Story perspectives

China expands exit bans, requiring passport surrender for travel

By Drooid · Sep 15, 2026, 6:48 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

China imposed travel restrictions that can bar citizens’ overseas trips for up to three years.
The rules require passport surrender, travel approval and officials to advise against “high-risk” destinations.
The supreme court recorded 188,760 exit-ban cases last year, up from 89 in 2016.
Analysts say the measures aim to curb criticism and punish advocacy.
A 26-year-old “Pipi” was denied a 2023 passport after attending 2019 Hong Kong pro-democracy protests.

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Story summary

China imposed travel restrictions that can bar citizens’ overseas trips for up to three years.
The rules require passport surrender, travel approval and officials to advise against “high-risk” destinations.
The supreme court recorded 188,760 exit-ban cases last year, up from 89 in 2016.
Analysts say the measures aim to curb criticism and punish advocacy.
A 26-year-old “Pipi” was denied a 2023 passport after attending 2019 Hong Kong pro-democracy protests.