​Shanghai implements innovative solutions to manage surge in intl travelers

Passengers line up for border inspection at Hongqiao International Airport. [Photo by Huang Bo/thepaper.cn]

The Hongqiao Entry-Exit Border Inspection Station in Shanghai has experienced a notable uptick in inbound and outbound foreign travelers, processing a total of 374,000 individuals since the onset of 2024. This substantial figure reflects a remarkable 118 percent increase compared to the corresponding period last year.

Since July 1, the border inspection station has handled 427,000 entries and exits of international travelers, in conjunction with overseeing more than 2,100 international flights at the bustling Hongqiao International Airport. To effectively navigate the surge in passenger traffic during the peak summer season, the station has rolled out a series of strategic measures designed to ensure a seamless customs clearance experience for all travelers.

A standout initiative among these measures is the introduction of a self-service printing terminal for border entry cards. Launched at the Hongqiao International Airport in March, this innovative terminal enables foreign nationals, including transit passengers eligible for 24-hour or 144-hour visa-free visits, to input pertinent entry information online by scanning a QR code prior to boarding their flights. Upon arrival, travelers can print their registration cards or temporary entry permits at the terminal, significantly enhancing both efficiency and convenience in the customs clearance process.

Since its inception, the self-service printing terminal has successfully serviced over 17,000 inbound foreign travelers, representing about two-thirds of the total number of foreign national entries and exits recorded during the same period. This streamlined approach has elevated the overall travel experience for passengers while streamlining customs clearance procedures at the border inspection station.

Source: thepaper.cn