Jun 4, 2013, 2:02 pm
Last edit by: mnbp
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Visa Information for the People's Republic of China (PRC, Mainland China)
Important: China's visa terms and conditions changed effective 12 Nov 2014 as far as duration, and 1 July 2013 for requirements and procedures. Do not rely on information posted prior to that date.
Note new FT thread regarding up to ten year visa duration: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/china...ov-2014-a.html
The PRC allows certain foreigners to transit China without a visa if they will be exiting the country within 24, 72 or 144 hours provided various other conditions are met. Please see the separate China 24, 72, and 144 hour Transit Without Visa ("TWOV") rules master thread and Wikipost for detailed rules and discussion.
The best source of current visa and travel document requirements is IATA'S TIMATIC, as that is what the airlines rely upon to determine whether they will permit you to fly. Star Alliance provides a free, easy-to-use TIMATIC tool to help you identify your exact requirements based on nationality, residency and specific itinerary. The SkyTeam alliance website contains a link which also allows you free use of TIMATIC, including good printouts of the information.
Note that posts made prior to 1 July 2013 have been archived, but are still available for reference at China Visa / Visas Master Thread (ARCHIVED). The old FAQ: Visa-Free Transit / TWOV thread is also closed but available for reference.
China Forum Ambassadors: moondog----------anacapamalibu----------jiejie----------mnredfox
(lower right wiki corner).Visa Information for the People's Republic of China (PRC, Mainland China)
Main source: Visa Page - Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the United States of America (external website)
Important: China's visa terms and conditions changed effective 12 Nov 2014 as far as duration, and 1 July 2013 for requirements and procedures. Do not rely on information posted prior to that date.
Note new FT thread regarding up to ten year visa duration: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/china...ov-2014-a.html
The PRC allows certain foreigners to transit China without a visa if they will be exiting the country within 24, 72 or 144 hours provided various other conditions are met. Please see the separate China 24, 72, and 144 hour Transit Without Visa ("TWOV") rules master thread and Wikipost for detailed rules and discussion.
The best source of current visa and travel document requirements is IATA'S TIMATIC, as that is what the airlines rely upon to determine whether they will permit you to fly. Star Alliance provides a free, easy-to-use TIMATIC tool to help you identify your exact requirements based on nationality, residency and specific itinerary. The SkyTeam alliance website contains a link which also allows you free use of TIMATIC, including good printouts of the information.
Note that posts made prior to 1 July 2013 have been archived, but are still available for reference at China Visa / Visas Master Thread (ARCHIVED). The old FAQ: Visa-Free Transit / TWOV thread is also closed but available for reference.
China Forum Ambassadors: moondog----------anacapamalibu----------jiejie----------mnredfox
China Visa / Visas Master Thread (all you need to know)
Jul 11, 2015, 9:13 am
#886
Join Date: Oct 2007
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Jul 11, 2015, 9:40 am
#887
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 42,041
Jul 11, 2015, 9:47 pm
#889
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Southeast USA
Programs: various
Posts: 6,710
Sorry for lack of clarity, but I was talking about what she actually does in real-time on the trip, and not the visa application. For the tourist visa application, she just needs to do the typical filling in of a simple itinerary (cities) in the field where asked, check box for the tourist visa as purpose of visit, tick the occupation box for "company employee" or "business person" and then also hand in the plane ticket confirmations and some hotel bookings. Of course no further written details needed nor any mention of business activities.
Jul 11, 2015, 10:27 pm
#890
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 42,041
Sorry for lack of clarity, but I was talking about what she actually does in real-time on the trip, and not the visa application. For the tourist visa application, she just needs to do the typical filling in of a simple itinerary (cities) in the field where asked, check box for the tourist visa as purpose of visit, tick the occupation box for "company employee" or "business person" and then also hand in the plane ticket confirmations and some hotel bookings. Of course no further written details needed nor any mention of business activities.
Jul 15, 2015, 10:56 pm
#891
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 889
Can an Oregonian Apply in LA or DC?
The various web sites indicate which office a resident should use when applying for a visa. My question is whether that is a hard and fast rule or if they would accept an application in LA or DC for someone from Oregon (the office I'm supposed to use is SF)?
