China’s ‘port visas’ prove popular as inbound tourists employ entry alternative

‘Port visas’, which can be applied for upon entry into China, are being embraced as more inbound tourists seek out simpler travel methods

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More inbound travellers to China are opting to use speedier “port visas” to enter the country in lieu of standard documents obtained at embassies or consulates. Photo: Eugene Lee

Published: 11:00am, 7 Oct 2024Updated: 11:19am, 7 Oct 2024

The number of “port visas” issued to foreigners bound for China has accelerated this year, with tourists taking advantage of the relatively fast entry process and an overall jump in arrivals recorded from abroad through the National Day holiday period.

China issued 846,000 of the special visas in the first seven months of the year, according to the National Immigration Administration. That figure marked an 183 per cent increase over the same period in 2023.

“Granting port visas reduces regulatory obstacles to international travel and makes China more accessible to foreign tourists,” said Chen Yong, an associate professor at the Switzerland-based EHL Hospitality Business School.

Port visas offer an alternative to applications made through offshore Chinese embassies and consulates, where forms are longer and processing may take days.

The policy “provides a great deal of convenience and opportunity” for foreigners who may not have a regular visa or a full-fledged travel plan, Chen added.

In the first seven months of 2024, a total of 17.25 million foreign nationals were reported to have entered the country, a 130 per cent year-on-year increase. The influx is believed to have supported airlines, hotels, retailers and conferences that may have otherwise struggled amid domestic economic strife.