China - New PRC tourist visa requirements w.e.f. Aug 12?

Edit 11:24am HKT - Bloomberg got it wrong, see post #9 (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/china/1380026-new-prc-tourist-visa-requirements-w-e-f-aug-12-a.html#post19175782) below.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-08-22/china-asks-tourists-for-invites-hotel-reservations-to-get-visas.html

Travelers applying for tourist visas, must submit a letter from an “authorized tourism unit,” company or person inviting them to China, along with a photocopy of their round-trip ticket and hotel reservation, according to rules posted on the website of China’s embassy in the U.S.

The rule changes come after Chinese authorities have put foreigners’ status in the country under greater scrutiny and sought to clamp down on people entering the country illegally. The World Tourism Organization has predicted that China may become the world’s biggest destination for tourists by 2015.

“If implemented strictly, the new requirements could have an impact on the number of foreign tourists” and revenue among travel agencies, said Zhang Lu, a Shanghai-based analyst at Capital Securities Corp. (6005) China International Travel Service Corp. (601888), the country’s biggest tourism company by market value, will “certainly be affected,” she said.

The new visa materials were not demanded before Aug. 1, according to visa.ywpw.com, a Texas-based agency that helps customers obtain visas to China. China’s embassies and consulates in countries including Japan, Thailand and New Zealand also posted the new rules on their websites.

http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/visas/adr/

2) Tourist Visa (L Visa)

One of the following documents is required:

- An Invitation Letter for Tourist Group of Invitation Letter for Tourist by a Duly Authorized Tourism Unit;

- An Invitation Letter issued by companies, corporations, institutions and individuals in China. If the invitation letter is issued by an individual in China, the photocopy of the ID of the individual is required.

- photocopy of the roundtrip airline ticket and hotel reservation.

The invitation letter issued by companies, corporations, institutions and individuals in China, shall include the following items:

The statements above appear to be contradictory. The article states:

"must submit a letter from an “authorized tourism unit,” company or person inviting them to China, along with a photocopy of their round-trip ticket and hotel reservation"

But the actual rules state:

"One of the following documents is required:

- invitation
- invitation
- photocopy of the roundtrip airline ticket and hotel reservation."

The official rules implies that you can simply provide a copy of the ticket and hotel reservation without any invitation, which makes sense.

It appears the article writer needs to read better.

No wonder they gotta restrict foreign tourists.

Heck, there's no room for em. (http://www.bloomberg.com/image/iKpAuFTWZZaw.jpg)

This started on August 1 for US citizens applying in the USA.

For more clarity, you may wish to visit the website of www.mychinavisa.com and take a look at what they have written. They are a reliable agent that I use. You may also direct questions to them, they are usually very prompt with email replies. Even if you don't plan to use them.

This started on August 1 for US citizens applying in the USA.

For more clarity, you may wish to visit the website of www.mychinavisa.com and take a look at what they have written. They are a reliable agent that I use. You may also direct questions to them, they are usually very prompt with email replies. Even if you don't plan to use them.

+1

In the past (including a prior trip to China) I've used another agency. This time I applied with MyChinaVisa - I have been really impressed. I booked a tour through a UK company (who in turn use a Chinese agency). I emailed a copy of the Chinese agency's invitation letter (some of which was in Chinese) and they were able to vet it and reply to me the same day (it didn't contain my gender).

This will sound silly, but they have a step-by-step video on the new tourist visa, and it was excellent - line-by-line instructions on filling out the form.

But the actual rules state:

"One of the following documents is required:

- invitation
- invitation
- photocopy of the roundtrip airline ticket and hotel reservation."

The official rules implies that you can simply provide a copy of the ticket and hotel reservation without any invitation, which makes sense.

It appears the article writer needs to read better.

This seems like an extremely minor hassle. The worst thing it does is require you to buy airline tickets before applying for your visa. A hotel reservation is a joke--those are almost always cancelable without paying any money up front. An airline ticket is a bit trickier, because the fully refundable fares are usually expensive. That said, in a pinch plenty of airlines allow cancelation within 24 hours.

This seems like an extremely minor hassle. The worst thing it does is require you to buy airline tickets before applying for your visa. A hotel reservation is a joke--those are almost always cancelable without paying any money up front. An airline ticket is a bit trickier, because the fully refundable fares are usually expensive. That said, in a pinch plenty of airlines allow cancelation within 24 hours.

