed with its local immigration authority and keep a record.
- Check who you sign withMake sure the contracting party is legally established in China, not an overseas company.
- Be wary of promisesTreat “guaranteed approval” or “no documents needed” claims with caution; every document must be genuine.
- Get key documents yourselfApply for documents such as a criminal record certificate yourself where possible; see our police certificate guide.
For a full checklist before you go, see the leaving China overview, and follow policy changes in our news section.
Sources
- NIA: 192 million border crossings in Q3, visa-free foreign entries up 24.1% (Chinese) (accessed October 2026)
- NIA: Infographic of key immigration administration data for Q3 2026 (Chinese) (accessed October 2026)
- Q&A by the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Public Security and NIA on the State Council Provisions on Exit and Entry Administration (Chinese) (accessed October 2026)
