China recorded 369 million cross-border trips in the first half of 2026, a 10.8% increase year-on-year, the National Immigration Administration (NIA) reported Friday. Foreign arrivals surged 20.6% to 45.9 million, with visa-free entries jumping 30.6% to 17.8 million—accounting for 77.7% of all inbound foreigners.
The spike is attributed to China’s expanding visa-waiver programs. “These measures lower entry barriers and highlight China’s appeal as a top consumer market,” said NIA spokesperson Lin Yongsheng. Outbound travel also rose, with Chinese residents making 88 million trips amid reciprocal visa exemptions from nations like Turkey and Brazil. Experts predict the travel boom will fuel growth in retail, hospitality, and transportation sectors.
