This isn't about me, but rather about a friends friend (I got ask by him, if I know more about it, which I don't, that's why I've come here to ask)

He managed to aquire a EU passport* (legally, given he lives here long time, perfect language skills etc.), while not giving back his Chinese passport.

While this is, from what I know, absolutely OK for the european country he got the new passport, the Chinese system still does not allow to have a second nationality. Well, as we all know this might change in the next couple decades, and given that China will grow stronger he is very keen on keeping the Chinese nationality.

Now, he is planing on a trip to China and has some questions about the process.

Shall he apply for a Chinese visa for his EU passport? I assume the Chinese will always do a double-check for "chinese" looking pax if they handed in their chinese citizenship when someone does so? So, that would be a no-no then? Or do they not bother with it?

The other idea was he just travels to China showing his Chinese Passport at exit in the EU, which should let him out of EU without any problems, and at entry into China he can just go ahead with his Chinese passport.

But, for the return to EU, he would have to show a legal exit form, which would be only his EU passport, as his Chinese passport doesn't have a valid EU visa anymore since months (since he aquired EU passport)

So, what would the best way for him to solve this be? Anyone made some experience? Maybe is there a loophole travelling over HK or something? (Money is NOT really a big issue, of course the cheapest working solution would be best)


*=of course it's from one specific EU country, it just doesn't matter