Beijing immigration authorities have barred several US citizens from entering China since visa requirements for Americans were tightened earlier this month, the Beijing Youth Daily reported Tuesday.

The Americans were refused because they did not hold valid visas, said the paper, quoting sources with Beijing's immigration authorities. The number of rejected US citizens and other details were not revealed.

The news came after the Xiamen immigration authorities barred at least two US citizens from entering China. Police found their visas had expired and sent them back, the Shenzhen Daily reported Monday.

The Foreign Ministry began requiring that all Americans obtain visas before coming to China after the United States refused a Chinese request to review its decision to fingerprint Chinese applying for US visas.

Previously, Americans could apply for visas at Chinese ports of entry.

(Shenzhen Daily April 7, 2004)