China Logs 192 Million Border Crossings in Q3; Visa-Free Foreign Entries Up 24.1%

China’s National Immigration Administration said on October 20 that border crossings totaled 192 million in July–September, up 7.9% year on year. Foreign nationals made 23.27 million crossings (+15.6%); visa-free entries rose 24.1% and made up 77.5% of foreign arrivals. South Korea ranked second for foreign arrivals and third for Chinese outbound trips.

By FOCUS BUSINESS editorial staff

At its regular press conference on October 20, the National Immigration Administration released third-quarter (July–September) entry and exit figures. Total crossings reached 192 million, up 7.9% from a year earlier. Mainland residents accounted for 95.96 million (+7.4%), Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan residents for 73.14 million (+6.4%), and foreign nationals for 23.27 million (+15.6%).

Visa-free entries are 77.5% of foreign arrivals

Foreign arrivals totaled 11.6 million, of which 8.99 million entered visa-free, up 24.1%. China began a unilateral visa-exemption trial for six countries in December 2023 and had extended it to 50 countries by September 2026, with stays of up to 30 days. The 240-hour visa-free transit policy currently covers 57 countries (Xinhua).

South Korea: second for arrivals, third for outbound trips

By nationality, the top ten sources of foreign arrivals were Russia, South Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, the United States, Mongolia, Japan, Singapore, Thailand and Australia, together making up 63.9%. Mainland residents made 48.51 million outbound trips (+7.5%); the top destinations were Hong Kong, Macao, South Korea, Vietnam and Thailand, placing South Korea third.

Lodging registration and border-crossing conveniences

Since September 21, foreigners staying outside hotels can register their accommodation online nationwide, through the NIA government services website, the “NIA 12367” app, or WeChat and Alipay mini-programs. Online registration has the same effect as in-person registration and has been used more than 90,000 times. At the new Huanggang port, opened on October 12, clearance time fell from about 30 minutes to about 5, the administration said.

Business Checkpoints

More business and meeting travel can mean more Korean counterparts visiting Korean-run companies in Tianjin and elsewhere. Visitors should be told in advance that visa-free stays are limited to 30 days; long stays, employment or residence require a separate visa and residence permit.

Companies that host foreign staff or guests should check the lodging registration procedure. Online registration is now available, which can be used when guests stay in housing outside hotels, such as company dormitories or rented homes. Eligible countries and stay conditions can change, so check notices from Chinese embassies and consulates before traveling.

※ This article is based on the National Immigration Administration press conference of October 20 and Xinhua reports.