Shanghai has introduced a 15-day visa waiver program for foreign tourists visiting the city and some surrounding areas. Visitors arriving at the Port of Shanghai by cruise ship will be permitted to stay in China's ten coastal provinces as well as Beijing and Shanghai.

Eligible visitors must be part of a tour group of at least two members, booked by a Chinese tourist agency. The Port of Shanghai has experienced year-on-year visitor growth of 36 percent. However, only four percent of the 1 point 6 million passengers passing through every year come from abroad. The new visa waiver program is expected to attract more foreign visitors to the city.