The number of Chinese tourists to Cheju Island is likely to increase, as Beijing is to allow them to visit the South Korean resort island without entry visas. An official of cheju local administration announced that provincial governments in China are preparing regulations related to the rule changes by the Chinese central government on September fourth. Under the guidelines, a Chinese tourist who possesses a valid passport and an air ticket to the island can depart China simply by showing their documents, allowing visa-free entry by the Cheju Immigration Office, from this month, at the latest. The sanction came after the local administration informed China through the foreign ministry that guidelines on visa-free entry for Chinese tour groups has been extended since May. The official said the Jeju administration hasn't seen a Chinese enter the island without visa since 1998, when it started visa-free entry, as it did not reach a proper bilateral agreement with Chinese counterpart.