Originally Posted by
richardinmotion
I'm visiting China for the first time in March. I'm a US citizen. I have a 20 hour layover in Beijing on the way, then 5 days in Shanghai, then a 20 hour layover in Beijing on the way back home. I plan on going into Beijing both times.
I understand that I need a multiple entry L visa.
I'm looking at the visa service company's website, and besides airplane and hotel reservations, they are also asking for an invitation letter. How do I get that?
Is an Expedia reservation (without buying) sufficient for the hotel itinerary?
Lastly, who are you people using for a service? Seems like they all want $49 plus $26 for FEDEX, which is fine. Is one better than the others?
Thanks.
1) If you are flying to Beijing, going to Shanghai, and then going back to Beijing to return home, this is all inside China and could be done on a single-entry visa, though as a US citizen, you'd be silly not to get a 12 month multiple entry for the same price. Since I see no routing mentioning that you are leaving the PRC, say, to go to Hong Kong, transit does not apply to you and once you are processed in to regular immigration queues at PEK, you can stay for however many hours you want in either direction. Exit immigration will be in PEK and in between, go anywhere you want for up to the duration of stay you receive.
2) You are misunderstanding the support document requirements. There are three different ways to get a tourist visa: 1) letter and itinerary from a tour company, typical for those going on group tours. 2) letter of invitation from a resident of China, with copy of their ID, typical for those with prior long time in China and friends there, or 3) air tickets and hotel bookings. This is the most common method for independent tourists. Method #3 does not require a letter of invitation. Method #2 does not require the air tickets or hotel bookings.
3) Yes, Expedia or other booking agent reservation is fine. No need for the reservation to be prepaid (and best if you avoid prepayment!). Once you actually get the visa, you can cancel or change bookings and even change your entire itinerary and transport in/out. You're not under any obligation to actually follow what you put on the visa application, and nobody will check once you get to China, enter and travel around.
4) Some visa agents are more reliable than others. I can speak from personal experience about
www.mychinavisa.com who I've used for a number of years. Those fees look about right for them, though there are some others that are cheaper. You must now apply to the Chinese mission that covers your geographic residence (or whatever address you produce for your application). Best to deal with an agent that works with the relevant Consulate you must use. You might find an agent that has a bit cheaper rates, but don't go for the low ball unless it comes with some good reviews and recommendations. And use an agent that has a lot of experience dealing with the Chinese missions.