?? It never occurred to me to risk trying that (book a flight, print out details/receipts, then cancel). You're probably right, the risk that they would check is probably non-existent.

Cancelled plans to Brazil last fall for that same reason - a requirement to buy a ticket up front before getting the visa. I don't buy expensive tickets and didn't want to risk non-refundable tickets if for some reason I didn't get the visa.

The statements above appear to be contradictory. The article states:

"must submit a letter from an “authorized tourism unit,” company or person inviting them to China, along with a photocopy of their round-trip ticket and hotel reservation"

But the actual rules state:

"One of the following documents is required:

- invitation
- invitation
- photocopy of the roundtrip airline ticket and hotel reservation."

The official rules implies that you can simply provide a copy of the ticket and hotel reservation without any invitation, which makes sense.

It appears the article writer needs to read better.

I think you're right. And some embassies seem to be even more lax than US:

PRC embassy US: you're right, reads like an "or" condition
Embasssy NZ: even more lax - doesn't mention hotel http://www.chinaembassy.org.nz/eng/lsqz/prcd/t39420.htm
Embassy TH: invitation letter can be substituted for evidence of medical coverage and financial means for travel http://www.chinaembassy.or.th/eng/xwdt/t959329.htm. Seems like they'll ask for the itinerary as well.

Embassy AU seems to have imposed itinerary (with flight and hotel) requirements for some time http://au.china-embassy.org/eng/ls/t286322.htm

Okay I finally had time to read the Chinese:

http://www.china-embassy.org/chn/qzfw/sqzn/cljtbsm/

（二）申请旅游、探亲签证（“L”字签证）——下列之一的邀请材料：

（1）“被授权旅游单位”签发的“旅游邀请函”；或

（2） 中国境内各类公司、企事业单位或个人的邀请函。中国境内个人出具邀请函时，需提供个人身份证件 复印件；或

（3） 往返机票订单和酒店订单。

This seems like an extremely minor hassle. The worst thing it does is require you to buy airline tickets before applying for your visa. A hotel reservation is a joke--those are almost always cancelable without paying any money up front. An airline ticket is a bit trickier, because the fully refundable fares are usually expensive. That said, in a pinch plenty of airlines allow cancelation within 24 hours.

I'm hoping the PRC embassies won't trip up people with HKG flight tickets and Shenzhen hotel reservations - my mates normally land here and proceed to SZ by road or metro so their entry method to PRC is usually not documented in advance.

After the current 100 day crackdown against foreigners is over, my hope is that things will return to normal. Basically, they need those young English teachers who don't qualify for Z visas, and they grasp the fact that the dining scene in major cities is infinitely better than it was 10 years ago, due to the influx of foreign owners who also don't qualify for Z status (iirc, need to be >25, and have advanced degree or a special skill).

In any case, my PWC friend told me that any company who hires someone with L/F/X status risks getting fined y100,000 and the employee could be banned from China for TEN YEARS. Frankly, I can't envision this being enforced extremely strictly, but those of you moms out there who are sending your kids to China to teach English have some cause for concern; the good news is that the mere threat of a y100k fine provides even the shadiest of companies with a strong incentive to either comply with the letter of the law, or develop an iron-clad workaround.

Can we merge this thread into the big thread?

After the current 100 day crackdown against . Frankly, I can't envision this being enforced extremely strictly, but those of you moms out there who are sending your kids to China to teach English have some cause for concern

Funny you mentioned this. I was walking through Guomao in Beijing today and saw the Wall Street English co.. Place was packed and I saw about 6 "foreigners" walking among the students.

Funny you mentioned this. I was walking through Guomao in Beijing today and saw the Wall Street English co.. Place was packed and I saw about 6 "foreigners" walking among the students.

Wall Street English is a high-profile company that has kept their foreign teachers on legal work permits for quite a number of years. So I doubt neither staff nor company has anything to hide from the authorities.

How will the new visa regulations effect multiple entry tourist visas? My partner is Chinese by birth but is now an Aussie citizen. We have both recieved multiple enty visas in the past and were told that this time we will more than likely get a 2 year multiple entry. I guess we may just need a letter from one of her family.

