Double entry visa to China when visiting on a cruise ship
I am looking at going on a cruise in Asia that will stop in Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai (among others). I am Norwegian and need a visa to visit China. From what I understand I can visit Hong Kong visa free, but need a double entry visa to visit both Beijing and Shanghai (since I will be travelling between the destinations by ship). In addition, the stop in Beijing will be for three days. The first time I arrive in Beijing I would obviously have to go through immigration, but since I will be spending the nights onboard the ship, would each day in Beijing count as a separate entry to China? If so, I would need four entries to China or would they allow re-entries on the second and third day in Beijing without counting this as a re-entry?
Also, if this information matters: I will arrive in Hong Kong and Shanghai will be the final destination. Ideally I would spend a few days here before returning home.
Best Answer
You should consider whether your trip qualifies under the 15-Day Visa-Exemption Policy for Foreign Tour Groups Entering Shanghai by Cruise or the 144-Hour Visa-Exemption Transit Policy at Ports of Entry in Shanghai. According to the Wikipedia description of the former, travelers must be part of an organized tour group and enter via Shanghai. In addition, they must travel with the ship and they may only visit Beijing, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Hebei, Jiangsu, Liaoning, Shandong, Shanghai, Tianjin, and Zhejiang.
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Do you need a visa for China if you are on a cruise?
If you plan to fly to China and then board a cruise ship you will need a single entry tourist visa which will enable you to enter China and travel within China before departing for home.Does China offer visa on arrival?
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China has recently introduced the China Business Visa on Arrival for citizens of over 23 countries. This Visa on Arrival allows travelers to enter the country for business purposes and it enables them to stay in China for up to 15 days Per Entry.Do cruise passengers need a visa?
It depends. For North Americans, many popular cruise destinations -- such as the Eastern and Western Caribbean, Alaska and Western Mediterranean -- do not require visas. But ships that call on more exotic destinations might include visits to a country where you'd need a visa to enter.Can I go on a cruise with a tourist visa?
All Non-U.S. Citizen Guests Must Carry A Valid Passport, (Not Expiring within (6) Months of Return Of Your Cruise). In addition, a tourist visa may be required for entry into certain countries/ports of call.These Countries will DENY ENTRY at Immigration. Vacation Disasters
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Answer 2
If you spend a few days in HK, as your first stop, you can apply for a two-entry visa from any big travel agency. It takes 5 working days, but you might be eligible for expedited (1 day).
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