During the National Day holiday, foreign nationals made 1.014 million exit and entry trips, representing a 37.2% increase compared to the same period last year, according to data from the National Immigration Administration (NIA). The border inspection authorities across China facilitated a total of 13.098 million exit and entry trips by both Chinese and foreign citizens during this period.
At a regular press conference on October 8, Mao Ning, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, addressed questions about the rise in inbound travel during the National Day holiday and measures introduced to make it easier for foreigners to visit China.
Beijing Daily: Several tourism platforms have reported that during the National Day holiday, the number of travel bookings from foreign tourists to China surged by around 60% year-on-year. Many cities in China have become popular destinations. We have also noticed that authorities, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, have recently introduced new measures to facilitate travel for foreigners to China. Could you share your thoughts on this?
Mao Ning: The “China Travel” boom highlights China’s attractiveness and openness. We currently have mutual visa exemption agreements with 24 countries, offer visa-free entry for citizens of 16 countries, and extend 72-hour or 144-hour visa-free transit policies to travelers from 54 countries. It has become increasingly convenient and enjoyable for foreign tourists to visit China. For instance, Beijing recently launched a guide titled “Welcome to Beijing: Essential Tips for New Arrivals”, which provides a comprehensive overview of services and helpful information for newcomers. In Shanghai, taxis and subway stations have been equipped with devices that accept foreign bank cards for payment. Additionally, eight cities, including Chengdu and Xi’an, have introduced pilot programs aimed at simplifying payments for foreigners in China. As China continues to open its doors to the world, we are committed to making cross-border travel more convenient and inviting more foreign visitors to explore China’s beautiful landscapes and rich culture.