?? It never occurred to me to risk trying that (book a flight, print out details/receipts, then cancel). You're probably right, the risk that they would check is probably non-existent.

It's easily explained - once you buy your actual ticket you'll have that ("I needed to change my flight dates after applying for the visa") and same for hotel ("I decided to stay somewhere else for convenience").

The justifiable reason for this requirement is like most other countries - they want to make sure you'll leave (and have the means to), and that you have a place to stay and won't become a "homeless" person. Not saying that's the actual reason, but it's not an uncommon requirement.

An airline ticket is a bit trickier, because the fully refundable fares are usually expensive. That said, in a pinch plenty of airlines allow cancelation within 24 hours.

Hehheh. Book an Economy Flex on CX...cancel for free. Seems more like a means test (whether you've got enough cash to buy a ticket thru credit card, and then have the airfare remain as credit card balance cos CX takes 4-6 weeks to refund so you have to repay bank 1st) than anything else.

Honestly this is such a dumb decision on the PRC gov...

http://www.latimes.com/travel/deals/la-trb-china-new-visa-rules-20120817,0,47203.story

China is sending an unmistakeable signal that it doesn't want independent travelers, hence these rules that favor mass group tours where the arrangements and LOI come prepackaged. Whether this is a permanent shift back to the 1980's attitude or whether it's temporary due to the upcoming change in leadership and heightened level of paranoia/xenophobia, is unclear. But since essentially these same rules have been rolled out in various countries over the last 1.5 years (whether the country has p!ssed off the Chinese government or not), I'm inclined to go with permanent.

The F visa rules are also problematic if they are actually requiring a Ministry Letter of invite on top of a regular company/organizational letter. Previously, that little extra gem was required only of certain "suspect" nationalities such as Africans. Not to mention that F's are also the legal visa for a number of other purposes where it would be next to impossible to get a Ministry letter.

(Please, no need to post on the thread further smart-@ss posts about getting letters from the credentials-for-hire people on AliBaba and the like. I think the authorities are wise to that dodge and in some locations, Chinese missions are calling and back-checking numbers given on the letter/application. Not sure if they've reached this level in the US yet, though.)

In summary, we are entering new waters here--or re-entering old waters, depending on your viewpoint. I hope governments around the world are reciprocating with new regulations and restrictions for Chinese visa applicants. And I encourage those of you visa-less and with lukewarm discretionary plans about visiting China, to let them "go cold" and head elsewhere at least for the next year, until we see what shakes out of this internal power transfer.

(Please, no need to post on the thread further smart-@ss posts about getting letters from the credentials-for-hire people on AliBaba and the like. I think the authorities are wise to that dodge and in some locations, Chinese missions are calling and back-checking numbers given on the letter/application. Not sure if they've reached this level in the US yet, though.)


The latest round of taobao letters posted in this thread were invitations for really crappy visas... only of value to people holding passports that China gives a hard time, as a matter of routine.

That having been said, the visa agents here constantly rely on similar letters in order to work their magic (at very high prices, mind you). Furthermore, I purchased one myself in 2008, and WAS able to get a visa, albeit not a very good visa (6-month L). You're not buying the letter per se, but the services of someone who has good guanxi with a provincial government employee. Part of the deal is that the provincial government official is supporting your visa himself. When I did this drill, I sent a sample of the letter I was procuring to a visa agent in SF, and told me that it would absolutely get the job done.

But, this is a sidebar; nobody outside China should resort to buying letters unless they have unique circumstances (I did; needed to have an F visa during a time frame when F visas were very difficult to obtain). And, inside China, you're much better off paying big bucks for a visa agent to do your dirty work (you won't even know about the letter).

Regarding the mid/long term, I really don't see this current charade sticking to the wall because China's economic success post-1978 has been strongly predicated on international business; plus, inbound tourism is the difference between red and black for many hotels/airlines/restaurants. The low season is fast approaching, but conveniently won't hit until after the "100 days" are up.

I really don't see this current charade sticking to the wall because China's economic success post-1978 has been strongly predicated on international business; plus, inbound tourism is the difference between red and black for many hotels/airlines/restaurants. .

