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Russian trips to Japan surge in 2025

People queue at the Japanese Embassy in Moscow for procedures to obtain visas to Japan on Dec. 23, 2025. The number of trips from Russia to Japan doubled to a record 186,000 in the first 11 months of 2025, due to visa procedures remaining easy even after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, compared with stricter requirements imposed by European Union nations.

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Russian trips to Japan surge in 2025

People queue at the Japanese Embassy in Moscow for procedures to obtain visas to Japan on Dec. 23, 2025. The number of trips from Russia to Japan doubled to a record 186,000 in the first 11 months of 2025, due to visa procedures remaining easy even after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, compared with stricter requirements imposed by European Union nations.

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Russian trips to Japan surge in 2025

People queue at the Japanese Embassy in Moscow for procedures to obtain visas to Japan on Dec. 23, 2025. The number of trips from Russia to Japan doubled to a record 186,000 in the first 11 months of 2025, due to visa procedures remaining easy even after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, compared with stricter requirements imposed by European Union nations.

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XINHUA PHOTOS OF THE DAY

(240714) -- BEIJING, July 14, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- A man surnamed Chung from Singapore presents an e-visa issued by the Government Affairs of Exit-Entry Administration Bureau of the Shanghai Public Security Bureau while going through border formalities at the Shanghai Pudong International Airport in Shanghai, east China, July 12, 2024. Shanghai Municipality has issued China's first e-visa, a significant move for the country in promoting the use of electronic visas. The electronic visa, also known as "e-visa," is the digitalization of the traditional paper visa. The visa information is stored digitally and issued to the applicant in the form of an electronic document, and there is no need to paste a paper visa on the passport. The applicant can enter the border and stay with their passport and electronic visa. (Photo by Chen Haoming/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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CHINA-SHANGHAI-FIRST E-VISA-PASSENGER (CN)

(240713) -- SHANGHAI, July 13, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- A man surnamed Chung from Singapore presents an e-visa issued by the Government Affairs of Exit-Entry Administration Bureau of the Shanghai Public Security Bureau at the Shanghai Pudong International Airport in Shanghai, east China, July 12, 2024. Shanghai Municipality has issued China's first e-visa, a significant move for the country in promoting the use of electronic visas. The electronic visa, also known as "e-visa," is the digitalization of the traditional paper visa. The visa information is stored digitally and issued to the applicant in the form of an electronic document, and there is no need to paste a paper visa on the passport. The applicant can enter the border and stay with their passport and electronic visa. Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM/Wang Xiang)

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CHINA-SHANGHAI-FIRST E-VISA-PASSENGER (CN)

(240713) -- SHANGHAI, July 13, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- A man surnamed Chung from Singapore, who holds an e-visa issued by the Government Affairs of Exit-Entry Administration Bureau of the Shanghai Public Security Bureau, is pictured at the Shanghai Pudong International Airport in Shanghai, east China, July 12, 2024. Shanghai Municipality has issued China's first e-visa, a significant move for the country in promoting the use of electronic visas. The electronic visa, also known as "e-visa," is the digitalization of the traditional paper visa. The visa information is stored digitally and issued to the applicant in the form of an electronic document, and there is no need to paste a paper visa on the passport. The applicant can enter the border and stay with their passport and electronic visa. (Photo by Chen Haoming/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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CHINA-SHANGHAI-FIRST E-VISA-PASSENGER (CN)

(240713) -- SHANGHAI, July 13, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- A man surnamed Chung from Singapore presents an e-visa issued by the Government Affairs of Exit-Entry Administration Bureau of the Shanghai Public Security Bureau while going through border formalities at the Shanghai Pudong International Airport in Shanghai, east China, July 12, 2024. Shanghai Municipality has issued China's first e-visa, a significant move for the country in promoting the use of electronic visas. The electronic visa, also known as "e-visa," is the digitalization of the traditional paper visa. The visa information is stored digitally and issued to the applicant in the form of an electronic document, and there is no need to paste a paper visa on the passport. The applicant can enter the border and stay with their passport and electronic visa. Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM/Wang Xiang)

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CHINA-SHANGHAI-FIRST E-VISA-PASSENGER (CN)

(240713) -- SHANGHAI, July 13, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- A man surnamed Chung from Singapore presents an e-visa issued by the Government Affairs of Exit-Entry Administration Bureau of the Shanghai Public Security Bureau at the Shanghai Pudong International Airport in Shanghai, east China, July 12, 2024. Shanghai Municipality has issued China's first e-visa, a significant move for the country in promoting the use of electronic visas. The electronic visa, also known as "e-visa," is the digitalization of the traditional paper visa. The visa information is stored digitally and issued to the applicant in the form of an electronic document, and there is no need to paste a paper visa on the passport. The applicant can enter the border and stay with their passport and electronic visa. Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM/Wang Xiang)

