Is it really free?

I high doubt it, since you are still required to go through a local tour agency. Doesn’t make much sense. Tried contacting many local USA ( SF Bay Area)tour agency, they are not aware of the process or just isn’t a popular destination, therefore they just say a visa is required. Wanted to go, but.....after all these runaround asking, I’d skip it. If it’s truly like Macau or Hong Kong, much more easier.