I am a canadian citizen cruising from Singapore and stop for less than 24 hours in Nansha port

New Nansha cruise port terminal has been opened roughly three weeks ago and there are several unofficial statements telling in favor of 24 hour visa free transit for cruise ship passengers traveling on eligible route that follows the pattern:

A country - B country (China - Nansha) - C country (Hong Kong)

Or in your case:

Singapore - Nansha (China) - Hong Kong

OK, Hong Kong is not a country, but a territory, but is considered as a country for visa free transit purposes.

The mentioned 24 hour visa free transit for cruise ship passengers is at the time being unofficially allowed with direct deal done between cruise operators and Nansha immigration authorities. This is not the first such a deal that unofficially bypasses the rules, so it should not surprise at all.

You should contact relevant and responsible people from your cruise company, although this could be so hard and ask them for an assurance that you will be allowed to exit the ship based on visa free transit in Nansha port. They should be aware of a deal with Nansha immigration authorities, so do not accept just a vague and alibi like explanations. Of course, you can obtain a visa, but they have to take at least some responsibility for their passengers.

I would really appreciate your feedback of any kind because the number of people asking this particular question is fastly rising.

Thanks Zupan!
Actually the ship cruise (MSC) just changed the stop port in China to be Shekou.
Am I eligible for a 24 h free transit visa and can I take it at arrival in Shekou port?

Thanks

Yes, the situation is perfectly the same with one good additional detail. Shekou port is issuing also a 5 day Shenzhen visa on arrival. Canadian citizens are eligible for this visa at the price of 168 CNY, if this will be necessary.

Thank you!