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CHINA-SHANGHAI-FIRST E-VISA-PASSENGER (CN)

(240713) -- SHANGHAI, July 13, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- A man surnamed Chung from Singapore presents an e-visa issued by the Government Affairs of Exit-Entry Administration Bureau of the Shanghai Public Security Bureau at the Shanghai Pudong International Airport in Shanghai, east China, July 12, 2024. Shanghai Municipality has issued China's first e-visa, a significant move for the country in promoting the use of electronic visas. The electronic visa, also known as "e-visa," is the digitalization of the traditional paper visa. The visa information is stored digitally and issued to the applicant in the form of an electronic document, and there is no need to paste a paper visa on the passport. The applicant can enter the border and stay with their passport and electronic visa. (Photo by Chen Haoming/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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CHINA-SHANGHAI-FIRST E-VISA-PASSENGER (CN)

(240713) -- SHANGHAI, July 13, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- A man surnamed Chung from Singapore presents an e-visa issued by the Government Affairs of Exit-Entry Administration Bureau of the Shanghai Public Security Bureau while going through border formalities at the Shanghai Pudong International Airport in Shanghai, east China, July 12, 2024. Shanghai Municipality has issued China's first e-visa, a significant move for the country in promoting the use of electronic visas. The electronic visa, also known as "e-visa," is the digitalization of the traditional paper visa. The visa information is stored digitally and issued to the applicant in the form of an electronic document, and there is no need to paste a paper visa on the passport. The applicant can enter the border and stay with their passport and electronic visa. (Photo by Chen Haoming/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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CHINA-SHANGHAI-FIRST E-VISA-PASSENGER (CN)

(240713) -- SHANGHAI, July 13, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- A man surnamed Chung from Singapore, who holds an e-visa issued by the Government Affairs of Exit-Entry Administration Bureau of the Shanghai Public Security Bureau, is pictured at the Shanghai Pudong International Airport in Shanghai, east China, July 12, 2024. Shanghai Municipality has issued China's first e-visa, a significant move for the country in promoting the use of electronic visas. The electronic visa, also known as "e-visa," is the digitalization of the traditional paper visa. The visa information is stored digitally and issued to the applicant in the form of an electronic document, and there is no need to paste a paper visa on the passport. The applicant can enter the border and stay with their passport and electronic visa. (Photo by Chen Haoming/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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XINHUA PHOTOS OF THE DAY

(240711) -- BEIJING, July 11, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- Foreign tourists pose for a photo in front of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, or Qiniandian, at the Tiantan (Temple of Heaven) Park in Beijing, capital of China, July 9, 2024. Currently, foreign nationals from 54 countries are eligible for the 72/144-hour transit visa-free policies that are effective at 38 ports in 18 provincial-level regions across China. China recorded 14.64 million inbound trips made by foreigners in the first half of this year, up 152.7 percent year on year, following measures introduced since January, the National Immigration Administration (NIA) announced on July 5. According to NIA, the number of visa-free entries made by foreigners exceeded 8.54 million from January to June, accounting for 52 percent of the inbound trips and representing a year-on-year surge of 190.1 percent. Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM/Ju Huanzong)

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"Laowai" in China | China sees surge of foreign travelers following transit visa-free policies

(240710) -- BEIJING, July 10, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- A police officer answers questions about visa-free entry permits for foreign passengers at the border check section of Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing, capital of China, July 10, 2024. Currently, foreign nationals from 54 countries are eligible for the 72/144-hour transit visa-free policies that are effective at 38 ports in 18 provincial-level regions across China. China recorded 14.64 million inbound trips made by foreigners in the first half of this year, up 152.7 percent year on year, following measures introduced since January, the National Immigration Administration (NIA) announced on July 5. According to NIA, the number of visa-free entries made by foreigners exceeded 8.54 million from January to June, accounting for 52 percent of the inbound trips and representing a year-on-year surge of 190.1 percent. Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM/Li Xin)

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"Laowai" in China | China sees surge of foreign travelers following transit visa-free policies

(240710) -- BEIJING, July 10, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- Foreign tourists take a tour with their guide at the Tiantan (Temple of Heaven) Park in Beijing, capital of China, July 9, 2024. Currently, foreign nationals from 54 countries are eligible for the 72/144-hour transit visa-free policies that are effective at 38 ports in 18 provincial-level regions across China. China recorded 14.64 million inbound trips made by foreigners in the first half of this year, up 152.7 percent year on year, following measures introduced since January, the National Immigration Administration (NIA) announced on July 5. According to NIA, the number of visa-free entries made by foreigners exceeded 8.54 million from January to June, accounting for 52 percent of the inbound trips and representing a year-on-year surge of 190.1 percent. Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM/Ju Huanzong)

