15 Days Visa Free International Cruise Arrival

15 Day Visa Free for International Cruise Tour Groups Arrival in Shanghai, Tianjin, Guangzhou, Xianmen…

China offers more than 10 different visa-free policies for foreign visitors, making it easier for travelers to explore the country. Some of the most popular options include the 24 & 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit and the 15-Day Visa-Free option for cruise tour groups.

For those looking to extend their stay and explore more of China during their cruise stop, the Shanghai 15-Day Visa-Free Excursion is a great choice. This allows travelers to visit cities like Beijing, Tianjin, and Xiamen without the need for a visa.

By taking advantage of these visa-free policies, travelers can enjoy the beauty of China while saving both time and money. It’s a fantastic opportunity to experience the rich culture and history of the country without the hassle of obtaining a visa.

If you’re interested in learning more about the requirements, application process, and important details, keep reading for further information.

Understand the 15-Day Free Visa Policy

In order to enhance the convenience and opportunities for international cruise tourists traveling in China, Shanghai implemented a 15-Day Visa-Free Entry policy for foreign cruise ship visitors starting on October 1st, 2016. This initiative aimed to make exploring China more accessible and enjoyable for travelers from around the world.

On May 15, 2024, the National Immigration Administration expanded this visa-free policy to include an additional 12 cities. These cities now eligible for the visa-free entry policy are Tianjin, Dalian (Liaoning Province), Lianyungang (Jiangsu Province), Wenzhou and Zhoushan (Zhejiang Province), Xiamen (Fujian Province), Qingdao (Shandong Province), Guangzhou and Shenzhen (Guangdong Province), Beihai (Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region), Haikou and Sanya (Hainan Province).

To take advantage of this policy, overseas cruise tour groups must be received and organized by travel agencies that are legally registered in China. They must enter from designated cruise terminals in the aforementioned cities and are permitted to travel within the coastal regions of China. Travelers can make multiple stopovers in coastal cities and provinces, with a maximum total stay of 15 days. This allows visitors to explore the diverse and vibrant coastal regions of China while enjoying the convenience of the visa-free entry policy.

Who Qualify for the 15 Day Visa Exemption?

The 15-Day Visa Waiver Program is one of the longest duration visa-free policies available. This program applies to international cruise tour groups that meet the following requirements:

◆ Hold valid ordinary passport or international travel document;

◆ Join in cruise tour groups at least with 2 members;

◆ Attend China tour arranged by Chinese-registered travel agency;

◆ Arrive in specific cruise ports in 13 China coastal cities;

◆ Depart by the same cruise ship;

◆ Stay in Shanghai and other valid cities for no more than 15 days.

There are no restrictions based on nationality, but there are specific requirements regarding transportation, the number of tourists, and adherence to official regulations for travel.

How to Apply for the 15-Day Visa-Free Entry?

Unlike a typical visit, cruise visitors do not need to apply for a Chinese visa or pay visa fees in advance. With just a simple process, you can be granted a 15-day visa exemption during your extended cruise to destinations such as Japan, Sydney, Korea, and Tokyo.

Step 1: Once foreign travelers have confirmed their eligibility for the free visa, they should contact an authorized Shanghai travel agency, such as China Discovery, to arrange a visa-free visit to cities like Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Beijing.

Step 2:Visitors are encouraged to book shore tours through the travel agency and provide the necessary personal information.

Step 3: The authorized travel agency will complete pre-arrival registration of the entire tour group’s information with immigration authorities at least 24 hours before the ship docks at the cruise terminal. A comprehensive list of all members will be submitted.

Step 4: Upon arrival, the agency will greet all cruise tourists. They will not need to fill out an Arrival Card or Departure Card, and no Entry Permit will be stamped on their passport or international travel document. Simply follow the signs, present your passport to customs officers, and proceed through immigration inspections at the port.

Notes: Passengers who have already undergone inspection on board prior to arrival can use their passport (a photocopy is also acceptable) to verify their identity through the Immigration Inspection Cruise Management System at the cruise gangway, allowing them to disembark directly. These passengers will no longer need to have their passport and visa checked upon disembarkation.

What to Pay Attention to When Applying for Shanghai 15 Day Visa Free?

When embarking on a Shanghai excursion and exploring other coastal areas, there are three essential factors to consider.

☞ Travel Areas

There are 11 coastal cities (provinces) in China: Shanghai, Beijing, Tianjin, Liaoning Province, Hebei Province, Shandong Province, Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces, Fujian Province, Guangdong Province, Hainan Province, and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

Upon arrival at the cruise terminal in Shanghai, eligible visitors can embark on a comprehensive 15-day journey exploring the vibrant city of Shanghai, including its downtown and administrative regions. Alternatively, travelers can opt for long-term tour packages that take them to various coastal cities (provinces) in China, each offering a unique cityscape and charm. This option requires the entire group to travel to other port cities aboard the same cruise ship and depart from China there.

