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Chinese Visa-Must enter within 3 months?

Replies: 8 - Last Post: 09-Nov-2007 06:00 Last Post By: everbrite

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Posted
08-Nov-2007 11:14
by: Supernoodle

Posts:  2
Registered:  08/11/07

Chinese Visa-Must enter within 3 months?

Hi guys,
I have a slight problem,
I was hoping to sort out my visa, start travelling in Feb, with NZ, Oz, Malaysia and Thailand THEN China in May-June.
I have now read (having booked flights), that when you go for a Chinese visa (UK PASSPORT) you must enter within 3 months of the application being granted and then for 30 days from when you enter. This means if I can't get everything soted before I go since I will reach China just after the 3 months if I apply before I go.

Is this correct? Or would it be possible to extend the "enter before" date?

If not, how easy is it to get a Chinese visa (with UK Passport) from Hongkong or Thailand? How long could it take? and Costs etc?

Any info would be greatly appreciated!

Ta x

Posted
08-Nov-2007 11:19
by: ellyse

Posts:  8,932
Registered:  27/04/02

1

Very easy to get it in Hong Kong. Do a search for this topic.
Cheers!

Posted
08-Nov-2007 11:22
by: jimcowdrill

Posts:  10,050
Registered:  19/05/05

2

Hong Kong is supposed to be the best place in the world to get a Chinese visa.

www.travbuddy.com/jimcowdrill/blogs

Posted
08-Nov-2007 13:05
by: Supernoodle

Posts:  2
Registered:  08/11/07

3

Thanks guys,
I'll look into getting a visa in Hongkong.
Ta x

Posted
08-Nov-2007 16:14
by: everbrite

Posts:  15,450
Registered:  19/06/01

4

HK is expensive for Brits and Americans to get visas. I would suggest getting it in Bangkok where it is cheaper.

Another possibility is to get a double entry visa before you start traveling. These are usually good for 6 months from the time of issue with two entries of 30-60 days each. To get the longer period of entry, I suggest including an itinerary for travel in China but do NOT mention Tibet or Western China.

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.

Posted
08-Nov-2007 19:23
by: gima17

Posts:  334
Registered:  30/08/03

5

What is the cost of US passports to obtain single/double entry for China in Bangkok. I always thought visa fees were uniformed worldwide.

garyma.com {Wanderlust}

Posted
08-Nov-2007 20:39
by: bmta

Posts:  8,941
Registered:  25/06/02

6

no, theyre not
Ive just collected my China visa (have EU passpt) here in BKK yesterday. price fr normal=4 day processing was for me 1100 THB (1 EUR=49,xx THB now), for Thai 8/900, for US 2200= around 70 US$. Back home it would have been at least double in EURO
50% more for speedy=3 day processing, double =+100% for express=next day delivery. If you do yourself et visa-sectin opposite embassy. was very very quick and easy to do
same price for stays (normal tourist) for up to 3 month, but if you apply for less time, they give that lower time!

so you believe anything - on the news? on TV? in your guidebook? on this forum? good luck then - you'll need it!

Posted
09-Nov-2007 01:54
by: gima17

Posts:  334
Registered:  30/08/03

7

Thanks for the prices. I know now.

garyma.com {Wanderlust}

Posted
09-Nov-2007 06:00
by: everbrite

Posts:  15,450
Registered:  19/06/01

8

For a US passport holder a Chinese visa in the US is 100 USD. Obtained in Bangkok the same visa is about 70 USD. All Chinese visas for US passport holders are supposed to cost the same amount now since August 2007 but whether this is actually occurring outside the US I don't know.

gima - if you get a Chinese visa in the US these days with a US passport, people are getting one year multiple entry visas for 30 or 60 day entries for 100 USD.

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.

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