As the 6th Asian Beach Games Sanya 2026 (the Games) draws near, and Hainan marks over 100 days since the implementation of island-wide special customs operations under the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP), the Sanya Phoenix International Airport Exit-Entry Border Inspection Station has introduced several measures to ensure a smooth and efficient entry process for over 10,000 overseas athletes and participants.

These measures encompass dedicated clearance channels during games, the use of identity accreditation cards for inspections, and deployment of multilingual service teams, all aligned with the FTP policy framework of “freer access at the first line, regulated access at the second line, and free flow within the island.”

The Games are scheduled from 22 to 30 April and are expected to draw over 10,000 participants from 45 countries and regions across Asia, including athletes, coaches, media representatives, and officials.

Notably, this will be the first major international multi-sport event held in Hainan following the start of island-wide special customs operations on 18 December 2025. It will act as a practical test for policies designed to promote the free and easy movement of people.

To improve clearance efficiency for international participants, the airport’s border inspection station has streamlined its inspection procedures.

Ni Hailing, Deputy Head of Duty Team Four at the station, noted that athletes and media personnel holding the “Sanya 2026 Identity Accreditation Card” can complete entry procedures through dedicated channels, presenting the card alongside their valid passport or international travel document.

This “dual-document clearance” system removes the requirement for foreign nationals to fill out arrival cards, greatly simplifying the process compared to regular travellers.

“We have set up dedicated clearance channels for the Games at the entry-exit halls and assembled multilingual police service teams to offer guidance and assistance,” said Ni.

The station has also collaborated with the 6th Asian Beach Games Sanya 2026 Executive Committee (SABGEC) to set up an information-sharing system that provides early access to participant data and flight schedules and ensures swift processing upon arrival.

“During the Games, we will offer customised guidance to travellers from different cultural backgrounds. Our goal is for every visitor arriving in Sanya to experience the friendliness and openness of the Hainan FTP,” said Ni.

As Sanya 2026 draws nearer, Phoenix International Airport is fully prepared. This tropical coastal city, backed by Hainan's FTP policies, offers efficient and professional immigration inspection services as it warmly welcomes visitors from Asia and around the world.