Changed visa policy in China

The following is from Cunard's FAQ section:

"From the 1st October 2016:

• Guests have to participate in a tour (at least 2 people) organised by travel agencies that are legally registered in China. These can be ship organised tours or independent tour agencies. The ship will apply for the 15 day free visa stay for tours booked on board. If you have booked an independent tour please ensure your travel agency applies on your behalf. Please note: guests are not allowed to leave the tour group (even to join another vehicle) and special approval will have to be obtained in case of an emergency.
  
• The visa free stay is valid for the duration of the tour(s) and you will have to leave Shanghai on the same day with the vessel.
  

"

We are considering delaying our booking of a Shanghai tour (Shanghai sampler) until we are on board QE on the WC 2018 tour (in which case the ship applies for the visa). What is the risk that this tour (or all Shanghai tours) will be sold out when the cruise starts?

Many popular excursions do sell out. Not having to fill out the paperwork, not to mention the cost of the visa, would make me think the ship excursion would be popular. Any particular reason why you want to wait until onboard?

Just to avoid the paperwork ;)

The way it's written does make it sound as if they will only do the paperwork if you book onboard but hopefully they mean if you book a Cunard excursion before sailing as well.

Might be worth a call to check.

Just got this from Cunard:

"Thank you for your email.

I assume you are referring to the Shore Excursions booked on the Voyage Personaliser?

If this is the case, any Shore Excursions booked via the Voyage Personaliser are classed as 'Ship organised Tours', so the ship will apply for your visa to enter China.

I hope this information has helped answer your enquiry."

Very good! :)

That makes more sense, thanks for letting us know the outcome.

Brell, do you know when our tours become available? There are certainly a few that I wish to book well in advance.

Thanks

No, sorry. According to Cunard's website it may be around 100 days before departure.