China’s immigration department announced on Wednesday that there was a remarkable increase of 169.6 percent in cross-border trips during the first half of 2023, totaling 168 million trips compared to the same period in 2022. The surge in travel comes as China’s National Immigration Administration restores immigration management policies and measures following the downgrade of COVID-19 to Class B.
Among the 168 million cross-border trips, accounting for 48.8 percent of 2019’s numbers, approximately 80.3 million were made by mainland residents, 74.9 million by residents from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan, and 8.4 million by foreigners. During this period, over 10 million ordinary passports were issued, marking a staggering increase of 2,647.5 percent compared to 2022. Additionally, the administration reported issuing 42.8 million travel documents for travel between mainland China and the regions of Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan, nearly matching the 2019 figures. Moreover, residence permits were granted to more than 379,000 foreigners residing in China, representing 86.7 percent of the same period in 2019.
The significant rise in cross-border travelers can be attributed to the efforts made by Chinese authorities to resume quick customs clearance procedures, ensure smooth customs clearance at ports, and implement visa-free transit policies. In May, immigration authorities reintroduced expedited customs procedures at ports and introduced measures to facilitate travel between mainland China and the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macao. These measures, such as facial recognition scans and streamlined passport or permit swiping, have been well-received by travelers, businesspeople, and students.
Furthermore, land border ports have resumed passenger transportation at 61 locations, while visa-free policies have been reinstated to allow entry into Hainan and Shanghai via cruises. Additionally, foreign tour groups can now enter Guangdong from Hong Kong and Macao, and ASEAN tourist groups can enter Guilin.
The restoration of immigration policies and the ease of travel procedures have provided a boost to cross-border tourism and trade, benefiting both domestic and international travelers.