China Border Crossings Hit Record 369 Million in H1 2026 — Visa-Free Entries Surge 30.6%
China's National Immigration Administration reports 369 million border crossings in H1 2026, a record high, with visa-free foreign entries surging 30.6% to 17.8 million.
Key takeaway
China's National Immigration Administration (NIA) reported on July 10, 2026 that border inspection agencies handled a record 369 million inbound and outbound crossings in the first half of 2026, up 10.8% year on year. Foreign nationals made 17.8 million visa-free entries, a 30.6% surge, with visa-free arrivals now accounting for 77.7% of all foreign entries. The data confirms that China's expanded visa-free policies are driving historic inbound tourism growth.
How the rules work
What Changed
The National Immigration Administration (NIA) released its half-year statistics on July 10, 2026, showing that China's border crossings reached an all-time high of 369 million in the six months from January through June 2026. This represents a 10.8% increase compared to the same period in 2025, according to the State Council of China.
The most striking figure is the surge in visa-free entries by foreign nationals. The NIA reported that over 17.8 million foreign visitors entered China without a visa in H1 2026, a 30.6% year-on-year jump. Visa-free entries now account for 77.7% of all foreign arrivals — meaning more than three out of every four international visitors to China entered under one of the country's expanded visa-free policies.
The growth builds on the cumulative effect of several policy changes. China expanded its unilateral 30-day visa-free policy to cover 50 countries (including the UK, Canada, Australia, and most EU nations), extended the 240-hour visa-free transit to 65 ports across 24 provinces, and continued streamlining digital entry procedures through the mandatory China Digital Arrival Card introduced in late 2025.
In the first quarter of 2026 alone, foreign nationals made 21.33 million border crossings, up 22.3% year on year, with 8.32 million visa-free entries representing 77.9% of inbound foreign trips, according to the China Daily. The H1 figures show the momentum not only sustained but accelerated into the second quarter.
Who this is for
Foreign travelers planning a trip to China in 2026, especially those from the 50 visa-free countries (UK, Canada, Australia, EU nations, Japan, South Korea), as well as travel planners, tour operators, and business travelers monitoring China's tourism capacity.
What to do next
- Confirm your visa-free eligibility within 48 hours by checking if your country is on the 50-country list. 2. Book flights, trains, and attraction tickets 2-4 weeks ahead due to record summer demand. 3. Complete the China Digital Arrival Card online before departure via the NIA website or 12367 app.
Watch for
Assuming '369 million crossings' equals '369 million foreign tourists' — the figure includes Chinese citizens traveling abroad. The foreign-specific count is 17.8 million visa-free entries.
Thinking you still need a consular visa — with 77.7% of foreign arrivals entering visa-free, most eligible travelers do not need one. Verify before applying.
Booking travel last minute — record demand means trains, flights, and attraction tickets are selling out faster than in any previous year.
What may vary
The NIA's July 10, 2026 release provides H1 totals. Monthly breakdowns by nationality and port of entry were not included and may be published separately in coming weeks. The 30.6% visa-free growth rate reflects the H1 year-on-year comparison.
Backup plan
If flights to your preferred city are sold out, fly into a nearby hub like Hangzhou (170 km from Shanghai, 30-60 min HSR) or Tianjin (130 km from Beijing, 30 min HSR), both with international airports and high-speed rail connections to larger neighbors.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to visit China in 2026 if my country is on the 50-country list?
No. Citizens of the 50 countries — including the UK, Canada, Australia, South Korea, Japan, and most EU nations — can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days. Policy confirmed through December 31, 2026 by the NIA.
How many foreign tourists entered China in H1 2026?
The NIA reported 17.8 million visa-free foreign entries, representing 77.7% of all foreign arrivals. Total foreign arrivals are estimated at approximately 22.9 million for the first half of 2026.
Will China's visa-free policy continue beyond 2026?
The 50-country unilateral visa-free policy is currently confirmed through December 31, 2026. China's State Council 5-year tourism plan (published July 2026) targets 190 million inbound visits by 2030, indicating strong policy continuity.
How many foreign tourists actually entered China in the first half of 2026?
The NIA reported **17.8 million visa-free foreign entries** in H1 2026, accounting for **77.7%** of all foreign arrivals. This implies total foreign arrivals of approximately **22.9 million** in the first half, though the NIA has not yet released the exact total foreign arrival figure separately from the overall 369 million crossings.
Is China's summer 2026 tourism peak affecting availability?
Yes. The **China State Railway Group** expects **1.01 billion passenger trips** during the 62-day summer rush (July 1–August 31, 2026). Aviation data platform **Umetrip** reported over **27 million domestic flight bookings** for July alone as of July 6. Combined with the **30.6%** surge in foreign visitors, demand is at unprecedented levels — book everything early.