According to Chinese border inspection authorities, there were 160 million documented entries into and exits from China in the third quarter of this year. These numbers show a year-on-year increase of 30.1%, as reported by the National Immigration Administration (NIA) today.
Foreign nationals made a total of 8.186 million inbound trips, marking a significant rise of 48.8 percent compared to the same period last year. Among these trips, 4.885 million were conducted without a visa, which represents a remarkable year-on-year increase of 78.6 percent.
During July, August and September of this year, more than 807,000 visas were issued to foreigners by Chinese authorities, indicating a 32.7%increase from the previous year, according to data from the administration.
China has also implemented new visa-free entry and transit regulations mid-summer, allowing foreigners traveling in tour groups registered in the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions to enjoy 144-hour visa-free entry to the southern island province of Hainan.
China’s 144-hour visa-free transit policy has been extended to include three additional entry points located in central Henan Province and southwestern Yunnan Province.
According to the National Immigration Administration (NIA), in July, August and September, Chinese immigration officials have also made significant progress in addressing crimes that threaten border management, processing over 9,800 cases.
During this timeframe, Chinese border authorities confiscated approximately 2.4 tons of illegal drugs, 35.4 tons of materials used for drug production, and smuggled goods valued at around 101 million yuan (about US$14.21 million).
