China’s National Immigration Administration (NIA) forecast on 15 February that average daily inbound and outbound passenger traffic at the country’s air, land and sea ports will exceed 2.05 million during the 17–25 February Spring Festival break—up 14 percent from 2025. The projection underscores the sharp rebound in international mobility as visa-free programs and additional flight connections lure both Chinese holiday-makers heading abroad and foreign tourists arriving for New Year festivities.
Border inspection authorities have already deployed extra staffing at major gateways such as Beijing Capital, Shanghai Pudong and Guangzhou Baiyun airports, as well as land crossings in Shenzhen, Zhuhai and Hekou. Automated e-gates have been calibrated to process up to 260 passengers per minute, and dedicated counters have been set aside for crew members and travellers with reduced mobility. NIA has also expanded real-time queue-length displays in its smartphone mini-program to help passengers choose faster channels.
Whether you’re a leisure traveler planning a reunion trip or a corporate mobility manager juggling multiple itineraries, VisaHQ can streamline the China visa process before the holiday rush. The platform lets users verify document requirements, complete applications online, and arrange secure courier pickup—saving valuable time when consulate appointments are scarce. Find more details at https://www.visahq.com/china/
![China Expects 2.05 Million Daily Cross-Border Movements During Nine-Day Spring Festival Holiday]()
For global companies moving goods and personnel, the expected surge means longer clearance times for freight forwarders at busy truck crossings and possible last-mile delivery delays around factory hubs in Guangdong and Guangxi. Travel managers should factor in additional buffer time when scheduling executive visits or crew rotations between 17 and 25 February. Those relying on visa-on-arrival schemes at Hainan and other pilot zones are encouraged to pre-submit itineraries to ease processing.
On the upside, airlines and high-speed rail operators have increased capacity substantially. International carriers have filed 15 percent more seats on China-bound routes versus last Lunar New Year, while mainland airlines have added 2,600 extra flights to Southeast Asia, Australia and Europe. Hotel chains report that average daily rates in Tier-1 cities are up 18 percent year on year, but secondary destinations such as Xi’an and Guilin still offer corporate-negotiated rates below 2019 levels.
Mobility teams should brief travellers on peak-hour congestion, encourage online health and customs declarations, and remind staff that China maintains strict rules on hand-carried lithium batteries, foodstuffs and large quantities of currency. Failure to declare can trigger fines or administrative detention—risks that rise when inspection resources are stretched.
Border inspection authorities have already deployed extra staffing at major gateways such as Beijing Capital, Shanghai Pudong and Guangzhou Baiyun airports, as well as land crossings in Shenzhen, Zhuhai and Hekou. Automated e-gates have been calibrated to process up to 260 passengers per minute, and dedicated counters have been set aside for crew members and travellers with reduced mobility. NIA has also expanded real-time queue-length displays in its smartphone mini-program to help passengers choose faster channels.
Whether you’re a leisure traveler planning a reunion trip or a corporate mobility manager juggling multiple itineraries, VisaHQ can streamline the China visa process before the holiday rush. The platform lets users verify document requirements, complete applications online, and arrange secure courier pickup—saving valuable time when consulate appointments are scarce. Find more details at https://www.visahq.com/china/
For global companies moving goods and personnel, the expected surge means longer clearance times for freight forwarders at busy truck crossings and possible last-mile delivery delays around factory hubs in Guangdong and Guangxi. Travel managers should factor in additional buffer time when scheduling executive visits or crew rotations between 17 and 25 February. Those relying on visa-on-arrival schemes at Hainan and other pilot zones are encouraged to pre-submit itineraries to ease processing.
On the upside, airlines and high-speed rail operators have increased capacity substantially. International carriers have filed 15 percent more seats on China-bound routes versus last Lunar New Year, while mainland airlines have added 2,600 extra flights to Southeast Asia, Australia and Europe. Hotel chains report that average daily rates in Tier-1 cities are up 18 percent year on year, but secondary destinations such as Xi’an and Guilin still offer corporate-negotiated rates below 2019 levels.
Mobility teams should brief travellers on peak-hour congestion, encourage online health and customs declarations, and remind staff that China maintains strict rules on hand-carried lithium batteries, foodstuffs and large quantities of currency. Failure to declare can trigger fines or administrative detention—risks that rise when inspection resources are stretched.
