China on May 15 enforced a policy allowing the visa-free entry of foreign tourist groups aboard cruise ships via all cruise ship ports along the country's coastline.

The new policy, effective from May 15, 2024, will allow foreign tour groups of two or more individuals, organized by domestic travel agencies, to enter China through 13 designated cruise ports without the need for a visa. These ports, which include major coastal hubs such as Tianjin, Dalian, Shanghai, Lianyungang, Wenzhou, Zhoushan, Xiamen, Qingdao, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Beihai, Haikou and Sanya, will provide these tour groups with a seamless entry experience and allow them to explore the surrounding provinces and municipalities, including Beijing, for up to 15 days.

The Xiamen International Cruise Homeport boasts a prime location and abundant nearby tourist attractions. Cruise passengers can disembark and immediately access these attractions, making it one of the best ports for foreign tourists to enter on a cruise. The implementation of this policy has made global cruise visits to Xiamen much smoother, attracting more foreign visitors.