BEIJING — China on Wednesday started granting visa-free entry to foreign nationals if they arrive via cruise ships in group tours, with the stays not to exceed 15 days.

The change applies to groups of at least two people who are handled by Chinese travel agencies, according to a notice issued Wednesday. Tourists can enter without visas through 13 ports including Shanghai, Guangzhou, Tianjin, Dalian, Shenzhen and Qingdao.