Originally Posted by
gordondd9
Many thanks. Seems there is sufficient confusion from information as Haianan indicates you can secure VISA on arriva (unclear even between groups and individuals)l;
http://www.hainan.gov.cn/code/V3/en/...0Arrival.html#
I have spoken to one person who recalls doing this, more in error than planning but was curious if anyone had planned to do VISA upon arrival in Hainan and it worked as planned?....or simply far safer to secure VISA in advance and not worry.
The first provision of the link you provided is applicable to US passport holders traveling as part of an authorized group of 5 or more people, organized by a Hainan travel agent.
The second provision which does not have a tour group requirement, is where I've heard of some dispensation on VOA for nationals of certain countries. However, I haven't heard of this being given to US passport holders. USA citizens are often excluded from these exceptions to visa rules, similar to not being able to use the Shenzhen limited 5-day VOA given at Lowu Border, or the 7-day transit VOA given at Dalian.
ETA: After reading your original routing, you definitely need the visa. Your destination is in the PRC (Hainan), so transit without visa doesn't apply to you. Incoming immigration will be at CAN.