Pudong Airport sees surging international flights under China's expanded visa-free policy
An international flight JL891 from Tokyo, Japan landed at Shanghai Pudong International Airport on Nov 30. It was the first flight to arrive in Shanghai on the first day of China's extended visa-free policy for passengers holding ordinary passports from nine countries, including Japan, Bulgaria, and Romania. All 152 travelers on board completed the customs clearance process within 30 minutes.
Pudong Airport has witnessed a surge in international travelers due to multiple favorable policies, including the expanded visa-free policy and an increase in international routes and flights this year. As of Nov 30, the number of 2024 inbound and outbound trips at Pudong Airport was approaching 29 million. More than 9 million of those trips were made by foreign passengers, representing year-on-year growths of 100 percent and 170 percent, respectively.
Aiming to accommodate the growing traffic and facilitate customs clearance, the airport has worked to enhance its smart customs system, reducing the average customs clearance time for inbound passengers by 50 percent compared to 2023. Most travelers now enjoy luggage-free transit, expedited clearance, and smooth entry with short lines.
Inbound passengers passing through customs. [Photo/Shanghai Customs]
In addition to Japan, Bulgaria, and Romania, the expanded visa-free policy also includes citizens of Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, and Latvia. The policy, effective from Nov 30, 2024, to Dec 31, 2025, aims to boost cross-border connectivity and international engagement.