Cross-Border Travel Surges as China Eases Visa Rules
China’s cross-border trips exploded to over 141 million in Q1 2024—doubling last year’s numbers—as visa perks and post-pandemic wanderlust kick into high gear. The National Immigration Administration (NIA) announced the spike, with foreign nationals making 13 million of those trips, a threefold jump from 2023!
Who’s Visiting?
Top travelers came from the U.S., Australia, Canada, and European nations like Germany and the UK. Neighbors like Russia, Vietnam, and #KPop favorite South Korea also sent big crowds. Over 30% came for tourism, while business, family visits, and study rounded out the reasons.
Visa Fast Pass
China’s new ‘port visa’ system—launched in January—lets foreign entrepreneurs and travelers apply on arrival for urgent business or family needs. Plus, visa-free entry expanded in March to 6 new EU countries (Switzerland, Ireland, and more!), making it easier than ever to explore the Great Wall or Shanghai’s neon skyline.
With policies smoothing the path, 2024 might just be China’s biggest year for global connections yet.
The National Immigration Administration (NIA) announced the spike, with foreign nationals making 13 million of those trips, a threefold jump from 2023!
Over 30% came for tourism, while business, family visits, and study rounded out the reasons.
