Core Viewpoint - The introduction of a visa-free policy for Chinese group tourists to South Korea is expected to significantly boost travel between the two countries, although current travel volumes have not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels [2][4]. Group 1: Visa-Free Policy Impact - Starting from September 29, South Korea will implement a visa-free entry policy for Chinese group tourists (3 or more), allowing a stay of up to 15 days [2]. - There has been a notable increase in flight searches to South Korea, with international ticket search interest rising over 60% year-on-year, and searches for flights to Seoul and Jeju Island more than doubling [2]. - The expected increase in traveler numbers due to the visa-free policy is anticipated to manifest more clearly in 2024 [2][4]. Group 2: Current Travel Statistics - Currently, the flight volume on the China-South Korea route has recovered to approximately 86% of pre-pandemic levels, while other international routes have returned to full capacity [4]. - In the first half of the year, the passenger transport volume on the China-South Korea route reached over 7.81 million, a year-on-year increase of 24.3%, but still only about 80% of 2019 levels [4]. - It is projected that the number of travelers between China and South Korea will reach 8 to 9 million this year, with a full recovery to 2019 levels expected by 2027, largely driven by the visa-free policy [4]. Group 3: Korean Airlines' Market Position - Korean Air is the largest carrier on the China-South Korea route, operating over 100 more flights monthly than its nearest competitor, China Eastern Airlines [8]. - Korean Air plans to acquire Asiana Airlines by the end of 2024, which will become a subsidiary, and the merger is expected to be completed within two years [9]. - Post-merger, the combined fleet will exceed 200 aircraft, serving 24 cities in China with 33 routes, making it the largest foreign airline group in terms of flights to China [10]. Group 4: Implications for Chinese Airlines - The merger of Korean Air and Asiana Airlines is expected to have significant implications for international routes, particularly as South Korea serves as a major transit point for Chinese travelers heading to Europe and the U.S. [11]. - Currently, the recovery rate for China-U.S. routes remains below one-third of pre-pandemic levels, leading to increased passenger traffic for Korean airlines as travelers seek alternatives to high direct flight prices [11]. - Korean Air has seen a significant increase in market share on China-U.S. routes compared to pre-pandemic levels, as both Korean airports and airlines work to attract more transit passengers [11].

Group 1 - The introduction of a visa-free policy for Chinese group tourists to South Korea is expected to significantly boost traveler numbers starting next year, with a 15-day stay allowed [1] - As of September 11, international flight search interest for the upcoming National Day holiday has increased by over 60% year-on-year, with searches for flights to Seoul and Jeju Island more than doubling [1] - Currently, the passenger and flight volumes between China and South Korea have not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels, but the visa-free policy is anticipated to drive growth in 2024 [1][2] Group 2 - Korean Air has restored approximately 86% of its flight capacity on the China-South Korea routes, while other international routes have returned to pre-pandemic levels [2] - In the first half of this year, the passenger volume on China-South Korea routes reached over 7.81 million, a year-on-year increase of 1.52 million, representing a growth rate of 24.3% [2] - The total number of global tourists visiting South Korea in 2024 is projected to be 16.37 million, with Chinese tourists making up 28.1%, although this is only 76.4% of the 2019 figures [2] Group 3 - It is estimated that the number of travelers between China and South Korea will reach 8 to 9 million this year, with a full recovery to 2019 levels expected by 2027, largely driven by the implementation of visa-free policies [3] - Following the visa-free policy for Chinese tourists, there has been a notable increase in the number of Korean visitors to cities in China, particularly Shanghai, Qingdao, and other coastal cities [3] - Korean Air's passenger load factor on China-South Korea routes has improved by approximately 10 percentage points since the implementation of the visa-free policy [3] Group 4 - Korean Air is the largest carrier on the China-South Korea routes, operating over 100 more flights monthly than its nearest competitor, China Eastern Airlines [5] - Korean Air announced plans to acquire Asiana Airlines by the end of 2024, which will become a subsidiary, with the merger expected to be completed within two years [6] - Post-merger, the combined fleet will exceed 200 aircraft, serving 24 cities in China and operating 33 routes, making it the largest foreign airline group in terms of flights to China [6] Group 5 - The merger of Korean Air and Asiana Airlines is expected to have a significant impact on international routes, particularly as South Korea serves as a major transit hub for Chinese travelers heading to Europe and the U.S. [8] - Korean Air's market share on U.S. routes has increased significantly compared to pre-pandemic levels, attracting more transfer passengers due to high direct flight prices [8] - In efforts to attract more transit passengers, Incheon International Airport offers free transit lounges and city tours, while Korean Air has upgraded its airport lounges and in-flight meals [8]

