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 Viewpoint - The article highlights the significant increase in foreign travelers benefiting from China's visa facilitation policies, particularly the 240-hour transit visa exemption, which has led to a notable rise in tourism and cross-border travel to China [1][2]. Group 1: Visa Facilitation Policies - The number of foreign travelers utilizing the 240-hour transit visa exemption reached 13.64 million in the first half of the year, marking a 53.9% year-on-year increase [1]. - The National Immigration Administration has optimized the transit visa exemption policy, extending the stay duration to 10 days and increasing the number of applicable provinces to 24 [2]. - The top five countries of origin for travelers using the visa exemption are Russia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Mexico, with major cities visited being Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Kunming, and Chengdu [2]. Group 2: Innovations in Visa Processing - Shanghai has introduced a group visa policy that allows foreign tourists to apply for a group visa through travel agencies, significantly reducing the time and cost associated with individual visa applications [3]. - The issuance of electronic port visas in Shanghai has seen a month-on-month increase of 54.95%, indicating a growing trend towards digital visa solutions [3]. Group 3: Regional Policies and Their Impact - The implementation of visa exemption policies for ASEAN tourist groups entering Yunnan has facilitated easier access for foreign tourists, with multiple entry points available [4]. - The Hainan province's 30-day visa exemption for citizens from 59 countries has resulted in 269,000 foreign visitors in the first half of the year, a 76% increase [5]. - The introduction of cruise ship entry visa exemptions has led to a 7% year-on-year increase in foreign travelers using Tianjin's cruise port [5]. Group 4: Economic and Cultural Integration - The expansion of visa exemption policies has created a synergistic effect with cultural and economic events, such as the Canton Fair, which has seen over 367,000 foreign merchants efficiently pass through customs [7]. - The Jiangsu province has experienced a 20% increase in South Korean tourists since the start of the local football league, highlighting the impact of sports events on tourism [7]. - The Qingdao International Beer Festival attracted a significant number of foreign visitors, demonstrating how visa policies enhance cultural exchange [8].