China fully allows visa-free entry of foreign tourist groups via cruise ships from May 15. Tourist groups each consisting of two foreigners or more, and organized or received by Chinese travel agencies, can enter China visa free on aboard cruise ships via all cruise ship ports along the country's coastline, and stay in China for no longer than 15 days.

Through deliberation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the General Administration of Customs, and approved by the State Council for approval, the National Immigration Administration (NIA) decided: From May 15, 2024, tourist groups each consisting of two foreigners or more, and organized or received by Chinese travel agencies, can enter China visa free on board cruise ships via the cruise ports in 13 Chinese cities, including Tianjin, Dalian, Shanghai, Lianyungang, Wenzhou, Zhoushan, Xiamen, Qingdao, Guangzhou , Shenzhen, Beihai, Haikou and Sanya.The tourists can stay in China for no longer than 15 days. The tourists must travel with the same cruise ship to the next port until the current cruise ship leaves China. While in China, they can visit coastal provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions as well as Beijing.

In order to support the development of cruise tourism, seven cruise ports, namely Dalian, Lianyungang, Wenzhou, Zhoushan, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Beihai, have been designated as visa-free transit ports. This move facilitates the transit and departure of foreign travelers from these ports via cruise ships under China's visa-free transit policy.