中華人民共和國國務(wù)院令

第637號

《中華人民共和國外國人入境出境管理條例》已經(jīng)2013年7月3日國務(wù)院第15次常務(wù)會議通過，現(xiàn)予公布，自2013年9月1日起施行。

    總理  李克強(qiáng)

 2013年7月12日

中華人民共和國外國人入境出境管理條例

第一章 總則

第一條 為了規(guī)范簽證的簽發(fā)和外國人在中國境內(nèi)停留居留的服務(wù)和管理，根據(jù)《中華人民共和國出境入境管理法》（以下簡稱出境入境管理法）制定本條例。

第二條 國家建立外國人入境出境服務(wù)和管理工作協(xié)調(diào)機(jī)制，加強(qiáng)外國人入境出境服務(wù)和管理工作的統(tǒng)籌、協(xié)調(diào)與配合。

省、自治區(qū)、直轄市人民政府可以根據(jù)需要建立外國人入境出境服務(wù)和管理工作協(xié)調(diào)機(jī)制，加強(qiáng)信息交流與協(xié)調(diào)配合，做好本行政區(qū)域的外國人入境出境服務(wù)和管理工作。

第三條 公安部應(yīng)當(dāng)會同國務(wù)院有關(guān)部門建立外國人入境出境服務(wù)和管理信息平臺，實現(xiàn)有關(guān)信息的共享。

第四條 在簽證簽發(fā)管理和外國人在中國境內(nèi)停留居留管理工作中，外交部、公安部等國務(wù)院部門應(yīng)當(dāng)在部門門戶網(wǎng)站、受理出境入境證件申請的地點等場所，提供外國人入境出境管理法律法規(guī)和其他需要外國人知悉的信息。

第二章 簽證的類別和簽發(fā)

第五條 外交簽證、禮遇簽證、公務(wù)簽證的簽發(fā)范圍和簽發(fā)辦法由外交部規(guī)定。

第六條 普通簽證分為以下類別，并在簽證上標(biāo)明相應(yīng)的漢語拼音字母：

（一）C字簽證，發(fā)給執(zhí)行乘務(wù)、航空、航運任務(wù)的國際列車乘務(wù)員、國際航空器機(jī)組人員、國際航行船舶的船員及船員隨行家屬和從事國際道路運輸?shù)钠囻{駛員。

（二）D字簽證，發(fā)給入境永久居留的人員。

（三）F字簽證，發(fā)給入境從事交流、訪問、考察等活動的人員。

（四）G字簽證，發(fā)給經(jīng)中國過境的人員。

（五）J1字簽證，發(fā)給外國常駐中國新聞機(jī)構(gòu)的外國常駐記者；J2字簽證，發(fā)給入境進(jìn)行短期采訪報道的外國記者。

（六）L字簽證，發(fā)給入境旅游的人員；以團(tuán)體形式入境旅游的，可以簽發(fā)團(tuán)體L字簽證。

（七）M字簽證，發(fā)給入境進(jìn)行商業(yè)貿(mào)易活動的人員。

（八）Q1字簽證，發(fā)給因家庭團(tuán)聚申請入境居留的中國公民的家庭成員和具有中國永久居留資格的外國人的家庭成員，以及因寄養(yǎng)等原因申請入境居留的人員；Q2字簽證，發(fā)給申請入境短期探親的居住在中國境內(nèi)的中國公民的親屬和具有中國永久居留資格的外國人的親屬。

（九）R字簽證，發(fā)給國家需要的外國高層次人才和急需緊缺專門人才。

（十）S1字簽證，發(fā)給申請入境長期探親的因工作、學(xué)習(xí)等事由在中國境內(nèi)居留的外國人的配偶、父母、未滿18周歲的子女、配偶的父母，以及因其他私人事務(wù)需要在中國境內(nèi)居留的人員；S2字簽證，發(fā)給申請入境短期探親的因工作、學(xué)習(xí)等事由在中國境內(nèi)停留居留的外國人的家庭成員，以及因其他私人事務(wù)需要在中國境內(nèi)停留的人員。

（十一）X1字簽證，發(fā)給申請在中國境內(nèi)長期學(xué)習(xí)的人員；X2字簽證，發(fā)給申請在中國境內(nèi)短期學(xué)習(xí)的人員。

（十二）Z字簽證，發(fā)給申請在中國境內(nèi)工作的人員。

第七條 外國人申請辦理簽證，應(yīng)當(dāng)填寫申請表，提交本人的護(hù)照或者其他國際旅行證件以及符合規(guī)定的照片和申請事由的相關(guān)材料。

（一）申請C字簽證，應(yīng)當(dāng)提交外國運輸公司出具的擔(dān)保函件或者中國境內(nèi)有關(guān)單位出具的邀請函件。

（二）申請D字簽證，應(yīng)當(dāng)提交公安部簽發(fā)的外國人永久居留身份確認(rèn)表。

（三）申請F(tuán)字簽證，應(yīng)當(dāng)提交中國境內(nèi)的邀請方出具的邀請函件。

（四）申請G字簽證，應(yīng)當(dāng)提交前往國家（地區(qū)）的已確定日期、座位的聯(lián)程機(jī)（車、船）票。

（五）申請J1字及J2字簽證，應(yīng)當(dāng)按照中國有關(guān)外國常駐新聞機(jī)構(gòu)和外國記者采訪的規(guī)定履行審批手續(xù)并提交相應(yīng)的申請材料。

（六）申請L字簽證，應(yīng)當(dāng)按照要求提交旅行計劃行程安排等材料；以團(tuán)體形式入境旅游的，還應(yīng)當(dāng)提交旅行社出具的邀請函件。