Core Viewpoint - The implementation of a visa-free policy for Russian passport holders by China is expected to enhance bilateral trade and tourism, with the first flight arriving in Wuhan on September 15, 2023, carrying 126 Russian passengers who benefited from this new policy [1][4]. Group 1: Visa-Free Policy Implementation - The visa-free policy for Russian passport holders allows entry into China for business, tourism, family visits, and transit for up to 30 days without a visa [4]. - The policy is part of a broader initiative to expand the list of countries eligible for visa-free entry, effective from September 15, 2025, to September 14, 2026 [4]. Group 2: Flight Operations - The direct flight route between Wuhan and Moscow has resumed after a five-year hiatus, with flights operated by an Airbus A350-900, scheduled twice a week [4]. - The flight CZ8004 departs Wuhan at 15:10 Beijing time and arrives in Moscow at 19:15 local time, with a return flight leaving Moscow at 21:15 local time and arriving back in Wuhan at 10:30 the next day [4]. Group 3: Increased Passenger Flow - Wuhan Tianhe International Airport has seen a significant increase in inbound and outbound passenger traffic, surpassing one million travelers this year, making it the first inland port in Central China to reach this milestone [5]. - As of September 15, 2023, approximately 81,000 foreign travelers from over 170 countries have entered through Tianhe Airport, with 43,000 benefiting from the visa-free policy, marking a nearly threefold increase year-on-year [5]. Group 4: Border Control Enhancements - The Wuhan border inspection station has implemented measures to improve the passenger experience, including a real-time flow display system to optimize personnel deployment and inspection channels [5]. - A multilingual volunteer service team has been established to assist foreign travelers with policy inquiries and provide support, enhancing the convenience for foreign visitors to China [5].

Core Point - China has implemented a visa-free policy for Russian passport holders starting September 15, 2023, aimed at facilitating travel and business exchanges between the two countries [1] Group 1: Visa Policy Details - The visa-free policy will be in effect from September 15, 2025, to September 14, 2026 [1] - Russian passport holders can enter China for business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, or transit for up to 30 days without a visa [1]

Group 1 - The new visa-free policy for Russian passport holders to stay in China for up to 30 days has officially come into effect as of September 15, 2023 [1][3] - The first Russian traveler, Sherstnev Sergei, praised the efficient immigration process at Kunming Airport, taking only about 2 minutes for entry [3] - The policy allows Russian citizens to visit China for business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, or transit without a visa from September 15, 2025, to September 14, 2026 [3] Group 2 - Kunming's border inspection station has prepared for the policy's implementation by developing plans, conducting multilingual training, and enhancing on-site guidance [3] - Collaboration with the airport, inspection units, and airlines has been established to monitor passenger flow and ensure smooth customs clearance [3]

Core Points - The first Russian traveler, Bakytzhan Adylbekov, successfully entered Shenzhen under the new visa-free policy, marking a significant milestone for the airport [1][2] - From September 15, 2025, to September 14, 2026, China will implement a visa-free policy for Russian passport holders, allowing stays of up to 30 days for business, tourism, family visits, and transit [1] - The introduction of the visa-free policy is expected to increase the flow of Russian travelers to China, with Shenzhen airport already seeing over 35,000 Russian entries and exits this year, a 10.2% increase year-on-year [2] Summary by Sections Visa-Free Policy - The visa-free policy for Russian citizens will be in effect for one year, facilitating easier travel for various purposes [1] - Travelers can stay in China for up to 30 days without a visa, which is anticipated to boost tourism and business exchanges [1] Impact on Travel - The first traveler under this policy arrived on a flight from Dubai, highlighting the immediate effects of the new regulations [1][2] - Shenzhen airport has established direct flights to Moscow, and many Russian travelers are using transit routes through the Middle East and Southeast Asia [2] - The border inspection agency expects a further increase in passenger flow due to the new policy [2]

Group 1 - The number of foreign travelers entering Shanghai has increased by over 42.2% year-on-year, totaling 3.644 million as of now [1] - Among the foreign travelers, 1.957 million utilized the visa exemption policy, accounting for 53.7% of the total [1] - The number of Russian travelers entering Shanghai has seen a significant increase of over 56%, reaching 196,000 in the first eight months of the year [1] Group 2 - The trial visa exemption policy for Russian passport holders began on September 15, allowing them to enter China for business, tourism, and family visits without a visa for up to 30 days [2] - This policy is expected to facilitate more spontaneous travel for Russian tourists and enhance business activities between China and Russia [2] - Travelers have reported a smooth entry experience, with border control staff providing assistance in Russian, indicating a positive reception of the new policy [3]

