Between August 3 and August 21, Tianjin Airlines operated three flights on the Zhengzhou-Sydney intercontinental route, carrying over a thousand passengers directly between the two cities. The outbound load factor for these flights at Zhengzhou Airport averaged around 90%, offering a snapshot of the airport's bustling international operations during the summer travel peak.
Questions like whether passports need blank pages, how to complete electronic declarations, and what documents are required for visa-free or visa-on-arrival Southeast Asian countries are increasingly common. Driven by relaxed visa policies and the summer travel rush, more travelers are passing through Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport, yet some encounter hurdles during check-in. The airport reminds passengers that travel documents are the "first pass" for international trips, and it is essential to thoroughly inspect all documents and materials before departure to ensure compliance with destination country regulations.
Preliminary statistics from Zhengzhou Airport show that international and regional passenger traffic exceeded 500,000 in the first seven months of 2026. Since the summer season began, outbound passenger numbers have climbed steadily, with notable growth on popular routes to the UK, Italy, Singapore, South Korea, Malaysia, and Hong Kong. However, some travelers have had their journeys disrupted due to failing to meet entry requirements, leading to itinerary changes and financial losses from rebooked flights.
Staff from the International Business Unit of the airport's passenger service department advise travelers to carefully verify their travel documents and materials before heading to the airport. Key reminders include paying attention to the "dual check" of the endorsement on the Mainland-Taiwan Travel Permit and the Mainland-Hong Kong and Macau Travel Permit. Passengers using these permits must confirm both the validity of the permit and the endorsement, including remaining entries, as both are indispensable. Those traveling with minors should also ensure the child's endorsement is still within its validity period.
Strictly monitor passport validity, as most destination countries require passports to be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry. Travelers should calculate this carefully to avoid last-minute issues. Additionally, passports should contain at least one blank visa page for entry and exit stamps, with extra pages recommended as a precaution. Passports that are damaged, altered, or missing pages are considered invalid and cannot be used, so travelers must apply for a replacement at the public security exit-entry administration department in advance.
For those who have renewed their passports while holding valid visas in the old one, both passports must be carried together during travel. It is also crucial to research the different entry requirements of each country, as policies vary widely. For example, travelers with a US B1/B2 ten-year visa must update their EVUS information before departure and confirm it is in "Enrolled" status, while those with F1 student visas must carry the original I-20 form.
For Southeast Asian countries offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry, travelers should prepare all necessary materials, as many require proof of return or onward tickets and hotel bookings. Holding only a one-way ticket could risk deportation upon arrival. Travelers heading to Thailand are advised to carry at least 10,000 Thai Baht (approximately RMB 2,000) in cash per person for potential random inspections by local immigration authorities.
Additionally, passengers traveling to South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, and other countries must complete electronic entry declarations online in advance, ensuring the information matches their passports exactly and keeping the declaration QR code accessible for smooth entry verification.
As immigration policies are subject to dynamic changes, Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport urges travelers to do their homework before departure, stay updated on the latest announcements from immigration authorities and the visa policies of destination countries' foreign affairs and immigration departments, and consult airlines or travel agencies for the most accurate information.