（七）申請M字簽證，應(yīng)當(dāng)按照要求提交中國境內(nèi)商業(yè)貿(mào)易合作方出具的邀請函件。

（八）申請Q1字簽證，因家庭團(tuán)聚申請入境居留的，應(yīng)當(dāng)提交居住在中國境內(nèi)的中國公民、具有永久居留資格的外國人出具的邀請函件和家庭成員關(guān)系證明，因寄養(yǎng)等原因申請入境的，應(yīng)當(dāng)提交委托書等證明材料；申請Q2字簽證，應(yīng)當(dāng)提交居住在中國境內(nèi)的中國公民、具有永久居留資格的外國人出具的邀請函件等證明材料。

（九）申請R字簽證，應(yīng)當(dāng)符合中國政府有關(guān)主管部門確定的外國高層次人才和急需緊缺專門人才的引進(jìn)條件和要求，并按照規(guī)定提交相應(yīng)的證明材料。

（十）申請S1字及S2字簽證，應(yīng)當(dāng)按照要求提交因工作、學(xué)習(xí)等事由在中國境內(nèi)停留居留的外國人出具的邀請函件、家庭成員關(guān)系證明，或者入境處理私人事務(wù)所需的證明材料。

（十一）申請X1字簽證應(yīng)當(dāng)按照規(guī)定提交招收單位出具的錄取通知書和主管部門出具的證明材料；申請X2字簽證，應(yīng)當(dāng)按照規(guī)定提交招收單位出具的錄取通知書等證明材料。

（十二）申請Z字簽證，應(yīng)當(dāng)按照規(guī)定提交工作許可等證明材料。

簽證機(jī)關(guān)可以根據(jù)具體情況要求外國人提交其他申請材料。

第八條 外國人有下列情形之一的，應(yīng)當(dāng)按照駐外簽證機(jī)關(guān)要求接受面談：

（一）申請入境居留的；

（二）個人身份信息、入境事由需要進(jìn)一步核實的；

（三）曾有不準(zhǔn)入境、被限期出境記錄的；

（四）有必要進(jìn)行面談的其他情形。

駐外簽證機(jī)關(guān)簽發(fā)簽證需要向中國境內(nèi)有關(guān)部門、單位核實有關(guān)信息的，中國境內(nèi)有關(guān)部門、單位應(yīng)當(dāng)予以配合。

第九條 簽證機(jī)關(guān)經(jīng)審查認(rèn)為符合簽發(fā)條件的，簽發(fā)相應(yīng)類別簽證。對入境后需要辦理居留證件的，簽證機(jī)關(guān)應(yīng)當(dāng)在簽證上注明入境后辦理居留證件的時限。

第三章 停留居留管理

第十條 外國人持簽證入境后，按照國家規(guī)定可以變更停留事由、給予入境便利的，或者因使用新護(hù)照、持團(tuán)體簽證入境后由于客觀原因需要分團(tuán)停留的，可以向停留地縣級以上地方人民政府公安機(jī)關(guān)出入境管理機(jī)構(gòu)申請換發(fā)簽證。

第十一條 在中國境內(nèi)的外國人所持簽證遺失、損毀、被盜搶的，應(yīng)當(dāng)及時向停留地縣級以上地方人民政府公安機(jī)關(guān)出入境管理機(jī)構(gòu)申請補(bǔ)發(fā)簽證。

第十二條 外國人申請簽證的延期、換發(fā)、補(bǔ)發(fā)和申請辦理停留證件，應(yīng)當(dāng)填寫申請表，提交本人的護(hù)照或者其他國際旅行證件以及符合規(guī)定的照片和申請事由的相關(guān)材料。

第十三條 外國人申請簽證延期、換發(fā)、補(bǔ)發(fā)和申請辦理停留證件符合受理規(guī)定的，公安機(jī)關(guān)出入境管理機(jī)構(gòu)應(yīng)當(dāng)出具有效期不超過7日的受理回執(zhí)，并在受理回執(zhí)有效期內(nèi)作出是否簽發(fā)的決定。

外國人申請簽證延期、換發(fā)、補(bǔ)發(fā)和申請辦理停留證件的手續(xù)或者材料不符合規(guī)定的，公安機(jī)關(guān)出入境管理機(jī)構(gòu)應(yīng)當(dāng)一次性告知申請人需要履行的手續(xù)和補(bǔ)正的申請材料。

申請人所持護(hù)照或者其他國際旅行證件因辦理證件被收存期間，可以憑受理回執(zhí)在中國境內(nèi)合法停留。

第十四條 公安機(jī)關(guān)出入境管理機(jī)構(gòu)作出的延長簽證停留期限決定，僅對本次入境有效，不影響簽證的入境次數(shù)和入境有效期，并且累計延長的停留期限不得超過原簽證注明的停留期限。

簽證停留期限延長后，外國人應(yīng)當(dāng)按照原簽證規(guī)定的事由和延長的期限停留。

第十五條 居留證件分為以下種類：

（一）工作類居留證件，發(fā)給在中國境內(nèi)工作的人員；

（二）學(xué)習(xí)類居留證件，發(fā)給在中國境內(nèi)長期學(xué)習(xí)的人員；

（三）記者類居留證件，發(fā)給外國常駐中國新聞機(jī)構(gòu)的外國常駐記者；

（四）團(tuán)聚類居留證件，發(fā)給因家庭團(tuán)聚需要在中國境內(nèi)居留的中國公民的家庭成員和具有中國永久居留資格的外國人的家庭成員，以及因寄養(yǎng)等原因需要在中國境內(nèi)居留的人員；

