Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) celebrated a major milestone yesterday as its island-wide special customs operations completed 100 days of implementation. New data reveals a 54% year-on-year increase in foreign visitors entering through visa-free channels, cementing the tropical province's status as Asia's fastest-growing business and leisure hub.
Authorities at the Haikou General Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection reported processing over 975,000 border crossings since the program launched on December 18, 2025. Foreign nationals accounted for 518,000 of these visits, representing 53% of total traffic.
The FTP now offers China's most comprehensive visa exemption system, with 86 countries eligible for 30-day visa-free stays or 240-hour transit privileges. Coverage spans 59 bilateral agreements and unilateral arrangements supporting medical tourism, family reunions, and commercial activities.
"This growth reflects strategic infrastructure investments," observed an immigration official, noting new air routes connecting Hainan to Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, Europe, and Oceania. Aviation expansion continues as the province prepares for projected 2026 tourism targets.
