The National Immigration Administration reported on 27 October that China logged 610 million border crossings in 2024, up 43.9 percent from 2023. Officials credited the jump to successive rounds of visa-free entry schemes, streamlined e-visa applications and the phased reopening of land ports with Hong Kong, Macau and Southeast Asia.
Of the total, inbound foreign nationals accounted for 35 million movements—still below the 2019 record but a steep recovery from pandemic lows. Outbound trips by Chinese citizens climbed 38 percent, buoyed by expanded flight schedules and reciprocal waivers with Central Asian and Gulf states.
Policy analysts say the data underscore how migration liberalisation is dovetailing with Beijing’s economic diplomacy. Mutual exemptions negotiated with Uzbekistan, Malaysia and Azerbaijan have not only revived tourism but lubricated Belt and Road infrastructure tenders, where rapid personnel deployment is critical.
The report highlights technology upgrades as a force-multiplier: 97 percent of travellers now clear e-gates within 16 seconds, enabling airports to handle peak loads without massive brick-and-mortar expansion. A national digital-ID pilot launching in Hainan Free Trade Port next month will further simplify check-ins for both foreigners and returning Chinese expatriates.
However, immigration scholars caution that sustained growth will require addressing global concerns over data privacy and ensuring consistency in regional application of new rules—a common pain-point flagged by multinational HR teams.
Of the total, inbound foreign nationals accounted for 35 million movements—still below the 2019 record but a steep recovery from pandemic lows. Outbound trips by Chinese citizens climbed 38 percent, buoyed by expanded flight schedules and reciprocal waivers with Central Asian and Gulf states.
Policy analysts say the data underscore how migration liberalisation is dovetailing with Beijing’s economic diplomacy. Mutual exemptions negotiated with Uzbekistan, Malaysia and Azerbaijan have not only revived tourism but lubricated Belt and Road infrastructure tenders, where rapid personnel deployment is critical.
The report highlights technology upgrades as a force-multiplier: 97 percent of travellers now clear e-gates within 16 seconds, enabling airports to handle peak loads without massive brick-and-mortar expansion. A national digital-ID pilot launching in Hainan Free Trade Port next month will further simplify check-ins for both foreigners and returning Chinese expatriates.
However, immigration scholars caution that sustained growth will require addressing global concerns over data privacy and ensuring consistency in regional application of new rules—a common pain-point flagged by multinational HR teams.
