China’s 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Sees 40.6 Million Arrivals in First Year
China–Russia Mutual Visa-Free Scheme Spurs 83 % Tourism Surge at Suifenhe Border
New Chongqing–Bangkok and Chengdu–Brussels Flights Mark China’s Rapid International Capacity Rebuild
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China’s 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Scheme Drives 40.6 Million Inbound Arrivals
China recorded 40.6 million arrivals in the first 12 months of its expanded 240-hour visa-free transit programme, a 27 % jump that underscores the policy’s appeal to business and leisure travellers. The waiver now spans 55 countries and 65 ports, slashing visa lead times and costs for multinationals routing staff through the mainland. Companies should still monitor itinerary changes closely to avoid inadvertent over-stays.
Mutual Visa-Free Deal Spurs 83 % Surge in Tourism Across China–Russia Suifenhe Border
Suifenhe Port processed more than 10,000 tourist crossings in the first week of 2026—an 83 % rise—thanks to the China–Russia 30-day mutual visa-free agreement introduced in September 2025. Faster border formalities and new package tours are boosting regional tourism and facilitating just-in-time trade along the Trans-Siberian corridor.
New Chongqing–Bangkok and Chengdu–Brussels Flights Signal China’s Aggressive International Capacity Rebuild
Hainan Airlines and Chongqing Airlines will inaugurate new Chongqing–Bangkok services this month, and Chengdu will gain a Brussels nonstop in March, signalling China’s push to exceed 2019 international flight levels. Added capacity shortens transit times and eases premium-seat shortages for business travellers linking western China with ASEAN and Europe.