☞ Duration of Stay

The 15-day free visa entry in China begins at 00:00 the day after your arrival and lasts for a maximum of 360 hours (15 days). If you need to stay longer for unavoidable or humanitarian reasons, you must apply for a residence permit at the Exit & Entry Administration of the local Public Security Bureau.

☞ Travel Form

The visa waiver service is exclusively available for cruise tour groups. Independent travelers are encouraged to explore other China Visa Free Policies or take advantage of the 24-Hour/144 Hour Visa Free Transit in Shanghai.

During the visa-free journey, tour members will have the opportunity to explore various destinations as a cohesive group.

The travel agency in Shanghai will meticulously plan your excursion, including sightseeing, transportation, accommodation, and dining. In the event of an emergency exit due to illness or other special circumstances, foreigners can request to separate from the tour group at the Exit-Entry Ports. This can be done by presenting a valid passport or international documents used for entry, along with a certificate provided by the travel agency.

Which Cruise Terminals to Call in Shanghai?

Shanghai offers two cruise terminals that serve as entry and exit points for the 15-Day Visa-Free Access to the city. These terminals are the Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal and the Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal.

>> Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal

Chinese Name: 上海港国际客运中心

Address: No.500, Dongdaming Rd, Hongkou District, Shanghai上海市虹口区东大名路500号

Situated on the picturesque west bank of the Huangpu River, in close proximity to the iconic Bund and offering stunning views of the Oriental Pearl Tower, the Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal stands as the largest cruise terminal in Shanghai and ranks among the world’s top international cruise terminals. With a sprawling shoreline stretching 1,197 meters along the Huangpu River, the terminal boasts three expansive cruise berths and 15 berths for riverside sightseeing yachts.

Shanghai Port Transportation

To City Center: about 10 minutes’ driving/2km to the Bund; 20 minutes’ driving to Shanghai Museum;

To Airport: about 40 minutes’ driving/25 km to Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport; 50 minutes’ ride to Shanghai Pudong International Airport.

>> Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal

Chinese Name: 上海吴淞口国际邮轮港

Address: No.1 Baoyang Rd, Baoshan District, Shanghai 上海市宝山区宝杨路1号

The Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal is located at the confluence of the Yangtze River and the Huangpu River, boasting over 1,500 meters of shoreline and two large cruise ports. Serving as the busiest international cruise home port in the Asia-Pacific region, it has welcomed more than 2,000 cruises to destinations such as Southeast Asia, Europe, and Japan.

Wusongkou Terminal Transportation

To Airport: about 1 hour’s driving to Pudong Airport or Hongqiao Airport;

To Downtown: around 1 hour’s driving to the Bund; 1 hour to Yu Garden or Shanghai Museum.

Check helpful transfer guide of Shanghai Cruise Terminals to Shanghai City Center.

Useful Travel Tips You Need to Know

1. Get a Chinese Visa to Travel Freely

If you plan on exploring other inland cities such as Chengdu to see the Giant Panda, hiking on the Yellow Mountain, learning Chinese Kung Fu at the Shaolin Temple, or venturing further to Yunnan, Tibet, and destinations along the Silk Road, you will need to apply for a Chinese Visa to travel freely. Make sure to carefully review the necessary documents and application steps on the official website.How to Apply for a Visa for China>>

2. Transit in Shanghai without Visa

Individual cruise travelers who are not part of a tour group have the option to apply for the 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit at the Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal and Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal. This visa waiver program allows travelers holding connecting flights or cruise tickets to a third country or region to enjoy a 6-day visa-free stay in Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Nanjing, and other cities in Jiangsu and Zhejiang Provinces. Shanghai 144-Hour Transit Visa-Free >>

Travel Shanghai with Suzhou & Hangzhou

Your 15-day visa-free tour will commence in Shanghai, the largest and most developed city in China. Known as the Oriental Paris, Shanghai is a bustling international metropolis that seamlessly blends traditional Chinese features with a modern skyline. In addition to sampling Shanghai’s renowned cuisine and indulging in some shopping, the city boasts a wealth of historical and modern buildings, ancient cultural sites, and natural attractions waiting to be explored.

During your time in Shanghai, you can take a leisurely stroll along the Bund to admire its western-style architecture, marvel at the panoramic views of the city from the Shanghai World Financial Center, wander through the historic Yu Garden to immerse yourself in Shanghai’s past, and visit the Shanghai Museum to discover the city’s rich history through its vast collection of treasures.

For those looking to venture beyond Shanghai, consider embarking on a brief layover tour or an in-depth exploration of nearby cities such as Suzhou and Hangzhou, depending on your itinerary. These destinations offer unique cultural experiences and picturesque landscapes that are sure to enhance your overall travel experience.

▶Useful Links:

Popular Shanghai Layover Tour & Excursions / Popular Shanghai Suzhou Tours / Shanghai Hangzhou Tours / Popular Shanghai Suzhou Hangzhou Tours