Manzhouli, China's largest land port on the China-Russia border, saw a sharp surge in passenger traffic in the first half of 2026, fueled by the extension of reciprocal visa-free policies and growing cross-border tourism and business exchanges.

According to Manzhouli Shibali customs, the port handled 341,400 inbound and outbound travelers and 15,915 passenger vehicles during the first six months of the year, up 64.44 percent and 34.39 percent year-on-year, respectively.

The increase has become particularly evident during the summer travel season, with Russian tour groups arriving in steady streams.

The growth follows the extension of visa-free entry policies by both countries.

On May 20, China announced that its unilateral visa-free policy for Russian ordinary passport holders would remain in effect through Dec 31, 2027, allowing stays of up to 30 days for tourism, business, family visits, exchanges, and transit without a visa.

On July 20, Russia also extended its visa-free entry policy for Chinese citizens through the end of 2027, supporting sustained cross-border tourism and economic cooperation.

To accommodate rising passenger volumes, Manzhouli Shibali customs has strengthened coordination with border inspection authorities, port management agencies, transport departments, foreign affairs offices, and Russian customs through enhanced information-sharing and emergency response mechanisms, enabling real-time monitoring of border clearance operations.

The customs authority has also introduced differentiated inspection services, including streamlined measures such as appointment-based clearance and expedited inspections for tour groups, study tours, and one-day travel groups.