China has recently announced that travelers entering the country via international cruises can now stay in select provinces for up to 15 days without a visa. This move by the Chinese government comes as part of its efforts to boost the cruise and tourism industry in the country. Foreign visitors will be required to enter through one of the 13 coastal cruise ports in China and must travel as part of a tour group organized by a Chinese travel agency. Additionally, they must depart the country on the same cruise.
The implementation of the visa-free entry policy for foreign tourists taking cruises is seen as a crucial step in accelerating the development of China’s cruise economy. This move is aimed at promoting China’s institutional opening and fostering better exchange between the country and foreign countries. The National Immigration Administration (NIA) emphasized the importance of this policy in a statement released to the public.
In addition to the visa-free entry for cruise passengers, China has also added seven new cruise ports as eligible entry points under its existing visa-free transit policy. This policy allows citizens from certain countries to stay in China without a visa for up to 144 hours while transiting to another country. In November, Norway was added to the list of countries eligible for visa-free transit to China, bringing the total to 54 countries.
China has been making concerted efforts to attract more tourists since reopening its borders last year and restoring international flight routes. The country has granted temporary visa exemptions for citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia, allowing them to travel to China for up to 15 days without a visa. Additionally, China has enacted a mutual visa exemption agreement with Singapore, which is valid until November this year.
Despite these efforts, China has struggled to boost foreign traveler numbers back to pre-pandemic levels. Data from the NIA shows that the number of foreigners entering or leaving China in the first three months of this year has decreased by over 40% compared to the same period in 2019. However, domestic tourism in China has rebounded, indicating potential opportunities for growth in the tourism sector.
China’s decision to extend visa-free stays for cruise passengers reflects its commitment to promoting tourism and fostering closer ties with other countries. By offering more opportunities for international travelers to visit the country, China aims to revitalize its tourism industry and attract more visitors from around the world.