上半年免签入境外国人同比增长53.9%——签证便利化政策红利释放

Core Insights - The number of foreign travelers benefiting from China's visa facilitation policies is rapidly increasing, with 13.64 million foreign visitors entering under visa-free policies in the first half of the year, a year-on-year increase of 53.9% [1] Group 1: Visa Facilitation Policies - The National Immigration Administration has optimized the visa-free transit policy, extending the stay duration to 10 days and increasing the number of applicable provinces to 24, enhancing China's accessibility in the global tourism market [2] - The implementation of the 240-hour visa-free transit policy has attracted tourists primarily from Russia, the USA, the UK, Canada, and Mexico, with major cities visited being Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Kunming, and Chengdu [2] - In Shanghai, the introduction of group and individual port visas has led to a 34% increase in individual port visa applications, while electronic port visa issuance has seen a month-on-month growth of 54.95% [3] Group 2: Regional Policies - The ASEAN tourist group visa-free entry policy in Yunnan has facilitated easier access for tourists from ASEAN countries, with multiple regional visa-free policies enhancing China's appeal as a travel destination [4] - The visa-free entry policy for 59 countries in Hainan has resulted in 269,000 foreign visitors in the first half of the year, a 76% increase, with emerging source markets like Mongolia, Vietnam, and Uzbekistan showing significant growth [5] Group 3: Innovative Measures - Various innovative measures have been implemented to streamline the entry process for foreign travelers, such as real-time information sharing between border inspection stations and travel agencies, and pre-boarding checks for cruise passengers [6] - The expansion of the visa-free "friends circle" has been complemented by cultural and sports events, with significant increases in foreign visitors during events like the Canton Fair and sports leagues [7] Group 4: Cultural Exchange and Tourism Development - Events like the Qingdao International Beer Festival have attracted foreign tourists, highlighting the role of visa-free policies in promoting cross-border cultural exchanges [8] - Travel agencies are adapting to the increased foreign tourist flow by enhancing marketing efforts and developing culturally rich travel products, indicating a growing demand for tailored travel experiences [8]