（五）私人事務(wù)類居留證件，發(fā)給入境長期探親的因工作、學(xué)習(xí)等事由在中國境內(nèi)居留的外國人的配偶、父母、未滿18周歲的子女、配偶的父母，以及因其他私人事務(wù)需要在中國境內(nèi)居留的人員。

第十六條 外國人申請辦理外國人居留證件，應(yīng)當(dāng)提交本人護(hù)照或者其他國際旅行證件以及符合規(guī)定的照片和申請事由的相關(guān)材料，本人到居留地縣級以上地方人民政府公安機(jī)關(guān)出入境管理機(jī)構(gòu)辦理相關(guān)手續(xù)，并留存指紋等人體生物識別信息。

（一）工作類居留證件，應(yīng)當(dāng)提交工作許可等證明材料；屬于國家需要的外國高層次人才和急需緊缺專門人才的，應(yīng)當(dāng)按照規(guī)定提交有關(guān)證明材料。

（二）學(xué)習(xí)類居留證件，應(yīng)當(dāng)按照規(guī)定提交招收單位出具的注明學(xué)習(xí)期限的函件等證明材料。

（三）記者類居留證件，應(yīng)當(dāng)提交有關(guān)主管部門出具的函件和核發(fā)的記者證。

（四）團(tuán)聚類居留證件，因家庭團(tuán)聚需要在中國境內(nèi)居留的，應(yīng)當(dāng)提交家庭成員關(guān)系證明和與申請事由相關(guān)的證明材料；因寄養(yǎng)等原因需要在中國境內(nèi)居留的，應(yīng)當(dāng)提交委托書等證明材料。

（五）私人事務(wù)類居留證件，長期探親的，應(yīng)當(dāng)按照要求提交親屬關(guān)系證明、被探望人的居留證件等證明材料；入境處理私人事務(wù)的，應(yīng)當(dāng)提交因處理私人事務(wù)需要在中國境內(nèi)居留的相關(guān)證明材料。|

外國人申請有效期1年以上的居留證件的，應(yīng)當(dāng)按照規(guī)定提交健康證明。健康證明自開具之日起6個月內(nèi)有效。

第十七條 外國人申請辦理居留證件的延期、換發(fā)、補(bǔ)發(fā)，應(yīng)當(dāng)填寫申請表，提交本人的護(hù)照或者其他國際旅行證件以及符合規(guī)定的照片和申請事由的相關(guān)材料。

第十八條 外國人申請居留證件或者申請居留證件的延期、換發(fā)、補(bǔ)發(fā)符合受理規(guī)定的，公安機(jī)關(guān)出入境管理機(jī)構(gòu)應(yīng)當(dāng)出具有效期不超過15日的受理回執(zhí)，并在受理回執(zhí)有效期內(nèi)作出是否簽發(fā)的決定。

外國人申請居留證件或者申請居留證件的延期、換發(fā)、補(bǔ)發(fā)的手續(xù)或者材料不符合規(guī)定的，公安機(jī)關(guān)出入境管理機(jī)構(gòu)應(yīng)當(dāng)一次性告知申請人需要履行的手續(xù)和補(bǔ)正的申請材料。

申請人所持護(hù)照或者其他國際旅行證件因辦理證件被收存期間，可以憑受理回執(zhí)在中國境內(nèi)合法居留。

第十九條 外國人申請簽證和居留證件的延期、換發(fā)、補(bǔ)發(fā)，申請辦理停留證件，有下列情形之一的，可以由邀請單位或者個人、申請人的親屬、有關(guān)專門服務(wù)機(jī)構(gòu)代為申請：

（一）未滿16周歲或者已滿60周歲以及因疾病等原因行動不便的；

（二）非首次入境且在中國境內(nèi)停留居留記錄良好的；

（三）邀請單位或者個人對外國人在中國境內(nèi)期間所需費用提供保證措施的。

外國人申請居留證件，屬于國家需要的外國高層次人才和急需緊缺專門人才以及前款第一項規(guī)定情形的，可以由邀請單位或者個人、申請人的親屬、有關(guān)專門服務(wù)機(jī)構(gòu)代為申請。

第二十條 公安機(jī)關(guān)出入境管理機(jī)構(gòu)可以通過面談、電話詢問、實地調(diào)查等方式核實申請事由的真實性，申請人以及出具邀請函件、證明材料的單位或者個人應(yīng)當(dāng)予以配合。

第二十一條 公安機(jī)關(guān)出入境管理機(jī)構(gòu)對有下列情形之一的外國人，不予批準(zhǔn)簽證和居留證件的延期、換發(fā)、補(bǔ)發(fā)，不予簽發(fā)停留證件：

（一）不能按照規(guī)定提供申請材料的；

（二）在申請過程中弄虛作假的；

（三）違反中國有關(guān)法律、行政法規(guī)規(guī)定，不適合在中國境內(nèi)停留居留的；

（四）不宜批準(zhǔn)簽證和居留證件的延期、換發(fā)、補(bǔ)發(fā)或者簽發(fā)停留證件的其他情形。

第二十二條 持學(xué)習(xí)類居留證件的外國人需要在校外勤工助學(xué)或者實習(xí)的，應(yīng)當(dāng)經(jīng)所在學(xué)校同意后，向公安機(jī)關(guān)出入境管理機(jī)構(gòu)申請居留證件加注勤工助學(xué)或者實習(xí)地點、期限等信息。

