By Jin Lu

Ningbo saw a sharp rise in inbound international travel in 2025, driven by its policies of openness and streamlined visa procedures. Last year, the number of inbound passengers at Ningbo Airport Port reached 1.13 million, up 20.5% year on year. Its total passenger traffic ranked 20th among China's international airports, climbing two spots from the previous year and surpassing Changsha and Tianjin.

The number of foreign arrivals reached 40,285, a 53.94% increase year on year, representing visitors from 141 countries and regions. Japan, India, and the United States remained the top sources of inbound travelers. Business trips accounted for 34.3% of visits, tourism 27.3%, family visits 13.1%, and other purposes—including transit and crew members—16.2%.

The growth reflects China's ongoing visa facilitation measures. The country maintains mutual visa exemptions with 29 nations, unilateral exemptions for 48, and the 240-hour visa-free transit policy for citizens of 55 countries—nationals from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Russia, Brazil, and major Southeast Asian nations can enter China via designated ports in 24 provinces. Most of these cities now offer dedicated support to ensure a smooth transit experience.

Compared with the previous 72- or 144-hour options, the 240-hour visa allows longer stays and greater flexibility. Visitors can travel freely within designated regions, explore multiple cities, and experience their cultural and scenic highlights, enjoying a richer view of China.

The results are visible: in 2025, the number of visa-free arrivals at Ningbo exceeded 17,000, a 146.7% increase year on year—nearly three times the national average growth rate. The policy has become a key driver of transit traffic, converting international visitors into economic opportunities for local businesses.