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"Laowai" in China | China sees surge of foreign travelers following transit visa-free policies

(240710) -- BEIJING, July 10, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- Foreign passengers wait to go through the formalities at the border check section of Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing, capital of China, July 10, 2024. Currently, foreign nationals from 54 countries are eligible for the 72/144-hour transit visa-free policies that are effective at 38 ports in 18 provincial-level regions across China. China recorded 14.64 million inbound trips made by foreigners in the first half of this year, up 152.7 percent year on year, following measures introduced since January, the National Immigration Administration (NIA) announced on July 5. According to NIA, the number of visa-free entries made by foreigners exceeded 8.54 million from January to June, accounting for 52 percent of the inbound trips and representing a year-on-year surge of 190.1 percent. Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM/Li Xin)

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"Laowai" in China | China sees surge of foreign travelers following transit visa-free policies

(240710) -- BEIJING, July 10, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- Foreign passengers enter the border check section of Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing, capital of China, July 10, 2024. Currently, foreign nationals from 54 countries are eligible for the 72/144-hour transit visa-free policies that are effective at 38 ports in 18 provincial-level regions across China. China recorded 14.64 million inbound trips made by foreigners in the first half of this year, up 152.7 percent year on year, following measures introduced since January, the National Immigration Administration (NIA) announced on July 5. According to NIA, the number of visa-free entries made by foreigners exceeded 8.54 million from January to June, accounting for 52 percent of the inbound trips and representing a year-on-year surge of 190.1 percent. Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM/Li Xin)

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"Laowai" in China | China sees surge of foreign travelers following transit visa-free policies

(240710) -- BEIJING, July 10, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- Foreign tourists pose for a photo on Qianmen Street in Beijing, capital of China, July 10, 2024. Currently, foreign nationals from 54 countries are eligible for the 72/144-hour transit visa-free policies that are effective at 38 ports in 18 provincial-level regions across China. China recorded 14.64 million inbound trips made by foreigners in the first half of this year, up 152.7 percent year on year, following measures introduced since January, the National Immigration Administration (NIA) announced on July 5. According to NIA, the number of visa-free entries made by foreigners exceeded 8.54 million from January to June, accounting for 52 percent of the inbound trips and representing a year-on-year surge of 190.1 percent. Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM/Ju Huanzong)

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"Laowai" in China | China sees surge of foreign travelers following transit visa-free policies

(240710) -- BEIJING, July 10, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- Foreign tourists take a tour on Wangfujing Street in Beijing, capital of China, June 27, 2024. Currently, foreign nationals from 54 countries are eligible for the 72/144-hour transit visa-free policies that are effective at 38 ports in 18 provincial-level regions across China. China recorded 14.64 million inbound trips made by foreigners in the first half of this year, up 152.7 percent year on year, following measures introduced since January, the National Immigration Administration (NIA) announced on July 5. According to NIA, the number of visa-free entries made by foreigners exceeded 8.54 million from January to June, accounting for 52 percent of the inbound trips and representing a year-on-year surge of 190.1 percent. Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM/Ju Huanzong)

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"Laowai" in China | China sees surge of foreign travelers following transit visa-free policies

(240710) -- BEIJING, July 10, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- Tourists from Italy practice Tai Chi at the Tiantan (Temple of Heaven) Park in Beijing, capital of China, July 9, 2024. Currently, foreign nationals from 54 countries are eligible for the 72/144-hour transit visa-free policies that are effective at 38 ports in 18 provincial-level regions across China. China recorded 14.64 million inbound trips made by foreigners in the first half of this year, up 152.7 percent year on year, following measures introduced since January, the National Immigration Administration (NIA) announced on July 5. According to NIA, the number of visa-free entries made by foreigners exceeded 8.54 million from January to June, accounting for 52 percent of the inbound trips and representing a year-on-year surge of 190.1 percent. Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM/Ju Huanzong)

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"Laowai" in China | China sees surge of foreign travelers following transit visa-free policies