持學(xué)習(xí)類居留證件的外國人所持居留證件未加注前款規(guī)定信息的，不得在校外勤工助學(xué)或者實習(xí)。

第二十三條 在中國境內(nèi)的外國人因證件遺失、損毀、被盜搶等原因未持有效護(hù)照或者國際旅行證件，無法在本國駐中國有關(guān)機(jī)構(gòu)補(bǔ)辦的，可以向停留居留地縣級以上地方人民政府公安機(jī)關(guān)出入境管理機(jī)構(gòu)申請辦理出境手續(xù)。

第二十四條 所持出境入境證件注明停留區(qū)域的外國人、出入境邊防檢查機(jī)關(guān)批準(zhǔn)臨時入境且限定停留區(qū)域的外國人，應(yīng)當(dāng)在限定的區(qū)域內(nèi)停留。

第二十五條 外國人在中國境內(nèi)有下列情形之一的，屬于非法居留：

（一）超過簽證、停留居留證件規(guī)定的停留居留期限停留居留的；

（二）免辦簽證入境的外國人超過免簽期限停留且未辦理停留居留證件的；

（三）外國人超出限定的停留居留區(qū)域活動的；

（四）其他非法居留的情形。

第二十六條 聘用外國人工作或者招收外國留學(xué)生的單位，發(fā)現(xiàn)有下列情形之一的，應(yīng)當(dāng)及時向所在地縣級以上地方人民政府公安機(jī)關(guān)出入境管理機(jī)構(gòu)報告：

（一）聘用的外國人離職或者變更工作地域的；

（二）招收的外國留學(xué)生畢業(yè)、結(jié)業(yè)、肄業(yè)、退學(xué)，離開原招收單位的；

（三）聘用的外國人、招收的外國留學(xué)生違反出境入境管理規(guī)定的；

（四）聘用的外國人、招收的外國留學(xué)生出現(xiàn)死亡、失蹤等情形的。

第二十七條 金融、教育、醫(yī)療、電信等單位在辦理業(yè)務(wù)時需要核實外國人身份信息的，可以向公安機(jī)關(guān)出入境管理機(jī)構(gòu)申請核實。

第二十八條 外國人因外交、公務(wù)事由在中國境內(nèi)停留居留證件的簽發(fā)管理，按照外交部的規(guī)定執(zhí)行。

第四章 調(diào)查和遣返

第二十九條 公安機(jī)關(guān)根據(jù)實際需要可以設(shè)置遣返場所。

依照出境入境管理法第六十條的規(guī)定對外國人實施拘留審查的，應(yīng)當(dāng)在24小時內(nèi)將被拘留審查的外國人送到拘留所或者遣返場所。

由于天氣、當(dāng)事人健康狀況等原因無法立即執(zhí)行遣送出境、驅(qū)逐出境的，應(yīng)當(dāng)憑相關(guān)法律文書將外國人羈押在拘留所或者遣返場所。

第三十條 依照出境入境管理法第六十一條的規(guī)定，對外國人限制活動范圍的，應(yīng)當(dāng)出具限制活動范圍決定書。被限制活動范圍的外國人，應(yīng)當(dāng)在指定的時間到公安機(jī)關(guān)報到；未經(jīng)決定機(jī)關(guān)批準(zhǔn)，不得變更生活居所或者離開限定的區(qū)域。

第三十一條 依照出境入境管理法第六十二條的規(guī)定，對外國人實施遣送出境的，作出遣送出境決定的機(jī)關(guān)應(yīng)當(dāng)依法確定被遣送出境的外國人不準(zhǔn)入境的具體期限。

第三十二條 外國人被遣送出境所需的費用由本人承擔(dān)。本人無力承擔(dān)的，屬于非法就業(yè)的，由非法聘用的單位、個人承擔(dān)；屬于其他情形的，由對外國人在中國境內(nèi)停留居留提供保證措施的單位或者個人承擔(dān)。

遣送外國人出境，由縣級以上地方人民政府公安機(jī)關(guān)或者出入境邊防檢查機(jī)關(guān)實施。

第三十三條 外國人被決定限期出境的，作出決定的機(jī)關(guān)應(yīng)當(dāng)在注銷或者收繳其原出境入境證件后，為其補(bǔ)辦停留手續(xù)并限定出境的期限。限定出境期限最長不得超過15日。

第三十四條 外國人有下列情形之一的，其所持簽證、停留居留證件由簽發(fā)機(jī)關(guān)宣布作廢：

（一）簽證、停留居留證件損毀、遺失、被盜搶的；

（二）被決定限期出境、遣送出境、驅(qū)逐出境，其所持簽證、停留居留證件未被收繳或者注銷的；

（三）原居留事由變更，未在規(guī)定期限內(nèi)向公安機(jī)關(guān)出入境管理機(jī)構(gòu)申報，經(jīng)公安機(jī)關(guān)公告后仍未申報的；

（四）有出境入境管理法第二十一條、第三十一條規(guī)定的不予簽發(fā)簽證、居留證件情形的。

簽發(fā)機(jī)關(guān)對簽證、停留居留證件依法宣布作廢的，可以當(dāng)場宣布作廢或者公告宣布作廢。

第三十五條 外國人所持簽證、停留居留證件有下列情形之一的，由公安機(jī)關(guān)注銷或者收繳：

（一）被簽發(fā)機(jī)關(guān)宣布作廢或者被他人冒用的；

（二）通過偽造、變造、騙取或者其他方式非法獲取的；

（三）持有人被決定限期出境、遣送出境、驅(qū)逐出境的。

作出注銷或者收繳決定的機(jī)關(guān)應(yīng)當(dāng)及時通知簽發(fā)機(jī)關(guān)。

第五章 附則

第三十六條 本條例下列用語的含義：

（一）簽證的入境次數(shù)，是指持證人在簽證入境有效期內(nèi)可以入境的次數(shù)。

（二）簽證的入境有效期，是指持證人所持簽證入境的有效時間范圍。非經(jīng)簽發(fā)機(jī)關(guān)注明，簽證自簽發(fā)之日起生效，于有效期滿當(dāng)日北京時間24時失效。

