dynamics

163 Million Travel Entries and Departures Rise 153 Percent Year-on-Year

On April 15, the State Administration of Immigration convened a press conference to present key immigration management statistics for the first quarter of 2025.

In this period, a total of 163 million individuals were processed by immigration authorities nationwide, marking a significant year-on-year increase of 15.3%. Among these, 80.272 million were residents from the Mainland, while 657.24 million were residents of Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan. Foreign nationals accounted for 174.37 million entries and exits, reflecting increases of 15.4%, 11.2%, and 33.4%, respectively. Additionally, 8.495 million inbound and outbound modes of transportation, including trains, ships, and vehicles, were inspected, representing a 15.5% rise compared to the previous year.

The immigration authorities undertook a concerted effort to combat criminal activities that hinder national border management during the first quarter. In a series of in-depth winter security operations, authorities managed to investigate 2,851 criminal cases impacting border control. This included the arrest of 8,402 criminal suspects, dismantling of 127 criminal gangs, and the destruction of 16 illegal transit points.

Significant seizures were recorded in relation to border-related crimes. Authorities confiscated 888.4 kilograms of various drugs and 201 firearms along with 5,463 bullets. The combined value of smuggled goods amounted to approximately 708.65 million yuan. These measures underscore the authorities' commitment to maintaining security along national borders.

In a bid to enhance the ease of travel and promote high-quality development, immigration authorities are advancing measures for institutional openness. Initiatives include a newly introduced visa-free policy for ASEAN tour groups visiting Yunnan Xishuangbanna and a 'one trip per week' travel policy for registered residents of Zhuhai heading to Macau.

Furthermore, collaboration between Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan residents is being facilitated. Policies allowing for multiple travels under a single visa for residents within the Hengqin Guangdong-Macao Deep Cooperation Zone have been officially implemented. To aid travelers, a 'double verification' process has been established to streamline travel between the mainland and these regions.

Continued efforts to expand access to immigration services have seen authorities promote 'nationwide processing' and 'full online processing' of entry and exit documents. In the first quarter, a total of 5.153 million ordinary passports were issued alongside 248.54 million travel vouchers for mainland residents traveling to and from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan.

Moreover, the issuance of travel permits for Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan residents stood at 569,000, while foreigners received 361,000 visa documents. The Immigration Administration’s government service platform facilitated 45.81 million inquiries and services, providing extensive support for both Chinese and foreign individuals.

The efforts to assist Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan residents continued with 16.8 million free identity verification services provided, among other support measures. The National Immigration Administration’s 12,367 service hotline processed 1.68 million inquiries and suggestions from both local and international personnel, maintaining a remarkable average satisfaction rate of 99.5%.