No more than political maneuvering of the 18th Congress.

Does anyone know whether multi-entry visas are still being issued? Mrs. PTravel and I can get an "invitation" letter from our friends or her parents. It will, however, be a pain to have to go through this every time we want to go visit.

Edited to add:

I've answered my own question. From the PRC's website:

The Chinese citizens' spouses and children with American nationality, as well as the Chinese American born in China (including Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau) and their spouses and children, are eligible to apply for a long-term valid "L" visa with multiple-entries. The applicant is required to provide an invitation letter from the relatives in China and copy of the official ID of the relative, and if applicable, marriage certificate, birth certificate and proof of filial relationship.

Looks like we're good, though we'll have to get an invitation letter.

A week ago I got a new 90-day multi-entry L visa without an issue. The new requirements were irritating--an airline itinerary (already purchased) and confirmed hotel reservation (only one night's worth!)--just to visit a friend (no "invitation" available, but I did supply an apartment address).

The warning of these changes came from a visa agent, so I complied and there was no problem getting the visa promptly.

A week ago I got a new 90-day multi-entry L visa without an issue. The new requirements were irritating--an airline itinerary (already purchased) and confirmed hotel reservation (only one night's worth!)--just to visit a friend (no "invitation" available, but I did supply an apartment address).

The warning of these changes came from a visa agent, so I complied and there was no problem getting the visa promptly.

Brian, could you share the agent and location you used? And did the agent say that only the first night's hotel reservation was needed?

ETA to echo moondog's comment below: We're hoping you meant to say: 12 month Multi-entry L with 90 days per duration of stay. A 90 day visa is a different animal and much lower on the food chain. :eek:

A week ago I got a new 90-day multi-entry L visa without an issue. The new requirements were irritating--an airline itinerary (already purchased) and confirmed hotel reservation (only one night's worth!)--just to visit a friend (no "invitation" available, but I did supply an apartment address).

The warning of these changes came from a visa agent, so I complied and there was no problem getting the visa promptly.

Do you mean "90 days per stay" over a 1-year period, or a 3-month visa? If the latter is the case, an email to Hilary or Gary Locke (after the dust settles in early October) might be in order.

Multi Entry 90 day duration?

Don't think that is offered.

Probably 12 month multi entry 90 day stay.

this should be the list:

number of entry
Single entry
double entry
6 month multi
12 month multi
24 month multi

Visa service was in San Francisco--visanetwork.com--that I have used on and off for ten years. Service is excellent--I think I had it in six days despite lack of a rush request. Saves flying to a consulate and getting a one-day rush visa!

I can't recall if the agent asked for more than a one day hotel reservation, but since I normally only do one day and then bus to a nearby city, that's all I had, and all I provided.

Sorry, I meant 90 day per stay, multi-entry for one year. I'm looking forward to a two-year option!

An individual entering China under a tourist visa is allowed to stay for 30 days.

Wall Street English is a high-profile company that has kept their foreign teachers on legal work permits for quite a number of years. So I doubt neither staff nor company has anything to hide from the authorities.

I was not questioning the the validity of the company, I was just pointing out I was walking by this organization the other day and it seemed to be doing a good business. I have no doubt the employees are not circumnavigating the law.

An individual entering China under a tourist visa is allowed to stay for 30 days.

Unless they ask for 60/90/120/150/180 days, and are approved.

Moondog, how do you ask for something more than a 90 day stay? Just put on your application that you are planning a (say) 110 day stay? Not sure that I could take 110 days without a break, but it sounds more versatile. I think my longest so far is 88 days. And is there really now a two-year visa?

Moondog, how do you ask for something more than a 90 day stay? Just put on your application that you are planning a (say) 110 day stay? Not sure that I could take 110 days without a break, but it sounds more versatile. I think my longest so far is 88 days. And is there really now a two-year visa?

It's basically a matter of negotiation, but you can generally bump the number by 30 days during each go around.

Sorry, I meant 90 day per stay, multi-entry for one year. I'm looking forward to a two-year option!

Thanks for clearing this up. Don't hold your breath on the second if you aren't ethnic Chinese or married to a citizen. Regardless of what moondog has been able to do.

An individual entering China under a tourist visa is allowed to stay for 30 days.