（三）簽證的停留期限，是指持證人每次入境后被準(zhǔn)許停留的時限，自入境次日開始計算。

（四）短期，是指在中國境內(nèi)停留不超過180日（含180日）。

（五）長期、常駐，是指在中國境內(nèi)居留超過180日。

本條例規(guī)定的公安機(jī)關(guān)出入境管理機(jī)構(gòu)審批期限和受理回執(zhí)有效期以工作日計算，不含法定節(jié)假日。

第三十七條 經(jīng)外交部批準(zhǔn)，駐外簽證機(jī)關(guān)可以委托當(dāng)?shù)赜嘘P(guān)機(jī)構(gòu)承辦外國人簽證申請的接件、錄入、咨詢等服務(wù)性事務(wù)。

第三十八條 簽證的式樣由外交部會同公安部規(guī)定。停留居留證件的式樣由公安部規(guī)定。

第三十九條 本條例自2013年9月1日起施行。1986年12月3日國務(wù)院批準(zhǔn)，1986年12月27日公安部、外交部公布，1994年7月13日、2010年4月24日國務(wù)院修訂的《中華人民共和國外國人入境出境管理法實施細(xì)則》同時廢止。

Decree of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China

No. 637

The Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on Administration of the Entry and Exit of Foreigners, adopted at the 15th Executive Meeting of the State Council on July 3, 2013, are hereby promulgated and shall be effective from and after September 1, 2013.

Premier, Li Keqiang

July 12, 2013

Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on Administration

of the Entry and Exit of Foreigners

Chapter Ⅰ General Provisions

Article 1 These Regulations are formulated in accordance with the Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People’s Republic of China (hereinafter referred to as the Exit and Entry Administration Law), for the purpose of regulating the issuance of visas and provision of services to, and administration of affairs of, foreigners who stay or reside within the territory of China.

Article 2 The State establishes a mechanism for coordinating the services and administration in respect of the entry and exit of foreigners, in order to improve the overall arrangement, coordination and cooperation in this field.

The people’s governments of provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities directly under the Central Government may, where necessary, establish mechanisms for coordinating the services and administration in respect of the entry and exit of foreigners, in order to increase exchange of information and facilitate coordination and cooperation, and provide services and administration within their respective administrative regions.

Article 3 The Ministry of Public Security shall, in conjunction with the relevant departments of the State Council, establish a platform of information concerning the services and administration in respect of the entry and exit of foreigners in order to share information in this field.

Article 4 In issuing visas and in administering the stay and residence of foreigners within the territory of China, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Public Security and other departments of the State Council shall, on their portals and websites and at the places where exit or entry applications are accepted, make available the laws and regulations on the administration of the entry and exit of foreigners and other information that foreigners need to know.

Chapter Ⅱ Categories and Issuance of Visas

Article 5 The scope and measures for issuance of diplomatic, courtesy and official visas shall be specified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Article 6 Ordinary visas are divided into the following categories and shall be marked with corresponding letters in the Chinese phonetic alphabet:

(1) The C visa is issued to crewmembers performing duties on board an international train, aircraft or vessel, and the accompanying family members of vessel crewmembers, and vehicle drivers engaged in international transportation services;

(2) The D visa is issued to persons who come to China for permanent residence;

(3) The F visa is issued to persons who come to China for exchanges, visits, study tours or other relevant activities;

(4) The G visa is issued to persons who transit through China;

(5) The J1 visa is issued to resident foreign journalists of permanent offices of foreign news agencies in China; the J2 visa is for foreign journalists who come to China for short-term news coverage;

(6) The L visa is issued to persons who come to China for travel; persons who come to China for group travel can be issued Group L visas;

(7) The M visa is issued to persons who come to China for commercial trade activities;

(8) The Q1 visa is issued to family members of Chinese citizens and family members of foreigners with permanent residence status in China who apply for residence in China for family reunion, as well as for persons who apply for residence in China for fosterage or other purposes; the Q2 visa is for relatives of Chinese citizens living in China, or relatives of foreigners with permanent residence status in China, who apply for a short-term visit;

(9) The R visa is issued to foreigners of high talent who are needed, or specialists who are urgently needed, by the State;

(10) The S1 visa is issued to the spouses, parents, children under the age of 18 or parents-in-law of foreigners residing in China for work, study or other purposes who apply for a long-term visit to China, as well as for persons who need to reside in China for other personal matters; the S2 visa is for family members of foreigners staying or residing in China for work, study or other purposes who apply for a short-term visit to China, as well as for persons who need to stay in China for other personal matters;

(11) The X1 visa is issued to persons who apply for long-term study in China; the X2 visa is for persons who apply for short-term study in China; and

(12) The Z visa is issued to persons who apply for work in China.

Article 7 A foreigner applying for a visa shall fill out the application form, and submit his or her passport or other international travel documents, qualified photos, and material relating to the purpose of application.

