Shanghai, June 5 – The country’s first “destinationless sea cruise” entry-exit permit was issued in Shanghai on the 5th. This marks the countdown to the highly anticipated weekend sea cruise route of the “Adora Magic City,” allowing the public to “embark on a vacation without a visa, no need for leave, and board the ship over the weekend.”

On the morning of the 5th, at the Minsheng Road entry-exit reception hall of the Shanghai Public Security Bureau’s Entry-Exit Administration, Mr. Ye received the first “destinationless sea cruise” entry-exit permit. “I board the ship tomorrow noon, and we will spend two nights on the cruise, returning to Shanghai on Monday without affecting my work schedule,” Mr. Ye said. For busy professionals, this novel weekend getaway is both flexible and convenient, making him very excited.

The “destinationless sea cruise” entry-exit permit, though seemingly a simple piece of paper, embodies institutional innovation by the national immigration authorities. Given the special nature of destinationless sea cruises, which “do not dock and travel in international waters,” with approval from the National Immigration Administration, Shanghai’s public security entry-exit authorities have pioneered a new policy nationwide to facilitate cruise travel: in addition to using a regular passport, travelers can apply for a special entry-exit permit using their ID card.

“As a single-entry, single-exit paper document, the entry-exit permit will be specially marked with ‘destinationless sea cruise,'” said Ye Jun, head of the Document Management Division of the Shanghai Public Security Bureau’s Entry-Exit Administration. The authorities have set up dedicated counters, centralized processing, and expedited services to ensure that the first sailing passengers can depart as scheduled. “Travelers without a valid passport for the ‘destinationless sea cruise’ can apply for the entry-exit permit at the Minsheng Road entry-exit reception hall using their ID card. For those with urgent pre-departure time, we will open a green channel for expedited processing,” Ye Jun added.

The domestically built large cruise ship “Adora Magic City” is also ready. It will depart from Shanghai’s Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal on June 6 for a three-day, two-night voyage in international waters.

Minsheng Road entry-exit reception hall

The Minsheng Road entry-exit reception hall is a historic building in Shanghai, originally constructed in the early 20th century during the city’s foreign concession era. It served as a key checkpoint for travelers and goods entering and leaving the area, reflecting the city’s role as a major international port. Today, the site stands as a preserved cultural landmark, offering insight into Shanghai’s past immigration and trade practices.

Shanghai Public Security Bureau’s Entry-Exit Administration

The Shanghai Public Security Bureau’s Entry-Exit Administration is a government agency responsible for managing visa, residence, and immigration services for foreigners and Chinese citizens traveling abroad. Located in Shanghai, it plays a key role in facilitating international travel and ensuring compliance with China’s entry-exit laws. Historically, as Shanghai grew into a global hub, this bureau has evolved to streamline processes and adapt to increasing cross-border movement since the late 20th century.

National Immigration Administration

The National Immigration Administration (NIA) is a government agency in China responsible for managing immigration, border control, and foreign resident affairs. Established in 2018, it was created to streamline and modernize the country’s immigration policies, including visa issuance, entry-exit regulations, and the management of permanent residence. The NIA plays a key role in facilitating international exchanges while ensuring national security and legal compliance.

Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal

Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal is a major cruise port located at the confluence of the Yangtze River and the Huangpu River in Shanghai, China. It opened in 2011 and was built on the site of the historic Wusong Fort, which played a significant role in China’s defense during the First Opium War and the Battle of Shanghai in 1937. Today, the terminal serves as a gateway for international cruise tourism, reflecting Shanghai’s modern development while preserving the area’s maritime and military heritage.

Adora Magic City

Adora Magic City is a large, modern cruise ship operated by the Chinese company Adora Cruises, which launched its maiden voyage in January 2024. As the first domestically built large cruise ship in China, it represents a significant milestone in the country’s shipbuilding and tourism industries. The ship’s name reflects its design theme of blending magic and urban life, offering passengers a unique travel experience with various entertainment and dining options.