FLATLY NOT TRUE. I know of plenty of people who have received less time than this, 10 or 15 or 20 days. You're allowed to stay whatever is on your visa, and visa officers can put anything they want. There is nothing in Chinese law that says 30 days is a minimum. So please do not go making these absolutist statements on a public forum without being 100% rock solid on what you're talking about.


Unless they ask for 60/90/120/150/180 days, and are approved.

See above. One can ask for something and the following can happen:
1) You get what you ask for.
2) You get more than you ask for.
3) You get less than you ask for.
4) You get zilch and are denied completely.

Some applicants have better chances at getting what they want than others.

Moondog, how do you ask for something more than a 90 day stay? Just put on your application that you are planning a (say) 110 day stay? Not sure that I could take 110 days without a break, but it sounds more versatile. I think my longest so far is 88 days. And is there really now a two-year visa?

I was told after my last visa approval, a 1 year multiple entry with each stay up to 90 days, that next time I should try for a 2 year multi with 180 day limit. You just have to build up to these visas from my experience.

Thanks for clearing this up. Don't hold your breath on the second if you aren't ethnic Chinese or married to a citizen. Regardless of what moondog has been able to do.



FLATLY NOT TRUE. I know of plenty of people who have received less time than this, 10 or 15 or 20 days. You're allowed to stay whatever is on your visa, and visa officers can put anything they want. There is nothing in Chinese law that says 30 days is a minimum. So please do not go making these absolutist statements on a public forum without being 100% rock solid on what you're talking about.

<redacted>

When I was entering China as a Visitor using an L visa, the Officer stamped my passport at the Port of Entry with an entry stamp. No where on this entry stamp shows how long one is admitted until. furthermore, I always had a one year multiple entry visa issued to me. It certainly does not mean I could stay continually in China for one year. Also, a quite common situation, the officer never questioned me on my purpose or how long I was staying. It was not until i was talking to the Chinese consulate officer, who issued the visa, mentioned to me that I was allowed to remain in China for 30 days. granted, I never had to stay over thirty days and if things have changed, thank you for the information.

Two years ago, I moved to China and know I need to renew my Visa once a year. i know this because that is what the local immigration office told me.
i do not make these things up and take offense otherwise.

Unless they ask for 60/90/120/150/180 days, and are approved.

Is this a question you ask the Immigration Officer on your arrival and if so, just keep track of the days yourself since there is no paper document inserted into your passport stating a date?

Thanks.

See above. One can ask for something and the following can happen:
1) You get what you ask for.
2) You get more than you ask for.
3) You get less than you ask for.
4) You get zilch and are denied completely.


IME, if you don't ask, you won't receive, but the jump from 1 year to 2 years is such a big improvement that I'd be loath to shoot for >120 days/stay on the first go around.

<redacted>
<snip>

Two years ago, I moved to China and know I need to renew my Visa once a year. i know this because that is what the local immigration office told me.
i do not make these things up and take offense otherwise.

1) And I'm tired of having to correct misleading inaccuracies.
2) You're not being accused of making anything up, but you seem to be completely missing the point--that there are plenty of nationals of countries that do not necessarily get 30 days, even though it seems that's the defacto standard. And some of them read this forum. Sharing one's experience as one's experience is fine, but particularly if you hold a Western passport, it's quite a mistake to make definitive statements that assume that's the defacto standard for everybody....especially on something as critical as visas. And that is what you did.

Speaking of exceptions to the rule of 30 days: I've just been in touch today with Forever Bright agency in HK (one of the most reliable visa agents). And they did confirm and clarify what we've been getting anecdotal reports about:
US passport holders applying for new L visas are only getting single-entry, 15 days whether through them or directly going to Wanchai. But (big "but") this applies to persons who have had a previous Chinese visa extended in-country. Presumably an immediately expired L visa, not one that went invalid a year or more in the past. For the latter, FB says usually can get single entry 30 days, sometimes double entry x 30 days each.

F visas, can get 6 month multiple entry but only 30 days duration per stay. No invitation letter needed, just a business card with US company, US address and phone, and applicant's name. Cost is HKD 1500 for standard 4 day service, HKD 1800 for rush 2 day through them.

