On May 1, 2018, Hainan province implemented a visa-free policy, allowing passport holders from 59 countries to enter the region without a visa.
Eligible countries
Eligible countries include Russia, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Norway, Ukraine, Italy, Austria, Finland, Netherlands, Denmark, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, Belgium, Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Australia, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Kazakhstan, Philippines, Indonesia, Brunei, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Monaco, and Belarus.
Visa-Free Policy Details
This policy is designed to streamline entry processes and promote a wide range of activities within the province including tourism, business, trade, family visits, medical treatment, exhibitions, and sports competitions.
Entry Points and Process
Travelers can enter Hainan through several key ports including Haikou Meilan International Airport, Sanya Fenghuang International Airport, Qionghai Boao Airport, Yangpu Port, Haikou Port, Qinglan Port, Basuo Port, and Sanya Port.
How to Qualify for Visa Free
To qualify, travellers must arrive directly from their home country or transit via a third country, Hong Kong, or Macao.
Visitors can enter via civil airlines, business charter flights, or cruise ships. Border inspection authorities will approve entry without prior declaration. However, if travellers wish to extend their stay or travel to other parts of China, they must apply for a visa at the exit-entry administrations of Hainan’s public security authorities before their visa-free period expires.
Exceptions and Special Agreements
If a mutual visa exemption agreement exists between a traveller’s country and China, those provisions will take precedence over the policy. Travelers can choose the most suitable policy if multiple visa exemptions apply.
Surge in Tourism
The Hainan provincial department of tourism, culture, radio, television, and sports has reported a significant increase in inbound tourism. In the first half of this year alone, approximately 495,800 visitors were recorded, marking a 251.6% year-on-year growth.
Attractions and Infrastructure
Hainan, China’s only tropical island province, is renowned for its natural beauty and tourist attractions. The island is home to the Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park and features three international airports, a high-speed loop line, and the Coastal Scenic Highway. Hainan also hosts numerous international events such as the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference, China International Consumer Products Expo, Hainan Island International Film Festival, and Hainan Island Carnival.
Economic and Trade Highlights
As China’s largest special economic zone and the world’s largest free trade port, Hainan boasts a comprehensive policy framework that supports free trade. This includes zero tariffs, low tax rates, a simplified tax system, and the free flow of trade, investment, capital, people, and data.
Key Airports
- Haikou Meilan International Airport: The primary gateway to Haikou, located 25 km southeast of the city centre, this airport is the largest and busiest in Hainan, handling 24.216 million passengers in 2019.
- Sanya Phoenix International Airport: Positioned 15 km northwest of Sanya’s city centre, this airport spans nearly ten thousand acres and accommodates large aircraft like the Boeing 747 and Airbus A340. It is the second busiest airport in Hainan and was the first to launch transcontinental air service from Moscow in 2007.
- Bo’ao International Airport: On Jun 21, 2024, Bo’ao International Airport marked a significant milestone by commencing international flight services. This development is poised to enhance the region’s connectivity and support the broader goals of the Hainan Free Trade Port.
With its visa-free policies, Hainan aims to attract more international visitors, boost tourism, and stimulate economic growth and solidifying its status as a premier destination for global travellers.
Related article: Discover historical Haikou
