China sees 22% surge in foreign arrivals following expanded visa-free entry and streamlined travel policies

China reports 21.33 million foreign trips in Q1 2026, driven by an 8.32 million-strong surge in visa-free entries and new digital traveler services.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 11, 2026, 5:40 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from The Straits Times

Record Growth in International Cross-Border Travel

In the first quarter of 2026, China experienced a substantial increase in foreign arrivals, signaling the success of its ongoing institutional opening-up. According to the National Immigration Administration (NIA), authorities inspected a total of 185 million entries and exits, a 13.5 percent increase compared to the previous year. Within this total, trips by foreign nationals rose by 22.3 percent to 21.33 million. This growth rate notably outperformed the travel statistics for mainland residents and residents from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, highlighting a strong rebound in international interest in the mainland.

The Impact of Unilateral Visa-Free Policies

A primary driver of this influx is China’s strategic expansion of its visa-free entry lists. During the first three months of the year, nearly 8.32 million foreign nationals entered the country without a visa—a 29.3 percent jump year-on-year. Currently, visa-free entries account for nearly 78 percent of all foreign arrivals. NIA spokesperson Lyu Ning noted that immigration authorities have been coordinating with various departments to broaden the list of eligible countries, facilitating a more seamless experience for overseas tourists and business travelers alike.

Digital Innovation in Traveler Services

To further support international visitors, the NIA has introduced digital solutions to common logistical hurdles. A pilot program launched in March allows foreign nationals who are not staying in traditional hotels to register their temporary accommodation online. This service is currently active in Chongqing, Guangxi, and the provinces of Hebei, Liaoning, Zhejiang, Hubei, and Sichuan. Additionally, the administration’s online service platform handled over 51 million inquiries this quarter, while its 12367 hotline addressed approximately 1.8 million requests from more than 100 countries.