Core Points - China has decided to expand its visa-free policy to include Russian passport holders from September 15, 2025, to September 14, 2026, allowing them to enter China for business, tourism, and other purposes without a visa for up to 30 days [3][5] - The implementation of this policy is expected to significantly enhance the flow of Russian travelers to China, facilitating easier travel and business arrangements [5][6] - The number of Russian visitors to China has surged, with 196,000 Russian travelers entering through Shanghai in the first eight months of this year, marking a 56% increase compared to the same period last year [6] Summary by Sections Visa Policy - The new visa-free policy for Russian passport holders aims to simplify travel for business and tourism, eliminating the need for entry declaration materials [3][5] - This initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen Sino-Russian relations and promote people-to-people exchanges [5] Impact on Travel and Business - The policy is expected to accelerate the influx of Russian tourists and business travelers, allowing for more flexible planning and reduced travel costs [5] - Travelers have reported a smoother entry experience at Shanghai's airport, with border control staff providing assistance in Russian [5][6] Statistics and Implementation - In the first eight months of 2023, 196,000 Russian travelers were processed at Shanghai's border, with over 189,000 entering for tourism and business purposes [6] - Shanghai's border control has implemented innovative measures to ensure efficient processing of foreign travelers, including a new entry card reporting system and enhanced training for airline staff [6]

来源：中国新闻网 编辑：付健青 民警正在为免签旅客办理入境手续。虹桥边检站供图 广告等商务合作，请点击这里 中国对俄罗斯持普通护照人员试行免签 上海虹桥国际机场迎来首批游客 中新网上海9月15日电(殷立勤 王昱萱 李沪)自2025年9月15日至2026年9月14日，中国对持普通护照的俄 罗斯籍人员来华经商、旅游观光、探亲访友、交流访问及过境不超过30天者，试行免办签证入境政策。 据悉，9月15日政策实施首日，上海虹桥国际机场口岸即迎来首批享受该项便利措施的俄罗斯籍入境旅 客。 当日13时40分，乘坐FM848航班抵达上海的Garmaeva女士成为首位免签入境旅客。她表示："这是我今 年第二次来到中国。与之前申请旅游签证相比，免签政策更为便捷，通关流程高效顺畅。未来我还计划 再次到访中国，前往成都、西安等城市旅行。"同机抵达的Kustov先生和Kustova女士表示，早在政策公 布之初就了解到中国将对俄罗斯实施免签，因此第一时间预订了机票，此次专程来华庆祝结婚二十周年 纪念日。 据虹桥边检部门介绍，目前中国已对47国人员实施单方面免签政策。随着免签"朋友圈"持续扩大，外籍 人员来华入境旅游热度不断上升。今年以来 ...

经绥芬河口岸入境的俄罗斯旅客，有不少人会选择前往哈尔滨、北京等传统热门城市，还有不少人选择前往边境地区，体验特色文化游和 购物游。 绥芬河市某商场门店经理邰桂荣称："俄罗斯人到店购物可实现离境退税11%，我们会在产品质量方面严格把关，员工俄语学习同步开 展。下一步，把店内产品标识也全面更新双语标签，助力俄罗斯人快速了解产品信息，实现快捷购物。" 央视网消息：2025年9月15日起至2026年9月14日，我国对俄罗斯持普通护照人员试行免签政策。15日7点多，在黑龙江省绥芬河公路口 岸，旅检大厅迎来了首批享受免签政策入境的俄罗斯旅客。 记者在绥芬河公路口岸看到首批抵达的俄罗斯游客仅出示了普通护照，边检工作人员通过生物信息核验、护照阅读器等设备就快速完成了 通关手续，全程平均耗时不足2分钟。 为应对免签政策实施后可能出现的客流增长，绥芬河联检部门提前做好准备，优化通关流程，加强服务保障，保障旅客快速、便捷通关。 作为中俄边境重要陆路口岸的内蒙古满洲里口岸，15日也迎来了政策落地后的俄罗斯游客。 上午九点，来自俄罗斯的维克多莉娅成为满洲里口岸首位免签政策实施后的入境旅客，她计划和朋友们去呼伦贝尔草原感受自然风光。 截 ...