China allows visa-free entry to foreign tourist groups on cruises

China on Wednesday enforced a policy allowing visa-free entry to foreign tourist groups aboard cruises at designated ports along the country's coastline.

According to the National Immigration Administration, foreign tourist groups of two or more people, who travel by cruises and are organized and received by domestic travel agencies, can enter China without a visa at 13 designated cruise ports.

These tourists can stay in the country for up to 15 days and they must travel to the next port on the same cruise ship until the ship exits China.