(240710) -- BEIJING, July 10, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- A police officer assists an American tourist fill out an entry registration card at the border check section of Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing, capital of China, July 10, 2024. Currently, foreign nationals from 54 countries are eligible for the 72/144-hour transit visa-free policies that are effective at 38 ports in 18 provincial-level regions across China. China recorded 14.64 million inbound trips made by foreigners in the first half of this year, up 152.7 percent year on year, following measures introduced since January, the National Immigration Administration (NIA) announced on July 5. According to NIA, the number of visa-free entries made by foreigners exceeded 8.54 million from January to June, accounting for 52 percent of the inbound trips and representing a year-on-year surge of 190.1 percent. Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM/Li Xin)

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"Laowai" in China | China sees surge of foreign travelers following transit visa-free policies

(240710) -- BEIJING, July 10, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- Foreign tourists pose for a photo in front of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, or Qiniandian, at the Tiantan (Temple of Heaven) Park in Beijing, capital of China, July 9, 2024. Currently, foreign nationals from 54 countries are eligible for the 72/144-hour transit visa-free policies that are effective at 38 ports in 18 provincial-level regions across China. China recorded 14.64 million inbound trips made by foreigners in the first half of this year, up 152.7 percent year on year, following measures introduced since January, the National Immigration Administration (NIA) announced on July 5. According to NIA, the number of visa-free entries made by foreigners exceeded 8.54 million from January to June, accounting for 52 percent of the inbound trips and representing a year-on-year surge of 190.1 percent. Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM/Ju Huanzong)

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"Laowai" in China | China sees surge of foreign travelers following transit visa-free policies

(240710) -- BEIJING, July 10, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- Tourists from Italy pose for a group photo after practicing Tai Chi at the Tiantan (Temple of Heaven) Park in Beijing, capital of China, July 9, 2024. Currently, foreign nationals from 54 countries are eligible for the 72/144-hour transit visa-free policies that are effective at 38 ports in 18 provincial-level regions across China. China recorded 14.64 million inbound trips made by foreigners in the first half of this year, up 152.7 percent year on year, following measures introduced since January, the National Immigration Administration (NIA) announced on July 5. According to NIA, the number of visa-free entries made by foreigners exceeded 8.54 million from January to June, accounting for 52 percent of the inbound trips and representing a year-on-year surge of 190.1 percent. Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM/Ju Huanzong)

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"Laowai" in China | China sees surge of foreign travelers following transit visa-free policies

(240710) -- BEIJING, July 10, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- Foreign tourists choose smartphone packages at a China Mobile service hall on Wangfujing Street in Beijing, capital of China, June 27, 2024. Currently, foreign nationals from 54 countries are eligible for the 72/144-hour transit visa-free policies that are effective at 38 ports in 18 provincial-level regions across China. China recorded 14.64 million inbound trips made by foreigners in the first half of this year, up 152.7 percent year on year, following measures introduced since January, the National Immigration Administration (NIA) announced on July 5. According to NIA, the number of visa-free entries made by foreigners exceeded 8.54 million from January to June, accounting for 52 percent of the inbound trips and representing a year-on-year surge of 190.1 percent. Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM/Ju Huanzong)

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"Laowai" in China | China sees surge of foreign travelers following transit visa-free policies

(240710) -- BEIJING, July 10, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- Tourists from the Czech Republic take photos of citizens practicing Tai Chi at the Tiantan (Temple of Heaven) Park in Beijing, capital of China, July 2, 2024. Currently, foreign nationals from 54 countries are eligible for the 72/144-hour transit visa-free policies that are effective at 38 ports in 18 provincial-level regions across China. China recorded 14.64 million inbound trips made by foreigners in the first half of this year, up 152.7 percent year on year, following measures introduced since January, the National Immigration Administration (NIA) announced on July 5. According to NIA, the number of visa-free entries made by foreigners exceeded 8.54 million from January to June, accounting for 52 percent of the inbound trips and representing a year-on-year surge of 190.1 percent. Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM/Ju Huanzong)

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"Laowai" in China | China sees surge of foreign travelers following transit visa-free policies

(240710) -- BEIJING, July 10, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- Foreign passengers apply for visa-free entry permits at the border check section of Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing, capital of China, July 10, 2024. Currently, foreign nationals from 54 countries are eligible for the 72/144-hour transit visa-free policies that are effective at 38 ports in 18 provincial-level regions across China. China recorded 14.64 million inbound trips made by foreigners in the first half of this year, up 152.7 percent year on year, following measures introduced since January, the National Immigration Administration (NIA) announced on July 5. According to NIA, the number of visa-free entries made by foreigners exceeded 8.54 million from January to June, accounting for 52 percent of the inbound trips and representing a year-on-year surge of 190.1 percent. Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM/Li Xin)

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"Laowai" in China | China sees surge of foreign travelers following transit visa-free policies