For other nationalities, there may be similar, more restrictive, or more generous offerings. Cost is usually lower since the basic fee for the visa is highest for US passport holders.

Just a data point

Last 4 L visas were 90 day stay, 1 year multiple.
This time I applied and asked for the same, but only got 60 day stay, even with 60+ night hotel reservation.

This was at SF using my trusted expeditor.

YMMV

Posters forget that this forum readers are not necessarily all American's.

I am currently on a "F" 1 year 90 day multi-entry visa as a Canadian with Japanese residency applying from Japan.

My wife has a "F" 2 year 180 day multi-entry visa as a Japanese with Canadian residency applying from Japan.

However my friend who is Canadian can only get "F" 30 day multi entry visa applying from HK.

While a fellow from Ghana only received a 15 day visa. In his case, it really didn't matter because he was already overstayed by 3 months when I met him and he had no intention of going of leaving the country.

An individual entering China under a tourist visa is allowed to stay for 30 days.

Oh?

As I write this I'm looking at my L visa. 60 days per entry and valid for 2 years. (Admittedly the latter is because my wife is China-born.)

Moondog, how do you ask for something more than a 90 day stay? Just put on your application that you are planning a (say) 110 day stay? Not sure that I could take 110 days without a break, but it sounds more versatile. I think my longest so far is 88 days. And is there really now a two-year visa?

Two year L visas exist, I have one. I only got it because my wife is China-born, though.

The max. # of days allowed to stay in China per entry is clearly printed on the actual visa (http://sydney.china-consulate.org/eng/lszj/qz/P020070524486292814256.pdf).

When I was entering China as a Visitor using an L visa, the Officer stamped my passport at the Port of Entry with an entry stamp. No where on this entry stamp shows how long one is admitted until. furthermore, I always had a one year multiple entry visa issued to me. It certainly does not mean I could stay continually in China for one year. Also, a quite common situation, the officer never questioned me on my purpose or how long I was staying. It was not until i was talking to the Chinese consulate officer, who issued the visa, mentioned to me that I was allowed to remain in China for 30 days. granted, I never had to stay over thirty days and if things have changed, thank you for the information.

Two years ago, I moved to China and know I need to renew my Visa once a year. i know this because that is what the local immigration office told me.
i do not make these things up and take offense otherwise.

Dropped off my passport at the Chinese Consulate early this week for my China visa; was asked for the airline ticket and my response was what ticket since i said it is a electronic ticket! So I was asked to bring my airline itinerary when I come pick up my passport today.

Today, I hande in my air itinerary when picked up my passport and paid the $140 painfully! They just asked if they can keep the itinerary and did not even look into it in details! Some bureaucracy it is!

So, to get a multi entry, 2 year visa, you have to write that in on the visa application form, under the "other" category? I was going to do that when I got my last one but was unsure whether a 2 year was available to the regular US citizen.

Also, I assume that a R/T ticket could simply be a RT ticket ICN-PEK-ICN or similar... not necessarily having to show departure from the US...? If I had to buy a ticket for show, I'd prefer to buy the cheapest one possible.

So, to get a multi entry, 2 year visa, you have to write that in on the visa application form, under the "other" category? I was going to do that when I got my last one but was unsure whether a 2 year was available to the regular US citizen.

2-year L is only offered to spouses of Chinese citizens or US citizens who were born in China.

2) Tourist Visa (L Visa)

http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/ywzn/lsyw/vpna/rap/t900567.htm

*An U.S. Citizen who was of Chinese origin and born in China and had obtained L visa at least twice in the past two years may apply for a multiple-entry L visa valid for two years.

* An U.S. citizen who was of Chinese origin or a Chinese citizen's American spouse or child, when applying for a multiple-entry L Visa valid for two years, should submit the relevant marriage certificate, birth certificate, proof of kinship and other documents required by the visa officer.

How to interpret this?

Do you have to be born in China or does Chinese origin ( I suppose that means ethinicity) alone also qualify?.

Thanks... guess I will continue to make my yearly contribution..

2) Tourist Visa (L Visa)

http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/ywzn/lsyw/vpna/rap/t900567.htm

*An U.S. Citizen who was of Chinese origin and born in China and had obtained L visa at least twice in the past two years may apply for a multiple-entry L visa valid for two years.

