Unless asking for something special, I've found that a copy of just the most recent visa is enough.

Here's perhaps an unusual question:

Partner and I are headed to Asia via Europe in October. Our return home in early March 2016 would require a Chinese visa as the container ship stops in Yantian (en route from H.K.). We would also like to visit China on a tour before hand (probably in February 2016).

Can we apply in H.K. or would this be complicated by having to apply twice?

We have a chance to get Chinese visas in our home town in July but wonder if this would be too early?

What's your nationality? If American or Canadian you should be able to get 10-year multiple-entry visas.

Hong Kong may be possible, but policies change and February's a long way off policy-wise. Again, some nationalities have an easier time getting a visa in HK than others.

The frequent visitor entry is technically for the life of the passport - however you won't be able to use it past a certain cut off date... I got pulled up as I only had three months of my passport left, but I was entitled to 6 months in HK, so I couldn't use it.

Requalification seems to be 'rolling'... as long as you have met the requirements in the previous 12 months, or have an eligible FF card, they'll issue a new one.

Thanks for the post. I do remember that they said it was life of the passport. I'm in HK again next week so it will count towards my rolling qualification for next year. I will probably need to carry my expired passport along with my new one for a while anyway.

Can't you qualify based on your FF status?

Is AA part of the program with their flights to HK. That would work

Not yet.

Canadian, but our passports expire in a 1.5 years. Wife's Austrian passport has over 7 years to go however. Not sure if they will giver her a visa in her Austrian passport in Canada.

I understood it was only U.S. citizens who had trouble getting a visa in H.K. I fired off a question to the visa office in Vancouver so hope to hear back soon.

You will not get a Chinese visa for an Australian passport unless she is a resident. If she has her PR card then it will be fine. (been through this already with my Australian girlfriend). But her visa may not be long enough for March next year. Then HK is a good option.

There is a difference between Austrian and Australian :p

Just to update for a data point- I renewed my US passport (only took 4 days when paying for expedited service, which I was amazed with) and applied for a ten year tourist Visa through CVSC. Sent everything overnight to CVSC on 5/21 and had my passport and visa in hand yesterday on 6/2.

Got a 10 year visa with max stay of 60 days.

Thanks for the info, moondog!

Hi this might have been mentioned here before, but Canadians are currently getting 10 year visas or up to expiry of passport?

Also they tell u that you usually have to be applying at your country where you are resident have a resident visa or Canada.. Im living in singapore but i dont have a resident visa and they said it would be up to consular approval... so has anyone has similar experiences? applying in a country where they are only tourists ?

Canadian get a valid visa for the duration of their passport, max 10 years if you have a brand new Canadian passport.

This is what I was able to get in Canada after my passport renewal.

Hi guys. I'm planning to fly back to the U.S. in late June, and while I'm there I'm hoping to finally get a new Chinese visa in my U.S. passport. I have a couple of questions:

(1) Should I go it alone? I've applied for my visa in Manila (in my Philippine passport) without going through an agency.
(2) I'm planning to apply in LA (I have family there and can pass off with a SoCal address). Their website says I can pick up my passport on the fourth business day, but is this really the case? I'm planning to apply on June 25th, and I'm planning to fly back to Manila on July 3rd.

Would love to hear what you guys think! :)