(1) To apply for the C visa, the applicant shall submit the letter of guarantee provided by a foreign transportation company or the letter of invitation provided by the entity concerned in China;

(2) To apply for the D visa, the applicant shall submit the form issued by the Ministry of Public Security confirming his or her permanent residence status;

(3) To apply for the F visa, the applicant shall submit the invitation letter provided by the inviting party in China;

(4) To apply for the G visa, the applicant shall submit a through ticket (air, road, rail or sea) to another country or region with the date and seat number on it;

(5) To apply for the J1 or J2 visa, the applicant shall go through the formalities of examination and approval in accordance with the Chinese provisions on news coverage by permanent offices of foreign news agencies in China and by foreign journalists, and submit the relevant application material;

(6) To apply for the L visa, the applicant shall, as required, submit travel plans and itinerary and other material; in the case of a group tour, the applicant shall also submit the letter of invitation provided by the travel agency;

(7) To apply for the M visa, the applicant shall, as required, submit the letter of invitation provided by the commercial or trade partner in China;

(8) To apply for the Q1 visa, in the case of applying for residence in China for family reunion, the applicant shall submit the invitation letter provided by the Chinese citizen living in China or by the foreigner with permanent residence status in China and proof of family relationship; and in the case of applying for entry for fosterage or other purposes, the applicant shall submit such certification documents as a power of attorney; to apply for the Q2 visa, the applicant shall submit such certification documents as the letter of invitation provided by the Chinese citizen living in China or by the foreigner with permanent residence status in China;

(9) To apply for the R visa, the applicant shall meet the qualifications and requirements set by the competent authorities of the Chinese government for inviting persons of high talent or urgently needed specialists, and the applicant shall, in accordance with relevant provisions, submit the relevant certification documents;

(10) To apply for the S1 or S2 visa, the applicant shall, as required, submit the invitation letter provided by the foreigner staying or residing in China for work, study or other purposes and proof of family relationship, or the certification documents required for dealing with personal matters in China;

(11) To apply for the X1 visa, the applicant shall, in accordance with relevant provisions, submit the admission notice issued by the admission institution and the certification documents provided by the competent authority; to apply for the X2 visa, the applicant shall, in accordance with relevant provisions, submit such certification documents as the admission notice issued by the admission institution; and

(12) To apply for the Z visa, the applicant shall, in accordance with relevant provisions, submit the work permit and other certification documents.

The visa authority may, in light of specific cases, require a foreigner to submit additional application material.

Article 8 In one of the following circumstances, a foreigner shall be interviewed as required by the visa authority abroad:

(1) The applicant applies for entry into China for residence;

(2) Information about the applicant’s personal identity or his or her purpose of entry requires further verification;

(3) The applicant has a record of being denied entry into China or ordered to exit China within the prescribed time limit; or

(4) Other circumstances where an interview is necessary.

Where the visa authority abroad requires relevant departments or entities in China to help with the verification of relevant information, the latter shall cooperate.

Article 9 Where the visa authority, upon examination, deems the applicant to be eligible for being issued a visa, it shall issue to the applicant the appropriate category of visa. Where the applicant needs to obtain a residence permit after entry, the visa authority shall specify on the visa the time limit for applying for such permit after entry.

Chapter Ⅲ Administration of Stay and Residence

Article 10 Where, after entry with a visa, a foreigner changes his or her purpose of stay or is granted entry conveniences in accordance with relevant provisions of the State, or where a foreigner starts using a new passport or needs to stay separately from his or her tour group after entering China with a group visa due to objective reasons, the applicant may apply to the exit and entry administration authority of the public security organ of the local people’s government at or above the county level in the place of his or her stay for a change of visa.

Article 11 Where the visa of a foreigner in China is lost, damaged, destroyed, stolen or robbed, the applicant shall, in a timely manner, apply to the exit and entry administration authority of the public security organ of the local people’s government at or above the county level in the place of his or her stay for reissuance of the visa.

Article 12 To apply for extension, change or reissuance of a visa, or for a stay permit, a foreigner shall fill out an application form and submit his or her passport or other international travel documents, qualified photos, and material relating to the purpose of application.

Article 13 Where a foreigner’s application for extension, change or reissuance of a visa, or for a stay permit, meets the acceptance provisions, the exit and entry administration authority of the public security organ shall issue a receipt of acceptance valid for a period of time not exceeding 7 days, and make a decision on whether to issue the visa within the validity period of the receipt of acceptance.

Where the procedures followed or material submitted by a foreigner for extension, change, or reissuance of a visa or for issuance of a stay permit does not conform to relevant provisions, the exit and entry administration authority of the public security organ shall, in a one-off manner, notify the applicant of the procedure(s) to be followed and the material to be supplemented and corrected.

During the period of time when the applicant’s passport or other international travel documents are retained for processing his or her application for a visa or permit, the applicant may stay in China legally on the strength of the receipt of acceptance.

Article 14 The decision made by the exit and entry administration authority of the public security organ to extend the duration of stay specified in a visa is only valid for the current entry and does not affect the number of entries or the validity period of the entry specified in the visa. However, the total period of extension shall not exceed the original duration of stay specified in the visa.

When the duration of stay specified in the visa is extended, a foreigner shall adhere to the purpose specified in the original visa and stay within the extended duration of stay.

Article 15 Residence permits are divided into the following types:

(1) The residence permit for work is issued to persons who work in China;

(2) The residence permit for study is issued to persons who pursue long-term studies in China;

(3) The residence permit for journalists is issued to resident foreign journalists of permanent offices of foreign news agencies in China;

(4) The residence permit for reunion is issued to family members of Chinese citizens and family members of foreigners with permanent residence status in China who need to reside in China for family reunion, and to persons who need to reside in China for fosterage or other purposes; and

(5) The residence permit for personal matters is issued to spouses, parents, children under the age of 18 or parents-in-law of foreigners residing in China for work, study or other purposes, who apply for long-term visit to China, as well as for persons who need to reside in China for other personal matters.

