Imagine arriving in a tropical paradise without the usual visa headaches. Today, Dec. 18, 2025, the Hainan Free Trade Port on the Chinese mainland rolled out island-wide special customs operations that promise just that – and more.
Under the new rules, travelers from 85 countries can enter Hainan visa-free, while businesses benefit from zero tariffs on 74% of product categories. The combination of visa-free access and tariff cuts is set to turbocharge tourism, innovation, and scientific collaboration in the southernmost province of the Chinese mainland.
Richard A. Black of The Schiller Institute says these special customs operations open up freer exchanges of personnel, including ordinary citizens and scientific talents.
The zero-tariff policy spans a wide range of categories, from electronics and machinery to green energy components, reducing costs for importers and exporters alike. Meanwhile, streamlined customs procedures are designed to cut processing times and simplify cross-border travel.
As Hainan positions itself as a global gateway for trade and people-to-people exchanges, industry experts anticipate a ripple effect across the Asia-Pacific region. More conferences, research partnerships, and sustainable tourism projects are expected to follow, transforming Hainan into a hotspot for young global citizens and entrepreneurs.
For travelers and digital nomads, the combination of visa-free entry, ease of doing business, and an emerging free-trade hub offers an enticing new destination. As of today, Hainan invites the world to explore its lush landscapes, cultural heritage, and growing innovation scene – no visa required.
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Hainan's special customs operations boost people-to-people exchanges
cgtn.com
