Statistics show that in the first half of 2025, Beijing was the most popular destination among tourists eligible for China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy. These visitors mainly came from Russia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Mexico.

To better serve inbound tourists and reinforce Beijing's role as the top choice for travelers to China, Beijing Capital International Airport has upgraded services for inbound tourists. For smoother entry, the airport has collaborated with the Beijing General Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection to establish a dedicated zone for handling applications for temporary entry permits, where eligible foreigners can get their permits in one go. In cooperation with the customs, the airport has also optimized the arrangements for health inspection and quarantine to reduce waiting time.

Earlier this year, the Capital Airport opened a "Beijing Service" service counter near Exit B in the international arrivals area of Terminal 3, providing one-stop services such as cash withdrawals with foreign bank cards, currency exchange, SIM card purchases and travel bookings. The nearby "City Experience Tour" service desk is popular among inbound tourists. Recently, the airport partnered with Trip.com Group to upgrade its inbound travel packages, offering customized travel solutions for short-term and visa-free transit passengers, coupled with exclusive discounts for flights, hotels and attractions.

Additional efforts to ensure smooth trips include installing multilingual signage, promoting international e-boarding passes, and launching the English-version WeChat mini-program and mobile App of the Capital Airport. Notably, at seven integrated luggage service counters, tourists under the 240-hour visa-free policy can store their luggage free of charge for up to three days after presenting their passports.

In collaboration with Air China, the airport also offers a "One Ticket, Seamless Transfer" service for transit passengers, providing lounge access, free accommodation and other services for those eligible. Soon, together with Air China and Air Macau, the airport will launch the first inter-airline international and regional transfer service.

All retail outlets at the Capital Airport now accept payments with credit cards of Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and other service providers, as well as cash, Alipay, WeChat Pay and e-CNY. The terminals now have six currency exchange counters, two bank outlets, and 11 ATMs. Recently, over 50 stores at the airport have started offering tax refund services for departing passengers — including convenience stores and those selling Beijing's specialty goods.

Coming soon is a "Beijing Gifts" flagship store where passengers can find premium souvenirs. Passenger lounge areas have also been renovated. Passengers can now reserve time slots via the airport's official WeChat mini-program, by phone, or by other means.

(Sources: Official WeChat account of the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism, official WeChat account of the Office of Foreign Affairs Committee of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee and the Foreign Affairs Office of the People's Government of Beijing Municipality (Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the People's Government of Beijing Municipality))