[Quick News] China enforces policy allowing visa-free entry of foreign tourist groups via cruises

Credit: Jiang Xiaowei

Ahoy, travelers! Smooth sailing ahead for foreign tourist groups hopping aboard cruise ships bound for China!

In a wave of excitement, the National Immigration Administration announced on May 15 that a sea of opportunities awaits adventurers as they embark on a voyage to China.

With a hearty thumbs-up from various government departments and a nod from the State Council, the National Immigration Administration has set sail on a course to grant visa-free entry to foreign tourist groups sailing into China via coastal cruise ports.

From May 15 onwards, foreign tourist groups of two or more, setting sail on cruises organized by domestic travel agencies, can drop anchor at 13 coastal cruise ports including Tianjin, Dalian in Liaoning, Shanghai, Lianyungang in Jiangsu, Wenzhou and Zhoushan in Zhejiang, Xiamen in Fujian, Qingdao in Shandong, Guangzhou, Shenzhen in Guangdong, Beihai in Guangxi, Haikou, and Sanya in Hainan.

But wait, there's more! To further buoy cruise tourism, seven additional ports including Dalian, Lianyungang, Wenzhou, Zhoushan, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Beihai have been added to the list of transit visa-free ports. Ahoy, smooth sailing for foreign travelers transiting through China's coastal waters!

Set sail and explore the coastal wonders of China, but remember, foreign tourist groups must remain with the same cruise ship until it departs, and their stay in China cannot exceed 15 days. All aboard for maritime merriment along China's coastal provinces (autonomous regions, municipalities directly under the central government), and Beijing.