For ports that meet relevant conditions, exit/entry border inspection authorities shall provide convenience such as special lanes for the exit and entry of Chinese citizens.
Article 12 Under any of the following circumstances, Chinese citizens are not allowed to exit China:
(1) Hold no valid exit/entry documents, or refuse or evade border inspection;
(2) Are sentenced to criminal punishments, the execution of which have not been completed, or are suspects or defendants in criminal cases;
(3) Are involved in unsettled civil cases and not allowed to exit China upon decision of the people’s courts;
(4) Are subject to criminal punishment for impairing border administration, or are repatriated by other countries or regions due to illegal exit from China, illegal residence or illegal employment, and the No-Exit-from-China period has not expired;
(5) May endanger national security or interests, and are not allowed to exit China upon decision by competent departments under the State Council; or
(6) Other circumstances in which exit from China is not allowed in accordance with laws or administrative regulations.
Article 13 Chinese citizens residing abroad who desire to return to China for permanent residence shall, prior to the entry, file applications with Chinese embassies or consulates or other institutions stationed abroad entrusted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They may also file such applications to the overseas Chinese affairs departments under the local people’s governments at or above the county level of the proposed places of permanent residence on their own or via their relatives in China.
Article 14 When handling financial affairs or affairs involving education, medical treatment, transportation, telecommunications, social insurance or property registration, where identity certificates are required, Chinese citizens residing abroad may provide their passports for proof of identity.
Chapter III
Entry and Exit of Foreigners
Section 1
Visa
Article 15 In order to entering China, foreigners shall apply to the visa-issuing authorities stationed abroad for a visa, except as otherwise provided for in this Law.
