Optimized visa-free entry and streamlined immigration policies of the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP), now in full island-wide special customs operations, is allowing international cruise travelers to enjoy customs clearance in just 10 seconds.
As the world's largest FTP by area, Hainan is offering freer entry of overseas goods, expanded zero-tariff coverage and more business-friendly measures. According to the provincial government, passengers from 86 countries can now enter Hainan visa free, making the island province one of the country's most accessible destinations for international travelers.
Sanya, a popular resort coastal city in Hainan, has streamlined its customs clearance procedure for passengers on board international cruise ships. Right before a ship docks at the terminal, immigration officers board the vessel to get the necessary paperwork done, smoothing the disembarking process of the passengers.
"It's very very efficient," a Filipino tourist, who arrived in Sanya on Monday, told China Global Television Network (CGTN) after going through customs clearance at the immigration office.
"It' so effective and fast," said an Argentine tourist, who is visiting Hainan with her friends.
In late November, the Bahamian-flagged "Norwegian Spirit" international cruise ship docked at the Sanya Phoenix Island International Cruise Port, Hainan's busiest international cruise terminal.
"The largest foreign cruise ship docked at our Phoenix Island terminal is about 90,000 tons, carrying roughly 3,000 passengers and 1,500 crew -- nearly 5,000 people in total. Recently, the 'Norwegian Spirit' arrived with 99 percent foreign passengers, taking advantage of China's 15-day visa-free policy for cruise tour groups, making their visit to Sanya quick and convenient," Cheng Hao, an immigration officer, told CGTN.
Since opening in 2006, the terminal has received more than 2 million cruise passengers, and more international cruise liners are expected to call here in the coming years.
According to Song Qianru, another immigration officer, the immigration authority adopts an intelligent cruise management system to make reboarding the cruise ship and setting sail for the next destination just as easy, if not faster.
"This is our self-developed provincial cruise management system. By inputting passenger entry data in advance, it enables instant departure and rapid clearance using facial recognition technology," she said.
And thanks to Hainan's island-wide special customs operations, international travelers can now enjoy not only Hainan's stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters and lush landscapes, but also the convenience of picking up duty-free purchases directly at the cruise terminal.
International cruise travelers clear Sanya customs in 10 seconds
