No visa needed soon for visitors to southern port

A 15-day visa-free policy to allow foreign tourist groups on cruises to enter the Port of Shanghai and visit certain regions and cities will take effect on Oct 1, according to the Shanghai General Station of Immigration Inspection.

Foreign tourist groups - which must have at least two members - on tours arranged by registered Chinese tourism agencies, will be able to enter Shanghai without a visa and travel in the coastal provinces and to Beijing for up to 15 days.

Local travel agencies must submit the names of members of foreign tourist groups before their arrival and obtain approval for entry from the Shanghai General Station of Immigration Inspection when their cruise ship reaches the port.