Article 16 A foreigner applying for a residence permit shall submit his or her passport or other international travel documents, qualified photos, and material relating to the purpose of application, go through the relevant formalities in person with the exit and entry administration authority of the public security organ of the local people’s government at or above the county level in the proposed places of his or her residence, and provide biometric identification information such as fingerprints thereto.

(1) To apply for a residence permit for work, the applicant shall submit such certification documents as a work permit; in the case of a person of high talent who is needed or, a specialist who is urgently needed, by the State, the applicant shall submit relevant certification documents in accordance with relevant provisions;

(2) To apply for a residence permit for study, the applicant shall, in accordance with relevant provisions, submit such certification documents as a letter indicating the duration of study provided by the admission institution;

(3) To apply for a residence permit for journalists, the applicant shall submit the letter provided and the Press Card issued by the competent department;

(4) To apply for a residence permit for reunion, the applicant shall submit proof of family relationship and certification documents relating to the purpose of application; if the applicant needs to reside in China for fosterage or other purposes, he or she shall submit such certification documents as a power of attorney; and

(5) To apply for a residence permit for personal matters, in the case of a long-term visit, the applicant shall, as required, submit such certification documents as proof of kinship and the residence permit of the foreigner to be visited; to apply for entry to deal with personal matters, the applicant shall submit the documents certifying the need to reside in China.

When applying for a residence permit valid for more than 1 year, a foreigner shall, in accordance with relevant provisions, submit his or her health certificate. A health certificate is valid for six months beginning from the date of issue.

Article 17 To apply for extension, change or reissuance of a residence permit, a foreigner shall fill out an application form and submit his or her passport or other international travel documents, qualified photos, and material relating to the purpose of application.

Article 18 Where a foreigner’s application for a residence permit or for extension, change or reissuance of a residence permit meets the acceptance provisions, the exit and entry administration authority of the public security organ shall issue a receipt of acceptance valid for a period not exceeding 15 days, and make a decision on whether to issue the visa within the validity period of the receipt of acceptance.

Where the procedures followed or material submitted by a foreigner for a residence permit or for extension, change or reissuance of a residence permit does not conform to relevant provisions, the exit/entry administration authority of the public security organ shall, in a one-off manner, notify the applicant of the procedure(s) to be followed and the material to be supplemented and corrected.

During the period of time when the applicant’s passport or other international travel documents are retained for processing his or her application for a residence permit, the applicant may reside in China legally on the strength of the receipt of acceptance.

Article 19 In one of the following circumstances, the inviting entity or individual, the relative of the applicant or the specialized service agency concerned may apply for extension, change or reissuance of a visa or residence permit, or apply for a stay permit on behalf of the applicant:

(1) The applicant is under the age of 16 or over the age of 60 or it would unduly inconvenience the applicant due to illness or other reasons;

(2) The applicant’s current entry is not his or her first entry into China and the applicant has a good record of stay or residence in China; or

(3) The inviting entity or individual has guaranteed to cover the necessary expenses of the applicant incurred in China.

If the applicant is a person of high talent who is needed, or a specialist who is urgently needed, by the State, or is in the circumstance prescribed by subparagraph (1) of the preceding paragraph, the inviting entity or individual, the relative of the applicant or the specialized service agency concerned may apply for a residence permit on his or her behalf.

Article 20 The exit and entry administration authority of the public security organ may verify the purpose of application through such means as interview, telephone inquiry and on-the-spot investigation, and the applicant as well as the entity or individual that has provided the letter of invitation or certification documents shall cooperate.

Article 21 In one of the following circumstances, the exit and entry administration authority of the public security organ shall not approve the application for extension, change or reissuance of a visa or residence permit, or the application for a stay permit, submitted by a foreigner:

(1) The applicant fails to provide material supporting his or her application in accordance with relevant provisions;

(2) The applicant has knowingly falsified information in the application process;

(3) The applicant is not eligible for staying or residing in China due to violation of relevant Chinese laws or administrative regulations; or

(4) Other circumstances where it is not appropriate to approve the applicant’s application for extension, change or reissuance of a visa or residence permit, or for issuance of a stay permit.

Article 22 Where a foreigner holding a residence permit for study intends to engage in off-campus work-study or internship, he or she shall, upon the approval of the school, apply to the exit and entry administration authority of the public security organ to have such information as the location and duration of the work-study program or internship placement specified in his or her residence permit.

A foreigner holding a residence permit for study shall not engage in any off-campus work-study or internship unless the information prescribed in the preceding paragraph is specified in his or her residence permit.

Article 23 A foreigner who does not hold a valid passport or other international travel documents due to loss, damage, destruction, theft, robbery or other reasons and cannot get the said passport or documents reissued by the relevant institution of his own country stationed in China may apply for exit formalities to the exit and entry administration authority of the public security organ of the local people’s government at or above the county level in the place of his or her stay or residence.

Article 24 A foreigner whose area of stay is specified in his exit and entry documents or a foreigner who is approved temporary entry into China with restrictions on area of stay by the exit and entry border inspection authority shall stay in the specified or restricted area.

Article 25 In one of the following circumstances, a foreigner shall be deemed to be residing in China illegally:

(1) The applicant’s stay or residence exceeds the duration specified in his or her visa, stay permit or residence permit;

(2) The applicant overstays the visa-free period and fails to obtain a stay permit or residence permit;

(3) The activities of the applicant go beyond the restricted area of stay or residence; or

(4) Other circumstances where foreigners reside illegally.

