Yesterday, an important milestone was reached in the development of China’s cruise tourism industry: the first national “destination-free sea cruise” exit-entry permit was issued in Shanghai. With this permit, tourists can take advantage of relevant policies to board a cruise on weekends without needing a visa or taking leave, further enriching domestic cruise travel options.

The first “destination-free sea cruise” exit-entry permit, seemingly a simple piece of paper, is actually an institutional innovation by the national immigration authorities. Given the special nature of destination-free sea cruises, which involve no port calls and round trips in international waters, the Shanghai public security exit-entry administration department, with approval from the National Immigration Administration, took the lead nationwide in introducing this new policy to facilitate cruise travel. From now on, tourists can apply for a dedicated exit-entry permit using their ID card, in addition to using a regular passport.

As a single-entry and single-exit paper travel document, the exit-entry permit will be specially marked with “destination-free sea cruise.” Ye Jun, head of the Document Management First Division of the Municipal Public Security Bureau’s Exit-Entry Administration Corps, explained: “We ensure that tourists on this maiden voyage can depart as scheduled through dedicated counters, centralized processing, and expedited services.” For subsequent tourists applying for the permit, Ye Jun noted that they only need their ID card to apply for the “destination-free sea cruise” exit-entry permit at the Minsheng Road Exit-Entry Service Hall. For those with tight schedules before departure, a green channel will be opened for expedited processing.

A relevant official from the Shanghai Municipal Transportation Commission stated that launching the “sea cruise” new track aims to create new demand with new supply, fill the gap in Shanghai’s high-end short-distance water tourism products, and provide citizens with richer and more convenient weekend leisure options.

With the debut of the first permit, the domestic large cruise ship “Adora Magic City,” which will undertake this mission, is also ready. It will depart from Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal on June 6 for a three-day, two-night sea voyage.

Shanghai

Shanghai is a major global financial hub and one of China’s most populous cities, located on the eastern coast at the mouth of the Yangtze River. Its history as a significant trading port began in the 19th century, leading to rapid development and a unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures, evident in its colonial-era architecture like the Bund. Today, it is a modern metropolis known for its futuristic skyline in Pudong, vibrant arts scene, and status as a center for innovation and commerce.

Minsheng Road Exit-Entry Service Hall

The Minsheng Road Exit-Entry Service Hall is a government facility in Shanghai, China, primarily responsible for processing passport, visa, and residence permit applications for Chinese citizens and foreign nationals. Located in the city’s bustling Huangpu District, it serves as a key administrative hub for immigration services, reflecting Shanghai’s role as a global gateway. The hall operates under China’s evolving immigration policies, which have modernized over recent decades to accommodate increased international travel and residency needs.

Adora Magic City

Adora Magic City is China’s first domestically built large cruise ship, constructed by the Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Company and delivered in November 2023. Its name reflects its Shanghai home, often called the “Magic City,” and the vessel represents a major milestone in China’s growing cruise industry. The ship can accommodate over 5,000 passengers and features a variety of entertainment, dining, and leisure facilities.

Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal

The Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal is a major cruise port located at the confluence of the Huangpu River and the Yangtze River in Shanghai. Opened in 2011, it was built to accommodate the growing cruise tourism industry in China and features a distinctive, ship-shaped terminal building. Historically, the Wusongkou area was a key military and trade hub, notably the site of the 1842 Battle of Wusong during the First Opium War.