Visa for Americans going to China

Replies: 20 - Last Post: 08-Nov-2007 08:07 Last Post By: everbrite

jump to

Rockland

05-Nov-2007 04:45
Posts: 101

Visa for Americans going to China

Hello,
Is it true I can get into Hong Kong without a visa and then obtain one for China in Hong Kong? How long does it take?
Or....if I get a visa before leaving the USA.......is it best to use a third party that obtains the visa for you. Any suggestions of which company to use? ( I am in Massachusetts if that matters).
I intend to visit China for about 12 days in January.
Thank you for any advice!

sewage

05-Nov-2007 05:40
Posts: 394

As an American, you can get to Hong Kong without a visa. You can also get a visa to China in Hong Kong. But if you're short on time, it might be better to just get the China visa at home. Getting it at the embassy yourself isn't too difficult. No need for an agent.

gima17

05-Nov-2007 05:51
Posts: 335

Agree with #1. Definitely get it before you leave. Do you really want to run around an unfamiliar city hunting down the Consulate and waiting 1/2 day to 3 days for your visa in Hong Kong? It's not worth it.

garyma.com {Wanderlust}

889

05-Nov-2007 05:58
Posts: 1,365

Since there's no Chinese consulate in Boston -- the nearest is in New York -- and since Chinese consulates no longer accept applications by mail, getting it yourself in the U.S. is in fact impossible unless you're prepared to head down to New York yourself, or use the services of an agent or a friend in New York.

There's same-day service in Hong Kong at the Visa Office, but you pay extra. Remember the Visa Office is closed on weekends and holidays.

FireArm

05-Nov-2007 07:42
Posts: 30,299

I suggest you get it in the States. Use a service at the consulate in New York. Get a one year multiple entry visa. You do not need a visa to visit Hong Kong.

"Hang your chemistry and electricity! If you want to make a pile of money, invent something that will enable those Europeans to cut each other's throats with greater facility."

vegasgambler

05-Nov-2007 08:11
Posts: 720

I got a visa in HK a couple of weeks ago. The consulate is really easy to find. It is in Wan Chai, close to the ferry and the Conc. Center.

The drawbacks are:

1) you got to wait in line outside AND inside the building. For me it was about four hrs total.

2) it takes four days to get the passport returned with the visa.

3) bring your own passport photos, make them yourself, that's what I did.

4) it costs US$100.00 - cash only (at least when I was there.

FireArm

05-Nov-2007 08:16
Posts: 30,299

#5, What's the validity and duration of stay?

"Hang your chemistry and electricity! If you want to make a pile of money, invent something that will enable those Europeans to cut each other's throats with greater facility."

Rockland

05-Nov-2007 10:01
Posts: 101

Thank you all for the quick replies.
I think my best choice is to get the visa in advance but since I can't get to the nearsest consulate in NYC I would want to use a service.
So now my question is can anyone recommend a reliable service and tell me how long it takes to get it back.
Thanks Again!

889

05-Nov-2007 10:23
Posts: 1,365

Remarkably, I have never seen a complaint here about any visa service, so I'd suggest going with the cheapest you can find.

Make sure, though, that they have an office in New York; some only service certain cities.

everbrite

05-Nov-2007 16:24
Posts: 16,252

I agree. I have never seen a complaint about visa services. Check with the USA branch. Check with the better business bureau. Ask a travel agent friend. Look in the Yellow pages.

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.

FireArm

05-Nov-2007 18:12
Posts: 30,299

I have used the New York office of visarite.com

And I have used the San Francisco office of traveldocs.com

Both offered excellent service. Call them before you send them your documents.

"Hang your chemistry and electricity! If you want to make a pile of money, invent something that will enable those Europeans to cut each other's throats with greater facility."

besi

05-Nov-2007 18:20
Posts: 303

z-visa.com has a branch in Columbia CT. not far from you, if you're not up for the ride to New York give them a call..

(917) 421-9639

International Travel and Business Consultant
International Travel, Medical Insurance
China Visa Service
ESL Teacher Cafe

Rockland

05-Nov-2007 19:48
Posts: 101

THANKS, EVERYBODY!!!

889

05-Nov-2007 21:10
Posts: 1,365

Let it be known that No. 11 there is advertising his very own visa service here, in violation of Thorntree terms of service.

I'd strongly suggest that's one visa service you steer clear of.

Please don't encourage spammers on this board.

vegasgambler

06-Nov-2007 04:38
Posts: 720

Hi Firearm,
mine was for thirty days. Don't know about any other, didn't ask.

Subscribe to the latest messages in this branch.

Your Recent Threads

Announcements

Avatars!
Posted By: VenessaP -- 28-Jan-2010 15:01
How would you improve Thorn...
Posted By: VenessaP -- 09-Dec-2009 17:01

Latest Community News

	Speaking in Tongues Messages: 68,825 Last message posted at: 10-Feb-2010 03:17
	On Your Bike Messages: 30,512 Last message posted at: 10-Feb-2010 02:59
	Travel Tech Messages: 28,997 Last message posted at: 10-Feb-2010 03:06
	Kids To Go Messages: 26,289 Last message posted at: 10-Feb-2010 01:42
	Like a Sore Thumb Messages: 22,649 Last message posted at: 10-Feb-2010 00:02
	Trekking & Mountaineering Messages: 22,263 Last message posted at: 10-Feb-2010 02:03
	Travel on a shoestring Messages: 21,527 Last message posted at: 10-Feb-2010 01:00

Destinations

Asia: Destination information

Asia is a spectacular assault on the senses, whether you're riding the trans-Siberian railway, gazing up at the temples of Angkor, struggling with the immense tide of humanity in India, or trying to s... more »

Shop Online