More than 146,000 people visit Hainan in six months under visa-free program

HAIKOU /China/, July 13. /TASS/. Over 146 thousand people visited Hainan Province in January-June under the visa-free program, Hainan Daily reported with reference to official data.
The newspaper wrote that compared to the same period in 2023, the figure has increased more than 13-fold. According to the assessment of the migration service of the region, added entry purposes have helped in this respect since the beginning of February, allowing foreigners to visit the island without applying for other documents of authorization. In addition to tourism, medical services and family visits, the list now includes participation in exhibition or sporting events, as well as business visits.
Local border control authorities expect the visa-free traffic to increase as the control mechanisms of the Hainan Free Trade Port become more effective. Digital technology and procedure optimization are expected to be favorable factors for its increase.
On May 1, 2018, Hainan introduced visa-free travel for citizens of 59 countries, including Russia. The policy to simplify and remove entry restrictions is being implemented to stimulate reforms and strengthen the openness of China’s southernmost province. Russians can stay on the island without a visa for 30 days, provided they book a trip through a travel agency.