By tf-lawyer.com On October 23, 2023, the Qingdao Customs announced that, thanks to the expansion of China’s 144-hour visa-free transit policy and the relaxation of visa application conditions at ports, the enthusiasm among foreign travelers to visit Qingdao has surged. Statistics reveal that in the first three quarters of 2024, the number of foreign travelers entering and departing from Qingdao Airport increased by an astounding 164.2% compared to the previous year.
Qingdao is the only city in Shandong Province to implement the 144-hour visa-free transit policy, making it a popular destination for international tourists drawn to its rich travel resources. Customs data indicates that over 412,000 foreign travelers passed through Qingdao Airport in the first nine months of 2024.
Zhan Shaohui, a duty manager with Qingdao Airlines’ ground services, highlighted that the rising interest in cross-border travel has significantly boosted ticket sales for the airline. Currently, the passenger load factor for flights to Malaysia is impressively high at 98.99%.
To accommodate the growing demand from inbound and outbound travelers, Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport has been expanding its international flight services since the beginning of 2024. For instance, flights from Qingdao to Seoul have increased to 222 weekly, while services to Tokyo have reached 34 weekly flights. Additionally, there are now 60 weekly flights to Osaka and 12 to Bangkok.
Robert, a British tourist who recently arrived at Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport with his family, expressed his satisfaction with the efficiency of customs clearance, stating they hardly had to stop in line at the customs channels, making the entry process remarkably quick and smooth.
Wei Shanshan, head of the Customs and Quarantine Section at Qingdao Jiaodong Airport, explained that in response to the increasing number of travelers, their customs team utilizes advanced technologies such as intelligent inspection and risk interception systems. These innovations allow for robust two-way monitoring, ensuring that travelers enjoy a “grab your luggage and go” experience, thereby enhancing both meticulous oversight and seamless passage. Currently, travelers arriving at Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport can utilize smart facilities for a zero-wait customs process.
Qingdao is not only one of China’s premier tourist cities, rich in cultural resources, heritage, and historical sites, but it has also been recognized as the “Cultural Capital of East Asia.” During the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit held in Astana in July 2024, Qingdao was officially designated as the “2024-2025 SCO Tourism and Cultural Capital,” marking it as China’s first city to receive this honor. In September 2024, Qingdao was ranked as the 7th most attractive city in China for foreign talent in the 2023 “Charming China” survey.
