Visa-free entries by foreign nationals to China increased by 24.1% year on year to 8.992 million in the third quarter of 2026. Total foreign arrivals rose by 15.6% to 23.272 million over the same period.

China’s National Immigration Administration released the figures at a press briefing on border entry and exit activity during the quarter.

According to the administration, border checkpoints across the country recorded 192 million entries and exits, representing a 7.9% increase compared with the corresponding period of 2025. Visa-free entries grew faster than overall foreign arrivals.

Russia, South Korea, Vietnam and Malaysia were among the ten leading countries of origin for foreign nationals entering China.