Mongolia–China border traffic: China logs 192m Q3 crossings as visa-free entries jump 24%

China processed 192 million passenger entries and exits at its borders in the third quarter of 2026, an increase of 7.9 percent from a year earlier, according to the National Immigration Administration. Foreign arrivals made without a visa grew 24.1 percent year-on-year over the same period.

Key facts

• 192 million passenger entries and exits in Q3 2026, up 7.9 percent year-on-year
• 8.992 million foreign visitors entered under visa-waiver arrangements, up 24.1 percent
• Visa-free arrivals made up 77.5 percent of all foreign arrivals in the quarter
• Ten countries supplied 63.9 percent of all inbound foreign arrivals
• 5.338 million ordinary passports and 603,000 visas and related documents for foreign nationals were issued

What do the border figures show?

Immigration authorities inspected 192 million passenger entries and exits during the third quarter. They also checked 10.955 million inbound and outbound transport vehicles, a 10.6 percent rise compared with the same quarter a year earlier.

How many foreign visitors arrived without a visa?

Of all inbound foreign visitors, 8.992 million entered under visa-waiver arrangements. That represents 77.5 percent of total foreign arrivals and is a 24.1 percent increase year-on-year, the National Immigration Administration said on Monday.

Which nationalities make up the largest visitor groups?

The top 10 source markets for foreign visitors to China were Russia, South Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, the US, Mongolia, Japan, Singapore, Thailand and Australia. Travellers from these ten countries accounted for 63.9 percent of all inbound foreign arrivals in the quarter.

How many passports and visas were issued?

During the quarter, Chinese immigration authorities issued 5.338 million ordinary passports. They also issued 603,000 visas and related documents for foreign nationals.

What this means for travellers

The figures show that most foreign visitors to China in the third quarter entered under visa-waiver arrangements. Travellers planning a trip should check whether their nationality is covered before booking, and allow more time at border crossings given the growth in passenger and vehicle volumes.

The National Immigration Administration did not announce any new entry rules, fees or start dates alongside the quarterly figures.