EASTERN China's Shandong province has taken the lead in introducing e-visa pilot program for sea-going ships along with the official implementation of Rules for E-visa of Sea-going Ships Engaged on Domestic Voyages in early January 2014, reports Xinhua.

Port entry and exit visas and related permits have been required for ships to enter or leave a port since the 1950s. Ship operators had to go to the local port's maritime department to get visas within four hours before the departure time. While at present the operators can apply for the visas online by simply submitting ships' information such as cargo handling, staff on board and fees paying status.

However, passenger ships, ro-ro passenger ships, high-speed passenger ships and tourist ships are not applicable for the e-visa.

Shandong Maritime Bureau staff said the e-visa has offered great convenience for administrative counterparts and enhanced their department's performance.