Article 26 Upon discovery of one of the following circumstances, the entity that employs a foreigner or admits a foreign student shall, in a timely manner, report to the exit and entry administration authority of the public security organ of the local people’s government at or above the county level:

(1) A foreigner employed resigns or changes employment location;

(2) A foreign student admitted has graduated, completed his or her course(s) or study, has quit school, or has left the school ungraduated;

(3) A foreigner employed or a foreign student admitted violates the provisions on administration of exit and entry; or

(4) A foreigner employed or a foreign student admitted dies, disappears or other serious circumstances arise.

Article 27 Where necessary, finance, education, medical, telecommunications or other entities may, for business purposes, apply to the exit and entry administration authority of the public security organ for verifying the information of a foreigner’s identity.

Article 28 The stay or residence permits for foreigners who need to stay or reside in China for diplomatic or official purposes shall be issued and administered in accordance with the provisions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Chapter Ⅴ Investigation and Repatriation

Article 29 Public security organs may establish places for repatriation in light of actual needs.

A foreigner who is to be detained for investigation in accordance with the provisions of Article 60 of the Exit and Entry Administration Law shall be sent to a detention house or a place of repatriation within 24 hours of his or her detention.

Where, a foreigner cannot be repatriated or deported immediately due to weather, his or her health or other reasons, he or she shall be detained in a detention house or a place of repatriation with relevant legal instruments.

Article 30 Where a foreigner’s scope of activities is to be restricted in accordance with the provisions of Article 61 of the Exit and Entry Administration Law, a written decision on such restriction(s) shall be issued. The foreigner subject to the restriction(s) shall report to the public security organ at the designated time and, without approval of the decision-making organ, he or she shall not change his living residence or leave the restricted area.

Article 31 Where a foreigner is to be repatriated in accordance with the provisions of Article 62 of the Exit and Entry Administration Law, the organ that makes the decision on his or her repatriation shall, in accordance with law, decide on the specific duration of time in which the said foreigner shall not be allowed to enter China.

Article 32 A foreigner who is subject to repatriation shall bear the related expenses. If he or she is not able to do so, the entity or individual that employed him or her shall bear the expenses in the case of illegal employment; in other circumstances, the entity or individual that has guaranteed to cover the expenses of the foreigner during his or her stay or residence in China shall bear the expenses.

Repatriation of foreigners shall be carried out by the public security organs of the local people’s governments at or above the county level or the exit and entry border inspection authorities.

Article 33 Where it is decided that a foreigner will exit China within a certain time limit, the decision-making authority shall, after cancelling or confiscating his or her original exit and entry documents, go through the formalities for his or her stay in China and set the time limit for his or her exit. The time limit shall not exceed 15 days.

Article 34 In one of the following circumstances, the visa, stay permit or residence permit held by a foreigner shall be declared null and void by the issuing authority:

(1) His or her visa, stay permit or residence permit is lost, damaged, destroyed, stolen or robbed;

(2) The time limit for his or her exit, repatriation or deportation from China has been decided, and his or her visa, stay permit or residence permit has not been confiscated or cancelled;

(3) The original purpose of residence has been changed, but he or she fails to report to the exit and entry administration authority of the public security organ within the prescribed time limit and fails to do so even after the said organ has given a public notice thereon; or

(4) Circumstances in which a visa or residence permit shall not be issued as prescribed by the provisions of Article 21 or Article 31 of the Exit and Entry Administration Law.

Where the issuing authority is to declare a visa, stay permit or residence permit null and void in accordance with law, it may do so on the spot or through a public notice.

Article 35 In one of the following circumstances, the visa, stay permit or residence permit held by a foreigner shall be cancelled or confiscated by a public security organ:

(1) The issuing authority declares it null and void, or it is being used fraudulently by someone else;

(2) It is forged, altered, or obtained by fraud or other illegal means; or

(3) The holder has been decided on a time for exit, repatriation or deportation from China.

The authority that makes a decision on cancellation or confiscation of a visa, stay permit or residence permit shall, in a timely manner, notify the issuing authority.

Chapter Ⅴ Supplementary Provisions

Article 36 Meaning of terms in these Regulations:

(1) The number of entries specified in the visa means the number of times that the visa holder may enter China within the validity period of the entry specified in the visa;

(2) The validity period of the entry specified in the visa means the valid period of time during which the visa holder may enter China. Unless otherwise specified by the issuing authority, a visa is valid from the date of issuance until Beijing time 24:00 on the expiring day;

(3) The duration of stay specified in the visa means the period of time during which the visa holder is allowed to stay in China after each entry. It begins from the next day of entry;

(4) Short-term means staying in China for a period not exceeding 180 days (including 180 days); and

(5) Long-term or resident means residing in China for a period exceeding 180 days.

The period of time for examination and approval or the validity period of the receipt of acceptance of the exit and entry administration authority of the public security organ in these Regulations is calculated in terms of working days, excluding legal holidays.

Article 37 With the approval of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the visa authorities abroad may entrust local institutions with services, such as receiving of visa application material, data input and consultancy.

Article 38 The format of visas shall be prescribed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in conjunction with the Ministry of Public Security. The formats of stay permits and residence permits shall be prescribed by the Ministry of Public Security.

Article 39 These Regulations shall be effective as of September 1, 2013. The Rules on the Implementation of the Law of the People’s Republic of China on the Entry and Exit of Aliens, approved by the State Council on December 3, 1986, promulgated by the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on December 27, 1986, and revised by the State Council respectively on July 13, 1994 and April 24, 2010, shall be repealed simultaneously.