A border inspection officer serves inbound and outbound travelers. [Photo/Xiamen Daily]
As of May 9, Xiamen Port's inbound and outbound passenger volume for this year has exceeded two million, reaching the milestone 27 days earlier than in 2024. The number of foreign nationals passing through the port has hit a record high for the same period.
The significant growth follows the implementation of China's streamlined entry policies for foreigners and Xiamen's hosting of multiple international events.
Statistics show nearly 170,000 foreign nationals have entered via Xiamen Port this year, including over 90,000 visa-exempt arrivals, representing year-on-year increases of 16 percent and 86 percent, respectively. Additionally, more than 6,000 foreign travelers have benefited from the transit visa waiver program.
The sustained growth in passenger flow is closely tied to the expansion of air routes and increased cruise ship visits. As of now, Xiamen Port offers 27 scheduled international and regional direct flight routes, connecting destinations across Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, and beyond.
Additionally, inbound tourist groups via cruise ships have shown notable growth. By May 9, the port had processed seven homeport cruise voyages and five port-of-call cruises, handling nearly 40,000 inbound and outbound passengers.
China has launched a new pilot program to allow eligible enterprises greater access to overseas financing in support of green and low-carbon transformation projects, the country's foreign exchange regulator said on Aug 21.
To further streamline the experience, China is expanding tax refund stores, broadening the range of refundable goods, and refining refund procedures, ensuring an efficient and seamless shopping experience for global visitors.
