China is gearing up for a significant surge in cross-border travel during the upcoming New Year holiday, with daily inbound and outbound trips expected to exceed 2 million. According to the National Immigration Administration (NIA), the daily average of passenger trips is projected to reach 2.05 million, marking an 18.8 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
The NIA anticipates peak travel periods on the evening of December 31, 2024, and on January 1, 2025. The surge is attributed to ongoing enhancements in visa-free transit policies, the issuance of multiple-entry permits for mainland residents traveling to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Macao Special Administrative Region, and other measures facilitating travel.
Major international airports across the Chinese mainland are preparing for the increased passenger flow. Beijing Capital International Airport, Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, and Chengdu Tianfu International Airport are expected to handle average daily passenger trips of 41,000, 94,000, 43,000, and 16,000 respectively.
In addition to air travel, land border ports near Hong Kong and Macao are set to experience a substantial rise in traffic. Gongbei Port in south China’s Zhuhai City is projected to manage an average of 360,000 passenger trips per day, while the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge is expected to handle approximately 96,000 daily passenger trips.
To ensure smooth operations during the holiday rush, the NIA has issued directives to strengthen border management. Border control agencies nationwide are instructed to closely monitor passenger flows and port operations, providing real-time information to assist travelers in planning their journeys effectively.
The NIA advises all domestic and international travelers to stay informed about border port traffic conditions and to verify the validity of their travel documents before departure. Travelers encountering difficulties at the border are encouraged to call the 12367 immigration service hotline or seek assistance from on-site immigration officers.
Reference(s):
China: Daily inbound, outbound trips in New Year holiday to exceed 2m
cgtn.com
