Hong Kong is irrelevant for most first-world passport holders. Different immigration to mainland China.
Originally Posted by
LHR/MEL/Europe FF
TWOV applies to flights only. you will need a visa if arriving by ship.
Normally true.
Originally Posted by
drewguy
Plus, you are entering in Xiamen, which doesn't have TWOV privileges.
Check with cruise line whether you need multiple entry visa or whether you will not be stamped as exiting when you embark from Xiamen to Shanghai.
Xiamen certainly has TWOV privileges (24 hour) but only at the airport, not the cruise port.
Definitely check with the cruise line and be very specific in your queries and requests. For "shore leaves," some cruise lines often arrange with Chinese immigration authorities for some kind of special documentation (like a group visa) that overrides the need for all the participants to get full-blown Chinese visas. For Shanghai, since you will be terminating there, normally a visa is needed as standard TWOV doesn't apply. But also ask the cruise line specifically about this, since you are not doing the usual plan and continuing a land-based exploration of China, but merely need 12 hours to pick up an international flight out. It's possible with their assistance, a Chinese transit visa-on-arrival can be prearranged for you and waiting at the immigration facility at Shanghai port, at less cost than a regular visa would be if you procured it separately. Key word is "prearranged." No guarantees though.
The answers to these questions will inform you as to whether the cruise line is going to assist with Xiamen and/or Shanghai entries, and therefore whether you need to get, on your own volition, a regular single or double entry visa (or multiple entry if your passport is USA).