we have double entry chinese visas (usa and eu citizens) but we want to reenter china 2+ times. can anyone provide advice on the best and safest way to do this (we dont want to be denied for the extention and be stuck in hong kong). we are currently i n the sichuan province moving south to yunnan, and were thinking about going to vietnam if we are able to get more entries on our visas.
thank you.
If you go to Hong Kong you can get a new Chinese visa. For many EU citizens the cost is HK$150 for a single entry (pay more for more entries and faster service), while for a US passport holder the cost is HK$1100 (same price for any visa; pay more for faster service). See http://www.fmcoprc.gov.hk/eng/zgqz/blsjfy/ Currently you might be limited to a double entry China visa in Hong Kong, although in the past multi entries have been available.
Applying for a new visa in Hanoi would be difficult, while HCMC it is reportedly easier.
If you have a double entry, it would be wise to go to Vietnam first; then go back into China and make your way to Hong Kong. Then in Hong Kong get a new Chinese visa.
There is also the China Visa Extension Thread which gives good advice about where to extend, and where not to.
thanks for the reply! the links were usefull. if we follow your advice, goto vietnam first and then hk, do u think it is likely to be denied a visa. what can we do to maximize our chances for getting it? our return flights home arefrom beijing so it would be horrible to be denied.
thanks again
The last time people had problems getting a Chinese visa in Hong Kong was during the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Also, French passport holders have had some problems recently. Other than that, most people have been able to get a Chinese visa in Hong Kong without a problem. Using an agency can help smooth any potential problems, but many apply direct at the Visa Office in Wanchai without any issues.