* An U.S. citizen who was of Chinese origin or a Chinese citizen's American spouse or child, when applying for a multiple-entry L Visa valid for two years, should submit the relevant marriage certificate, birth certificate, proof of kinship and other documents required by the visa officer.

How to interpret this?

Do you have to be born in China or does Chinese origin ( I suppose that means ethinicity) alone also qualify?.

Have to be born in China (including Hong Kong, Macau, & Taiwan.)

So, to get a multi entry, 2 year visa, you have to write that in on the visa application form, under the "other" category? I was going to do that when I got my last one but was unsure whether a 2 year was available to the regular US citizen.

Also, I assume that a R/T ticket could simply be a RT ticket ICN-PEK-ICN or similar... not necessarily having to show departure from the US...? If I had to buy a ticket for show, I'd prefer to buy the cheapest one possible.

Yes and yes for both questions.

When I was entering China as a Visitor using an L visa, the Officer stamped my passport at the Port of Entry with an entry stamp. No where on this entry stamp shows how long one is admitted until. furthermore, I always had a one year multiple entry visa issued to me. It certainly does not mean I could stay continually in China for one year. Also, a quite common situation, the officer never questioned me on my purpose or how long I was staying. It was not until i was talking to the Chinese consulate officer, who issued the visa, mentioned to me that I was allowed to remain in China for 30 days. granted, I never had to stay over thirty days and if things have changed, thank you for the information.



the stamp itself doesn't say how long you can stay in china - but the visa itself clearly does! It states the maximum number of days you can stay. Every time you enter china you need to enter your visa number onto the arrival form - every time you would see the time you are allowed to stay!

You certainly can get less than 30 days. I got given 20 days one time for a 6 month multi entry (non USA passport mind you).

(edited to add apologies to rdchen as I see you posted this answer already above! I didn't see it before posting my reply)

...You certainly can get less than 30 days. I got given 20 days one time for a 6 month multi entry (non USA passport mind you)....
The shortest period of stay I have seen so far is 7 days. (For my Indonesian domestic helper in Macau on a 6 months multiple). I myself as a Macau resident get 30 days on a 1 year visa.

2-year L is only offered to spouses of Chinese citizens or US citizens who were born in China.

I got a 2-year L despite being neither of these.

She's China-born but now a US citizen.

I got a 2-year L despite being neither of these.

She's China-born but now a US citizen.

The "China born" aspect is all that matters, and even that is at issue; if my surname was "Wang", I'm pretty sure I could score a 2-year L.

But, those of us who aren't Chinese or married to Chinese people still have the F option, which really isn't that hard... as long as you deal with DC, Houston, LA, or Chicago. Anyone who's interested should feel free to email me; while I don't have the connections to pull off those official government letters that are being sold on Taobao, my own (small, but legally compliant) company can provide letters, and I also have access to many big companies (on this front, I'll only make introductions; i.e. if you want an invite from CITIC, be prepared to pay a "fee" to their pointman). But, if you don't have a recent F visa to show the officials, there's not much point in trying.

The "China born" aspect is all that matters, and even that is at issue; if my surname was "Wang", I'm pretty sure I could score a 2-year L.

.

So now its based on ethnicity not birth place?

Maybe with chinese surname that qualifies under family
reunification.

Quite complicated.

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Doubt if surname matters - my brother's two kids were born to two Chinese citizen/HK permanent residents in Australia; they are not and never have been considered as Chinese citizens as far as either the Guangdong PSB or HK immigration dept are concerned; doubt they get concessions for L visas in their Australian passports if they asked for it.

I think it has to do with family reunification.
So an ethnic chinese person can get 2 year or spouse of
ethnic chinese also qualifies. Doesn't matter if the ethnic chinese
are citizens of china or born in china as long as they are
ethnic chinese.

Sounds like a chinese puzzle.:D

I forgot to add that if your spouses (US citizens) were born in China, then you can also apply for 2-year L. Here is the actual language used by the Consulate

中国公民的外籍配偶、子女，以及所持护照的出生地为中国（含台、港、澳地区）的美籍华人及其配偶、子女，可 申办长期有效、多次入境商务、访问签证。

Noticed that it no longer says 2-year, but rather long-term, which could indicate the possibility of 5-year visa in the near future.

