The need to process thousands of passengers before their giant cruise ship docks in port has prompted Shanghai officials to head off the vessel in Hong Kong.
When it comes to China’s immigration procedures, the word “efficiency” seldom springs to mind. Anyone who has landed at Shanghai Pudong airport along with a couple of other flights will attest to this.
But long and slow-moving queues are only the sharp end of the irritation. Before stepping on mainland soil visas need to be collected and paid for, and multiple entry applications can suddenly become single entry visas with no explanation.
Okay, so the US isn’t the easiest place to enter either, but at least five-year visas are routinely available for those doing business in the country.
The point I am arriving at rather slowly at is that this week Shanghai immigration authorities flew to Hong Kong to process all passengers on the Queen Mary II. This was to ensure that when the ocean liner called at Shanghai on Tuesday, the almost 4,000 passengers and crew would be free to immediately wander off and experience the wonders of the city: Lunatic taxi drivers, overpriced luxury goods and choking pollution. Just like Hong Kong but with mainland characteristics.
But seriously, it was a welcome move that will have the bosses at Carnival line sighing with relief.
The immigration procedure for passengers has been a huge pain in the neck for cruise companies. In places like the European Union, after passengers and crew clear immigration, a manifest is sent on to the next port of call, cutting down on serious delays. With thousands of people to process in Asia’s rapidly growing cruise industry, it is frustrating for both officials and those wanting to get off the ships.
The six-month Shanghai Expo is due to kick off in May, and it appears that officials are streamlining their procedures to cope with the expected influx of cruise passengers. At least we hope so.
Queen Mary II is the first of many cruise ships that will call at Shanghai in what will be a very busy season so it is impressive to see a proactive approach from a traditionally slow-to-change and cumbersome branch of government. An immigration official was even quoted as saying passengers would now have more time to enjoy the Chinese New Year activities.
I bet all those unfortunates standing in line at Shanghai Pudong airport and growing beards waiting to pass through immigration are wishing they took the boat.