(240710) -- BEIJING, July 10, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- A tourist from Switzerland poses for a photo on Qianmen Street in Beijing, capital of China, July 10, 2024. Currently, foreign nationals from 54 countries are eligible for the 72/144-hour transit visa-free policies that are effective at 38 ports in 18 provincial-level regions across China. China recorded 14.64 million inbound trips made by foreigners in the first half of this year, up 152.7 percent year on year, following measures introduced since January, the National Immigration Administration (NIA) announced on July 5. According to NIA, the number of visa-free entries made by foreigners exceeded 8.54 million from January to June, accounting for 52 percent of the inbound trips and representing a year-on-year surge of 190.1 percent. Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM/Ju Huanzong)

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"Laowai" in China | China sees surge of foreign travelers following transit visa-free policies

(240710) -- BEIJING, July 10, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- Tourists from Switzerland pose for a group photo in front of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, or Qiniandian, at the Tiantan (Temple of Heaven) Park in Beijing, capital of China, July 9, 2024. Currently, foreign nationals from 54 countries are eligible for the 72/144-hour transit visa-free policies that are effective at 38 ports in 18 provincial-level regions across China. China recorded 14.64 million inbound trips made by foreigners in the first half of this year, up 152.7 percent year on year, following measures introduced since January, the National Immigration Administration (NIA) announced on July 5. According to NIA, the number of visa-free entries made by foreigners exceeded 8.54 million from January to June, accounting for 52 percent of the inbound trips and representing a year-on-year surge of 190.1 percent. Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM/Ju Huanzong)

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"Laowai" in China | China sees surge of foreign travelers following transit visa-free policies

(240710) -- BEIJING, July 10, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- A foreign passenger goes through the border check section of Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing, capital of China, July 10, 2024. Currently, foreign nationals from 54 countries are eligible for the 72/144-hour transit visa-free policies that are effective at 38 ports in 18 provincial-level regions across China. China recorded 14.64 million inbound trips made by foreigners in the first half of this year, up 152.7 percent year on year, following measures introduced since January, the National Immigration Administration (NIA) announced on July 5. According to NIA, the number of visa-free entries made by foreigners exceeded 8.54 million from January to June, accounting for 52 percent of the inbound trips and representing a year-on-year surge of 190.1 percent. Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM/Li Xin)

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CHINA-CHONGQING-FOREIGNER-TRAVEL-SERVICE (CN)

(240709) -- CHONGQING, July 9, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- A tourist from Pakistan take a selfie at Hongyadong scenic area in Yuzhong district, in southwest China's Chongqing, July 8, 2024. Chongqing has handled more than 150,000 inbound and outbound foreign passengers in the first half of this year, 4.9 times that of the same period last year. With optimized visa policies, Chongqing keeps on improving the itinerary management for inbound tour groups, offering foreign travelers more flexible choices on the ports of entry and exit. Meanwhile, a visa coordination mechanism has been established between ports of Chongqing Municipality and Sichuan Province in southwest China. Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM/Huang Wei)

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CHINA-CHONGQING-FOREIGNER-TRAVEL-SERVICE (CN)

(240709) -- CHONGQING, July 9, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- Hungarian football fans cheer for their home team's performance at the UEFA Euro 2024 group match, at a shopping park in Nanan district, in southwest China's Chongqing, June 20, 2024. Chongqing has handled more than 150,000 inbound and outbound foreign passengers in the first half of this year, 4.9 times that of the same period last year. With optimized visa policies, Chongqing keeps on improving the itinerary management for inbound tour groups, offering foreign travelers more flexible choices on the ports of entry and exit. Meanwhile, a visa coordination mechanism has been established between ports of Chongqing Municipality and Sichuan Province in southwest China. (Photo by Guo Xu/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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CHINA-CHONGQING-FOREIGNER-TRAVEL-SERVICE (CN)

(240709) -- CHONGQING, July 9, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- A police officer handles entry procedures for a passenger from Australia at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport, in southwest China's Chongqing, July 2, 2024. Chongqing has handled more than 150,000 inbound and outbound foreign passengers in the first half of this year, 4.9 times that of the same period last year. With optimized visa policies, Chongqing keeps on improving the itinerary management for inbound tour groups, offering foreign travelers more flexible choices on the ports of entry and exit. Meanwhile, a visa coordination mechanism has been established between ports of Chongqing Municipality and Sichuan Province in southwest China. (Photo by Zhang Shaobo/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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CHINA-CHONGQING-FOREIGNER-TRAVEL-SERVICE (CN)

