China Updates Border Rules as Global Travel Grows

China is making changes to its exit and entry procedures as more people travel between China and other countries. The new measures aim to make international travel easier, safer, and more organized. The Chinese government recently announced new regulations for exit and entry administration. The regulations will take effect on September 15. They will improve travel procedures, protect the legal rights of travelers, improve travel risk warnings, and regulate companies that provide visa and travel services.

More People Are Traveling Across Borders

The number of international travelers in China is growing. Official data shows that Chinese border inspection agencies handled 369 million inbound and outbound trips during the first half of 2026. This was 10.8% more than during the same period in 2025. Mainland Chinese residents made about 176 million trips, while foreign nationals made about 45.9 million trips.

Major international airports have also seen strong growth in passenger numbers. Shanghai Pudong International Airport recorded about 3.29 million inbound trips by foreign nationals by July 19, 2026. This was 22% more than one year earlier. Chinese travelers also made about 5.45 million overseas trips through the airport during the same period.

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport also saw strong growth during the summer travel season. The airport handled more than 1.61 million inbound and outbound passenger trips, an increase of 13.7% from the previous year.

More Focus on Travel Safety

The growing number of international travelers has created new needs for border and immigration services. At Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, travelers can already see overseas travel safety videos on electronic screens. Immigration officers also give advice to tourists, students, and people working abroad.

The new regulations will create a more organized system for travel safety warnings. Chinese authorities and Chinese diplomatic missions abroad will provide information about safety risks in different countries and areas. Immigration officers may also remind travelers who plan to visit high-risk areas to take safety measures or reconsider their travel plans.

Protecting Travelers and Regulating Services

The new rules also focus on documents and visa services. Applications for exit and entry documents, visas, and residence permits must have a truthful and legal purpose. The regulations will also introduce a filing system for companies that provide services such as visa advice and document processing.

The aim is to create a more organized service market and protect travelers from problems such as false advertising, fake documents, and improper use of personal information.

China Also Makes Travel Easier

China is also working to make international travel more convenient. China now allows nationals of 50 countries to enter without a visa under its unilateral visa-free policy. Nationals of 55 countries can also use the 240-hour visa-free transit program.

The program allows eligible travelers to enter China through designated ports without a visa for the allowed transit period. Major international airports such as Guangzhou and Shanghai are also offering easier services for eligible travelers. These services include fast-track channels and help in different languages.

Travelers Notice the Changes

Some international visitors say that travel to China has become easier.

The new regulations show China's effort to improve both travel safety and convenience as international tourism, business, and other cross-border activities continue to grow.