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Note that posts made prior to 1 July 2013 have been archived, but are still available for reference at China Visa / Visas Master Thread (ARCHIVED).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)
Feb 12, 2015, 3:29 am
#646
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Germany
Posts: 1,244
Now we have to get a invitation from her parents, I have to write a new visa application and someone have to drive to the agency again
Feb 12, 2015, 4:41 am
#647
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 353
Doesn't work, official visa agency refused to accept a invitation from my wife because she live with me in germany and not in china, even she is still holding her chinese citizenship and ID card.
Now we have to get a invitation from her parents, I have to write a new visa application and someone have to drive to the agency again
Now we have to get a invitation from her parents, I have to write a new visa application and someone have to drive to the agency again
And you´re the first one I´ve heard about who had this problems.
Feb 17, 2015, 2:41 am
#649
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: monster holland
Programs: BA gold, IB platinum, TK gold, KLM Silver, EK, HHonours Silver, Scandic 2nd floor
Posts: 24
hello all
probably asked a million times already, i am flying sunday 22nd feb first to icn and on 27th on to hkg but i need to go to shenzhen on 28th, and i was just refused a visa in holland since there was not enough time they close for holidays... this is last minute business trip and i need to go.
it is safe to assume i can get visa for shenzhen in hong kong? anybody a good tip on how to do it or for an agency who can arrange?
thanks in advance for any help!
rgds
dutchie _226
passport netherlands
probably asked a million times already, i am flying sunday 22nd feb first to icn and on 27th on to hkg but i need to go to shenzhen on 28th, and i was just refused a visa in holland since there was not enough time they close for holidays... this is last minute business trip and i need to go.
it is safe to assume i can get visa for shenzhen in hong kong? anybody a good tip on how to do it or for an agency who can arrange?
thanks in advance for any help!
rgds
dutchie _226
passport netherlands
Feb 17, 2015, 2:54 am
#650
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 3,099
If you're travelling only to Shenzhen for not more than five days, you should be able to get a five-day Shenzhen-only visa on arrival with a Dutch passport at Luohu immigration. Cross the bridge after exiting Hong Kong then head up the stairs to your left. The visa office opens at 9am; buy some RMB in HK beforehand for the fee.
Feb 17, 2015, 4:22 am
#651
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 42,058
If you're travelling only to Shenzhen for not more than five days, you should be able to get a five-day Shenzhen-only visa on arrival with a Dutch passport at Luohu immigration. Cross the bridge after exiting Hong Kong then head up the stairs to your left. The visa office opens at 9am; buy some RMB in HK beforehand for the fee.
Feb 27, 2015, 7:14 pm
#652
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 176
any tips for the best affordable service to use? Im in Rhode Island, travelling in late june. I wont be able to do this until I get back from New Zealand in April. Thinking about using this service: http://alliedpassport.com/visas/china.php
thanks
thanks
Mar 4, 2015, 11:08 pm
#653
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,417
You need a service that has an office near the Chinese consulate that is responsible for your state. For example, if your residence means that you are assigned to the Chicago consulate, your visa cannot be processed in NYC.
Mar 5, 2015, 12:58 am
#654
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 42,058
Not necessarily. Agencies with sufficient 关系 can get around the jurisdictional requirement pretty easily. (Of course, this is a point I would clarify before shipping off my passport.)
Mar 7, 2015, 11:13 pm
#656
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 176
yeah I need one for the NY office, my friend needs one for the Houston office
Mar 9, 2015, 8:28 am
#657
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,417
Mar 9, 2015, 10:03 am
#658
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 42,058
Mar 9, 2015, 1:54 pm
#659
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,417
Mar 9, 2015, 3:33 pm
#660
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Southeast USA
Programs: various
Posts: 6,710
I'm sorry, but I have to contradict you on this. Houston Consulate absolutely requires proof of address within its Consular district, in order to process a visa application. Regardless of how much guanxi the agent has. The current Consular section policy on this is immovable, and it's been the policy in Houston for at least 2 years. It's not a big deal to provide a photocopy of a driver's license, utility bill, or any other sort of reasonable proof.