(240709) -- CHONGQING, July 9, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- Tourists from Italy head for Hongyadong scenic area in Yuzhong district, in southwest China's Chongqing, July 8, 2024. Chongqing has handled more than 150,000 inbound and outbound foreign passengers in the first half of this year, 4.9 times that of the same period last year. With optimized visa policies, Chongqing keeps on improving the itinerary management for inbound tour groups, offering foreign travelers more flexible choices on the ports of entry and exit. Meanwhile, a visa coordination mechanism has been established between ports of Chongqing Municipality and Sichuan Province in southwest China. Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM/Huang Wei)

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CHINA-CHONGQING-FOREIGNER-TRAVEL-SERVICE (CN)

(240709) -- CHONGQING, July 9, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- A police officer introduces visa-free policy to a foreigner at the department of exit-entry administration of Chongqing Municipal Public Security Bureau in southwest China's Chongqing, July 9, 2024. Chongqing has handled more than 150,000 inbound and outbound foreign passengers in the first half of this year, 4.9 times that of the same period last year. With optimized visa policies, Chongqing keeps on improving the itinerary management for inbound tour groups, offering foreign travelers more flexible choices on the ports of entry and exit. Meanwhile, a visa coordination mechanism has been established between ports of Chongqing Municipality and Sichuan Province in southwest China. Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM/Huang Wei)

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CHINA-CHONGQING-FOREIGNER-TRAVEL-SERVICE (CN)

(240709) -- CHONGQING, July 9, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- A foreigner shows his Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card at the department of exit-entry administration of Chongqing Municipal Public Security Bureau in southwest China's Chongqing, July 9, 2024. Chongqing has handled more than 150,000 inbound and outbound foreign passengers in the first half of this year, 4.9 times that of the same period last year. With optimized visa policies, Chongqing keeps on improving the itinerary management for inbound tour groups, offering foreign travelers more flexible choices on the ports of entry and exit. Meanwhile, a visa coordination mechanism has been established between ports of Chongqing Municipality and Sichuan Province in southwest China. Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM/Huang Wei)

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CHINA-CHONGQING-FOREIGNER-TRAVEL-SERVICE (CN)

(240709) -- CHONGQING, July 9, 2024 Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM) -- A police officer introduces visa-free policy to a foreigner at the department of exit-entry administration of Chongqing Municipal Public Security Bureau in southwest China's Chongqing, July 9, 2024. Chongqing has handled more than 150,000 inbound and outbound foreign passengers in the first half of this year, 4.9 times that of the same period last year. With optimized visa policies, Chongqing keeps on improving the itinerary management for inbound tour groups, offering foreign travelers more flexible choices on the ports of entry and exit. Meanwhile, a visa coordination mechanism has been established between ports of Chongqing Municipality and Sichuan Province in southwest China. Photo by Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM/Huang Wei)

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Port city in China's Xinjiang sees significant increase in exit, entry trips

STORY: Port city in China's Xinjiang sees significant increase in exit, entry trips SHOOTING TIME: April 1, 2024 DATELINE: April 3, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:04 LOCATION: HORGOS, China CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the Horgos Port 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): RAQING HASMUKHAN, Chinese tourist 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): MERWAN MAISILI, Chinese tourist 4. SOUNDBITE 3 (Chinese): MIREY JAYNES, Kazakh tourist from Almaty STORYLINE: Horgos, a land port city in China's Xinjiang, has seen a significant increase of exit and entry trips recently. Data from the local authorities show that during the first quarter of this year, around 220,000 exit and entry trips were made via the port in Horgos, an increase of 211 percent year on year. This year marks the Kazakhstan tourism year in China, and an agreement on mutual visa exemption between China and Kazakhstan went into force late last year. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): RAQING HASMUKHAN, Chinese tourist "This year marks the Kazakhstan tourism year in China, and I thought

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CHINA-SHANGHAI-VISA-FREE PASSENGERS (CN)

(240315) -- SHANGHAI, March 15, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Border police officers check documents of travelers at a border checkpoint of the Shanghai Pudong International Airport in east China's Shanghai, March 14, 2024. TO GO WITH "First lot of visa-free passengers from Switzerland enter China " (Photo by Wei Wenheng/Xinhua)

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Spanish businessman welcomes China's visa-free policy

STORY: Spanish businessman welcomes China's visa-free policy SHOOTING TIME: Jan. 29, 2024 DATELINE: Jan. 30, 2024 LENGTH: 00:00:59 LOCATION: BARCELONA, Spain CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. SOUNDBITE (Catalan): MARIN ORRIOLS, Spanish businessman and CEO of China-Europe Consultants 2. various of Marin Orriols in interview STORYLINE: China's recent visa-free policy for many countries has been hailed by Marin Orriols, a Spanish businessman and CEO of China-Europe Consultants. Orriols, who has been doing business in China for 20 years, on Monday talked about his first experience of traveling to China since the visa-free policy was unveiled last year. The Barcelona-based businessman explained that his first visa-free trip to China was in January, when he went to Guangdong Province to visit the cities of Shenzhen and Guangzhou, and he described the experience as "gratifying." SOUNDBITE (Catalan): MARIN ORRIOLS, Spanish businessman and CEO of China-Europe Consultants "For business people who often need flexibil

