The Ministry of Public Security said on Friday that new rules concerning Chinese citizens' passport applications will take effect from the beginning of next year.

The Passport Law of the People's Republic of China, passed by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress on April 29, will take effect on January 1.

Under the law, in addition to submitting their identity cards, permanent residence booklets and photos, Chinese citizens applying for passports need to provide evidence that they must travel overseas.