Thorn Tree travel forum

1

From my experience, you can only get one extension at your local PSB before you need to either do a HK run or try at a provincial PSB.
This was three years ago, may have changed but I don't think it has.. You can try using Emoo.net, but they charge only a fraction less than what it costs to go to HK and do it..

You could always work with a visa company in the USA if you feel comfortable mailing your passport abroad for about 10 days..

goodluck

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2

Just curious. how do extensions work anyway? Do you get them on the spot at ANY PSB or is a wait necessary? About how much is the cost for US Passport?

garyma.com {Wanderlust}

3

It takes, in Beijing at Yonghegong, about 4 days. But I am Australian, so usuallly no problem with the PSB. Being American is another matter.

"A person without a sense of humor is like a wagon without springs. It's jolted by every pebble on the road" - Henry Ward Beecher

4

gima17 - extensions add 30 to 60 days from when they are issued. The amount of time that it takes to issue an extension depends greatly on where you apply for it. It would appear that in some smaller places it is not available at all unless you speak Chinese and can explain what you need while in other larger cities it can take 4-5 business days to obtain. Cost depends upon your passport. Length of time depends upon what length was granted initially. One extension is routine, a second is possible for many passport holders. I don't think I have ever heard of anyone getting a third extension on a tourist visa.

Ruth

First check: Everbrite's travel pages, the New RU sticky,and New RU train sticky

Since I have taken the time to answer your question, it would be nice if you took the time to respond as to whether the information was helpful.

5

I'm out here in Urumqi and it has taken the PSB exactly a week to service my passport. I applied for a one month extension (essentially a new visa, not an extension) and I will see what I receive tomorrow morning. It may possibly be a week or thirty days. I'll post again tomorrow in the morning. I'm American by the way and was traveling on a 90 day L visa. The new visa was 160 Yuan out here in Urumqi.

He (she) owns a gifted pen, who reads tremendously.

6

I don't understand, what do you mean that you applied for a new visa not an extension?

Ruth

First check: Everbrite's travel pages, the New RU sticky,and New RU train sticky

Since I have taken the time to answer your question, it would be nice if you took the time to respond as to whether the information was helpful.