I ask because I'll be in each of these cities and could drop the application off myself but if I'm not planning any trips to SF and would then need to use a service and pay their fee.
Does anyone know if what happens if you use one of the locations other than the one they say you are supposed to?
I ask because I'll be in each of these cities and could drop the application off myself but if I'm not planning any trips to SF and would then need to use a service and pay their fee.
Does anyone know if what happens if you use one of the locations other than the one they say you are supposed to?
Jul 17, 2015, 7:18 am
#892
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,653
Have you seen the number of tour busses from Hong Kong in Dongguan? Dongguan is famous for it's golf.
Jul 17, 2015, 9:33 pm
#893
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Southeast USA
Programs: various
Posts: 6,710
The various web sites indicate which office a resident should use when applying for a visa. My question is whether that is a hard and fast rule or if they would accept an application in LA or DC for someone from Oregon (the office I'm supposed to use is SF)?
I ask because I'll be in each of these cities and could drop the application off myself but if I'm not planning any trips to SF and would then need to use a service and pay their fee.
Does anyone know if what happens if you use one of the locations other than the one they say you are supposed to?
I ask because I'll be in each of these cities and could drop the application off myself but if I'm not planning any trips to SF and would then need to use a service and pay their fee.
Does anyone know if what happens if you use one of the locations other than the one they say you are supposed to?
Jul 18, 2015, 8:33 pm
#894
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Join Date: May 2002
Location: NC
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Most jurisdictions are stricter than they used to be on not crossing assigned geographic lines any more, and some will reject an application from outside their district. I have heard LA Consulate will consider processing tourist visa applications from northern California but not other types, and not sure about those from other states. However, if you live in the SF Consular District, you have a decent option for an agent/service: www.freechinavisa.org which isn't free, but is remarkably low cost ($20) and provides reputable service. I strongly suggest you consider using them and not waste time dealing with parking and queuing at the LA Consulate or DC Embassy. "Dropping off" the visa application is not quite as carefree as you make it sound.
Jul 18, 2015, 9:15 pm
#895
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Location: Shanghai
Posts: 42,041
Jul 24, 2015, 8:45 pm
#896
Join Date: Jan 2011
Programs: BAEC GGL/CCR, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 395
Does anyone have any current information about the 5 day Visa on Arrival at Shenzhen for British passport holders?
I'm a British passport holder visiting Hong Kong. Looking to just enter for one day.
From what I understand it's possible (at a price) but I keep reading that the situation on this is fluid so would really appreciate any current info if available.
I'm a British passport holder visiting Hong Kong. Looking to just enter for one day.
From what I understand it's possible (at a price) but I keep reading that the situation on this is fluid so would really appreciate any current info if available.
Jul 25, 2015, 8:16 am
#897
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Southeast USA
Programs: various
Posts: 6,710
Does anyone have any current information about the 5 day Visa on Arrival at Shenzhen for British passport holders?
I'm a British passport holder visiting Hong Kong. Looking to just enter for one day.
From what I understand it's possible (at a price) but I keep reading that the situation on this is fluid so would really appreciate any current info if available.
I'm a British passport holder visiting Hong Kong. Looking to just enter for one day.
From what I understand it's possible (at a price) but I keep reading that the situation on this is fluid so would really appreciate any current info if available.
http://www.olinorwell.com/how-to-vis...rom-hong-kong/
Jul 25, 2015, 2:29 pm
#898
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 353
Jul 25, 2015, 6:25 pm
#899
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Southeast USA
Programs: various
Posts: 6,710
Ah, seems you are correct, though Luohu has the longest hours of availability. Seems that the special Shenzhen visa on arrival office hours are
Luohu 09:00-22:30
Fuyong 08:30-17:30
Shekou and Huanggang have morning hours roughly 09:00-12:30/13:00, then close and reopen for afternoon hours 14:30-17:00/17:30.
Luohu 09:00-22:30
Fuyong 08:30-17:30
Shekou and Huanggang have morning hours roughly 09:00-12:30/13:00, then close and reopen for afternoon hours 14:30-17:00/17:30.