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China's National Day holiday traveling spree a boon for global tourism

STORY: China's National Day holiday traveling spree a boon for global tourism DATELINE: Oct. 1, 2023 LENGTH: 00:02:38 LOCATION: Beijing CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Chinese tourists 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): PHILLIPA HARRISON, Managing director of Tourism Australia 3. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): LELISE DUGA, Commissioner of Ethiopia's Oromia Tourism Commission 4. various of Chinese tourists STORYLINE: As the National Day holiday kicks off, millions of Chinese have decided to shun "staycations" and embark on journeys to explore the world. Many countries have rolled out policies ahead of the holiday this year to welcome more tourists. Australia, for example, recommenced the visa process for Chinese group travelers. Tourism Australia, the Australian government agency responsible for attracting international visitors to Australia, greeted the first Chinese tour group that arrived in the country on Friday. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): PHILLIPA HARRISON, Managing director of Tourism Australia "We are ready

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THAILAND-BANGKOK-CHINESE TOURISTS

(230925) -- BANGKOK, Sept. 25, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Staff members welcome Chinese tourists at Suvarnabhumi airport in Bangkok, Thailand, Sept. 25, 2023. Thailand extended a warm welcome to the first batch of visa-exempt flights from China on Monday, marking the launch of the nation's fresh initiative to reinvigorate its Chinese tourist market. Approximately 341 visitors from Shanghai landed at Suvarnabhumi airport on Monday morning, greeted with flowers and applause by the newly appointed Prime Minister (PM) Srettha Thavisin and several senior Thai officials. (Xinhua/Rachen Sageamsak)

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THAILAND-BANGKOK-CHINESE TOURISTS

(230925) -- BANGKOK, Sept. 25, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin (C) welcomes Chinese tourists at Suvarnabhumi airport in Bangkok, Thailand, Sept. 25, 2023. Thailand extended a warm welcome to the first batch of visa-exempt flights from China on Monday, marking the launch of the nation's fresh initiative to reinvigorate its Chinese tourist market. Approximately 341 visitors from Shanghai landed at Suvarnabhumi airport on Monday morning, greeted with flowers and applause by the newly appointed Prime Minister (PM) Srettha Thavisin and several senior Thai officials. (Xinhua/Rachen Sageamsak)

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THAILAND-BANGKOK-CHINESE TOURISTS

(230925) -- BANGKOK, Sept. 25, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin (R, front) welcomes Chinese tourists at Suvarnabhumi airport in Bangkok, Thailand, Sept. 25, 2023. Thailand extended a warm welcome to the first batch of visa-exempt flights from China on Monday, marking the launch of the nation's fresh initiative to reinvigorate its Chinese tourist market. Approximately 341 visitors from Shanghai landed at Suvarnabhumi airport on Monday morning, greeted with flowers and applause by the newly appointed Prime Minister (PM) Srettha Thavisin and several senior Thai officials. (Xinhua/Rachen Sageamsak)

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THAILAND-BANGKOK-CHINESE TOURISTS

(230925) -- BANGKOK, Sept. 25, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Staff members prepare to welcome Chinese tourists at Suvarnabhumi airport in Bangkok, Thailand, Sept. 25, 2023. Thailand extended a warm welcome to the first batch of visa-exempt flights from China on Monday, marking the launch of the nation's fresh initiative to reinvigorate its Chinese tourist market. Approximately 341 visitors from Shanghai landed at Suvarnabhumi airport on Monday morning, greeted with flowers and applause by the newly appointed Prime Minister (PM) Srettha Thavisin and several senior Thai officials. (Xinhua/Rachen Sageamsak)

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THAILAND-BANGKOK-CHINESE TOURISTS

(230925) -- BANGKOK, Sept. 25, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin welcomes Chinese tourists at Suvarnabhumi airport in Bangkok, Thailand, Sept. 25, 2023. Thailand extended a warm welcome to the first batch of visa-exempt flights from China on Monday, marking the launch of the nation's fresh initiative to reinvigorate its Chinese tourist market. Approximately 341 visitors from Shanghai landed at Suvarnabhumi airport on Monday morning, greeted with flowers and applause by the newly appointed Prime Minister (PM) Srettha Thavisin and several senior Thai officials. (Xinhua/Rachen Sageamsak)

