Passengers queue up for entry and exit procedures. [Photo/Xiamen Gaoqi Immigration Inspection]

Since the beginning of this year, with adjustments to entry and exit policies and the implementation of a series of visa-free policies, the number of inbound and outbound passengers at Xiamen ports has continued to rise. 

As of June 5, the cumulative number of inbound and outbound passengers who checked in at Xiamen Port this year has exceeded two million, an increase of nearly 110 percent compared to the same period last year and surpassing two million three months earlier than last year.

Meanwhile, China has entered an era of visa-free travel with countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. Some countries and regions also offer landing visas and other conveniences to Chinese citizens. Many Chinese citizens take advantage of holidays such as the Spring Festival, Qingming Festival, and Labor Day to travel to neighboring countries and visit relatives. 

Since the beginning of this year, over 900,000 mainland residents have chosen to enter and exit through Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport, representing a year-on-year increase of approximately 63 percent.

Looking at inbound traffic, statistics show that over 170,000 foreign nationals have entered Xiamen ports since the beginning of this year, representing a year-on-year increase of over 235 percent. Among them, over 60,000 foreign nationals entered without a visa, accounting for approximately 35 percent of all inbound foreign nationals.

International transit business has also maintained a high growth rate. As of June 5, the 24-hour visa-free transit policy for direct transit passengers has benefited over 38,000 passengers from more than 110 countries and regions.