Hainan welcomes two millionth international passenger in 2025

Hainan recorded this year's two millionth international passenger on Wednesday, as the island province's expanded visa-free access continues to attract international travelers, immigration authorities announced.

Reaching two million arrivals 59 days earlier than in 2024 underscores the growing appeal of the Hainan Free Trade Port, officials said.

The milestone was reached after 350 passengers from Singapore and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region arrived at Haikou's Meilan International Airport. Among the arrivals was Singaporean tourist Kartik Parameswaran, who cleared immigration in under two minutes.

"I feel very lucky to be the two millionth traveler," Parameswaran said. "I'm here with my family and really looking forward to trying the local food. Thanks to China's visa-free policy, I look forward to visiting more often."

Hainan now offers visa-free access to passport holders from 86 countries under multiple programs. These include a 30-day visa waiver for travelers from 59 countries, a 144-hour visa-free policy for foreign tour groups entering through Hong Kong or Macao, and a 15-day exemption for foreign cruise groups. With 79 international air routes in operation, the combination of visa-free entry and direct flights is strengthening Hainan's role as a regional hub, authorities said.

According to statistics released by the Haikou General Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection, from Jan 1 to Oct 15, the province recorded more than 2 million inbound and outbound trips, a 22.4 percent increase compared to the same period last year. Non-Chinese national arrivals and departures exceeded 1.06 million, up 45.1 percent year-on-year, accounting for 53 percent of all international travelers.

While tourism remains the primary reason for visits, accounting for 89.3 percent of visa-free entries, the number of foreigners arriving for exhibitions, business, and sports events rose by 5.1 percent, signaling more diverse travel purposes.

To manage the growing flow, Meilan International Airport has added immigration channels, set up fast-track registration points, and expanded its international transit zone.

"We have optimized inspection procedures and upgraded facilities to reduce waiting time," said Kuang Guoren, head of the border inspection department at the Meilan border inspection station.

The surge in travel comes as Hainan prepares for the imminent launch of its island-wide special customs operations. All border inspection facilities at the province's eight open ports and 10 second-line customs ports, which will regulate goods moving from Hainan to Chinese mainland, have been completed, and a smart port digital system is now operational, officials said.