Notice on Implementation of Visa-Free Entry Policy for Foreign Tourist Groups Traveling by Cruise Ships

No. 4 (2024)

　　In consultation 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 with the approval of the State Council, the National Immigration Administration has decided to fully implement the visa-free policy for foreign tourist groups entering China by cruise ship at ports in coastal provinces. The announcement is as follows:

　　Effective immediately, foreign tourist groups (comprising two or more persons) traveling by cruise ship and organized by domestic travel agencies shall be allowed to enter China visa-free as a group through cruise ship ports in 13 cities, including Tianjin, Dalian in Liaoning Province, Shanghai, Lianyungang in Jiangsu Province, Wenzhou and Zhoushan in Zhejiang Province, Xiamen in Fujian Province, Qingdao in Shandong Province, Guangzhou and Shenzhen in Guangdong Province, Beihai in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, and Haikou and Sanya in Hainan Province. The tourist groups must continue on the same cruise ship to their next port of call until the cruise ship leaves China, with their stay within China not exceeding 15 days. Their activities shall be limited to coastal provinces (autonomous regions, municipalities directly under the Central Government) and Beijing.

　　To promote cruise tourism, it has been decided to add 7 cruise ship ports, including Dalian, Lianyungang, Wenzhou, Zhoushan, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Beihai, to the list of ports eligible for China’s visa-free transit policy, thus facilitating the transit of foreign nationals who meet the conditions for China’s visa-free transit policy when traveling by cruise ship.

　　This is hereby announced.

National Immigration Administration

May 15, 2024