Guangzhou's Baiyun International Airport has marked the one-year anniversary of China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy, with statistics showing a significant increase in foreign arrivals and growing interest in short-term visits. The policy, designed to facilitate cross-border movement and exchange, has stimulated both tourism and business interactions.
Since its implementation, over 22,000 eligible foreign nationals have benefited from the 240-hour visa-free transit option at the airport, a 125% rise compared to the previous 72/144-hour transit scheme. Overall, the airport recorded more than 3.2 million foreign arrivals in the past year, representing a 37.4% year-on-year increase and accounting for 38.8% of all arrivals, a national record among major airport hubs.
The majority of visa-free transit users are from North America and Europe, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, with roughly half entering for tourism. Seasonal peaks in March, April, October, and November align with business and leisure travel periods, underscoring Guangzhou's appeal as a destination for inbound visitors.
The policy's impact extends beyond facilitation, fueling the growth of Guangzhou's inbound tourism market. Data from the first three quarters of 2025 indicate nearly 4 million overnight foreign visitors, a 13% rise, with tourism-related spending reaching US$2.87 billion, up 15%. The visa-free transit scheme is expected to continue enhancing connectivity within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, supporting regional tourism integration and international exchange.
Reporter: Zeng Xiangxing
Video Editor: Zeng Xiangxing
Poster: Zeng Xiangxing
Editor: Hu Nan, Ou Xiaoming, James Campion, Shen He