I got a 2-year L despite being neither of these.

She's China-born but now a US citizen.

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Doubt if surname matters - my brother's two kids were born to two Chinese citizen/HK permanent residents in Australia; they are not and never have been considered as Chinese citizens as far as either the Guangdong PSB or HK immigration dept are concerned; doubt they get concessions for L visas in their Australian passports if they asked for it.

Ranking of foreign passports for visa purposes in the eyes of China (subjective, of course):

1) San Marino (small population of rich people --> good test case for visa free entry)
2) Singapore (ditto)
3) HK (this is tricky because tensions remain, but since HK is "part of China", conveniences are afforded)
4) Japan
5) Korea
6) Taiwan
7) USA (highest priority among non-Asian nations due to economic ties and decent foreign relations; high visa fees, but good visas)
8) EU
9) Canada
10) South America
11) Australia
12) UK (repeated snafus that date back 150 years)
13) Africa
14) Mid East

The max. # of days allowed to stay in China per entry is clearly printed on the actual visa (http://sydney.china-consulate.org/eng/lszj/qz/P020070524486292814256.pdf).

Thank you. It has been three plus years since I had a visitor's visa issued to me and I had to check my old passport. Sure enough, it states a date.

I am sorry to "rub" anyone the wrong way.

The "China born" aspect is all that matters, and even that is at issue; if my surname was "Wang", I'm pretty sure I could score a 2-year L.



Sorry! Surname is not part of the formula. Just want to add another data point.

I am US born, and I got a multi-entry 2-yr L at Houston consulate. I qualify because at least one of my parents is HKSAR passport holder (and therefore Chinese). And I need to show those proofs.

Not because I look Chinese or have a Chinese last name or I can speak (horrible) Putonghua.

Any updates on folks getting 2 year tourist visas (eg PRC parents)? Last I recall only a handful of US consulates gave these out. I know SF did not.

They do now.

Any updates on folks getting 2 year tourist visas (eg PRC parents)? Last I recall only a handful of US consulates gave these out. I know SF did not.

Any updates on folks getting 2 year tourist visas (eg PRC parents)? Last I recall only a handful of US consulates gave these out. I know SF did not.

Ours came from Houston.

Any updates on folks getting 2 year tourist visas (eg PRC parents)? Last I recall only a handful of US consulates gave these out. I know SF did not.

I just got a 2 year multiple visa with 30 days stay in SF.

Glad I got my multiple entry visa now, I never do group tourism ;)

oh and I got 60 day stay as well.

Ours came from Houston.

Houston is generous, I didn't even request the multiple entry and got it :)

Glad I got my multiple entry visa now, I never do group tourism ;)

oh and I got 60 day stay as well.

I agree with you regarding group travel. I went to Chicago July 25th and they warned me about the new requirements but said they would let things pass for this time only. Got a 1yr multiple entry 90day visa.

Not a huge issue because if they would not grant the visa, I would spend extra time in other SE asia countries..... had a great time (3 weeks) in Myanmar in March 2011.... all independent travel. Going to my last remaining country in that area (Laos) after China.

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On Chinese embassy' website: "...*The Chinese citizens' spouses and children with American nationality, as well as the Chinese American born in China (including Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau) and their spouses and children, are eligible to apply for a long-term valid "F" "L" visa with multiple-entries..."

What dose long-term with miltiple-entries mean here? Longer than a 2-year visa?

Just a note for those reading about the new tourist visa requirements.

If you are travelling with multiple people in your group (really any more than 1)..be sure to have the other peoples names on the hotel reservation(s) when you submit. It's not good enough to have John Doe on the reservation and assume that Jane Doe will be covered by that. Every name of whoever is staying in that hotel room has to be on the printed reservation that you submit. Perhaps obvious to most people, but just an FYI.

ETA - the above is a data point based on a Visa application I made to the Chicago office. 3 people sharing a hotel room (suite). Everyone had to have their name on the printed hotel reservations.

I am a US citizen who has had multi-entry, 1 yrs visas to China for the last three years. I am about to send away for another visa (for November travel to China)

If I send the airline/hotel information for that first trip, am I likely to receive another multi-entry, 1 yrs visa again?

Any suggestions are appreciated.