LAW OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA ON ENTRY AND EXIT OF ALIENS

(Adopted by the Standing Committee of the Sixth National People's Congress at its Thirteenth Session on 22 November 1985.)

CHAPTER I
General Provisions

Article 1 The present law is enacted for the purpose of safeguarding the sovereignty and maintaining the security and public order of the People's Republic of China and facilitating international exchanges. The present Law shall apply to aliens entering, leaving or passing through the territory of the People's Republic of China and to aliens residing or traveling in China.
Article 2 Permission must be obtained from the competent authorities of the Chinese Government by aliens for their entry, transit and residence in China.
Article 3 For entry, exit and transit, aliens shall pass through the ports open to aliens or other designated ports and shall be subject to inspection at border check-posts.
For entry, exit and transit, aliens' means of transport shall pass through the ports open to aliens or other designated ports and shall be subject to inspection and supervision at border check-posts.
Article 4 The Chinese Government protects the legitimate rights and interests of aliens within Chinese territory.
    The personal freedom of aliens shall be inviolable. Aliens shall not be liable to arrest unless a warrant or decision is made by a people's procuratorate or a decision is made by a people's court and such a warrant or decision is executed by a public security organ or state security organ.
Article 5 Aliens in China shall abide by Chinese law and shall not endanger the national security of China, harm its public interests or disturb its public order.

CHAPTER II
Entry

Article 6 For entry into China, aliens shall apply for visas to the Chinese diplomatic missions or consular posts or other agencies abroad authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the P.R.China. In specific situations and in compliance with the stipulation,of the of the State Council, aliens may also apply for visas to visa offices at the ports designated by the competent authorities of the Chinese Government.

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