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THAILAND-BANGKOK-CHINESE TOURISTS

(230925) -- BANGKOK, Sept. 25, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin (4th L, front) welcomes Chinese tourists at Suvarnabhumi airport in Bangkok, Thailand, Sept. 25, 2023. Thailand extended a warm welcome to the first batch of visa-exempt flights from China on Monday, marking the launch of the nation's fresh initiative to reinvigorate its Chinese tourist market. Approximately 341 visitors from Shanghai landed at Suvarnabhumi airport on Monday morning, greeted with flowers and applause by the newly appointed Prime Minister (PM) Srettha Thavisin and several senior Thai officials. (Xinhua/Rachen Sageamsak)

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Thailand to offer visa-free entry for visitors from China, Kazakhstan

STORY: Thailand to offer visa-free entry for visitors from China, Kazakhstan DATELINE: Sept. 14, 2023 LENGTH: 00:03:23 LOCATION: Bangkok CATEGORY: POLITICS/ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Thai cabinet meeting 2. various of Thai airports STORYLINE: Thailand has approved a temporary visa waiver for visitors from China and Kazakhstan during the year-end high season in support of its vital tourism industry. Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said on Wednesday that the policy will allow Chinese and Kazakh tourists to enter the Southeast Asian nation without visa requirements beginning on Sept. 25 until the end of February 2024. The government would evaluate the impact of this temporary scheme after it ended, Srettha told a news conference after his first cabinet meeting. "We have discussed this with all relevant agencies to ensure that we are fully ready," he said. As a key driver of growth, Thailand has planned to reinvigorate its tourism industry by introducing promotional materials to inform prospectiv

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Direct flights launched between China's Xi'an and Kazakhstan's Astana

STORY: Direct flights launched between China's Xi'an and Kazakhstan's Astana DATELINE: April 22, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:12 LOCATION: XI'AN, China CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of airplane 2. various of the airport 3. SOUNDBITE (Chinese): KYRAUBAYEV ZHOSHYKHAN, Consul General of Kazakhstan in Xi'an 4. various of the opening ceremony of the new route 5. various of the airport STORYLINE: The first flight on a new route from Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, to Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, took off on Friday. It is the fourth direct passenger route launched between Xi'an and Central Asia this year, following routes to Almaty, Bishkek and Tashkent. SOUNDBITE (Chinese): KYRAUBAYEV ZHOSHYKHAN, Consul General of Kazakhstan in Xi'an "I think the opening of direct flights is of great significance to promoting exchanges between Kazakhstan and Chinese citizens. Kazakhstan has a 14-day visa-free policy for Chinese citizens, and now our two countries are ready to promote the signing of a 30-d

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Mongolia receives over 130,000 foreign tourists in Q1

STORY: Mongolia receives over 130,000 foreign tourists in Q1 DATELINE: April 3, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:00 LOCATION: Ulan Bator CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of tourists riding camels and taking photos in Mongolia STORYLINE: Mongolia received a total of more than 130,000 foreign tourists in the first quarter of this year, the country's Ministry of Environment and Tourism said Monday. The Mongolian government has been taking measures to revive the pandemic-hit tourism sector, urging the public to contribute to making the country more tourist-friendly. Mongolia has declared 2023, 2024 and 2025 as "Years to Visit Mongolia'" under the official motto "Welcome to Mongolia". In addition, the number of visa-free travel countries to Mongolia has so far reached 61 after in January, it exempted citizens of 34 countries from visa requirements for up to 30 days until the end of 2025. Currently, Mongolia's economy is largely dependent on its export-oriented mining sector. Developing tourism is seen as the most v

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Foreign tourists swarm Tokyo discount store

TOKYO, Japan - Foreign tourists, mostly from China, buy souvenirs at discount store chain Don Quijote Co.'s Ginza outlet in Tokyo on Nov. 20, 2014. The number of foreign visitors to Japan topped 11 million in the first 10 months of 2014 in a record-setting pace backed chiefly by eased visa requirements for Asian nations, a weaker yen and tax exemption for a wider scope of consumer goods.

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B. Watson shares lead at VISA golf tournament

GOTEMBA, Japan - Against the backdrop of Mt. Fuji, Bubba Watson of the United States hits a iron from the fairway of the No. 6 hole during the first round of the Mitsui Sumitomo VISA Taiheiyo Masters golf tournament at the Taiheiyo Club golf course in Gotemba, Shizouka Prefecture, on Nov. 13, 2014. Watson shared the lead with a 5-under 67.