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Note that posts made prior to 1 July 2013 have been archived, but are still available for reference at China Visa / Visas Master Thread (ARCHIVED).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)
Jun 12, 2015, 4:44 pm
#841
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: Marriott Plat, Hilton Gold, UA Silver
Posts: 2,272
None of us have intended to scare you into doing anything crazy (shenzhen plan qualifies as such).
-Stick with your hk itin
-You will almost certainly get a visa based on your hk tickets
-The "ticket to the PRC" strategy was only suggested as a means to remove all possible doubt in the (extremely) unlikely event you encounter a difficult visa processing officer
-Stick with your hk itin
-You will almost certainly get a visa based on your hk tickets
-The "ticket to the PRC" strategy was only suggested as a means to remove all possible doubt in the (extremely) unlikely event you encounter a difficult visa processing officer
Is it a mistake to fly to/from Shenzhen? I was considering it because the flights to Beijing seem much cheaper there and the flight back from Shanghai as well. Is it not worth the hassle and best just to use the hong kong airport when flying in and out?
Jun 12, 2015, 5:27 pm
#842
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 3,097
There are more-or-less direct buses from HK to/from Shenzhen Airport, so it's not that difficult to reach, though of course it's a bit more of a hassle than using Chek Lap Kok. Different folks have differet tolerances for this, but I like saving money, so it doesn't bother me. Also, the interior of the new Shenzhen airport is pretty dramatic, so if you have any intererst in modern architecture, that alone makes the trip worthwhile.
But avoid flights leaving Shenzhen in the early morning or arriving late at night, since connections with HK can be cumbersome at those hours.
But avoid flights leaving Shenzhen in the early morning or arriving late at night, since connections with HK can be cumbersome at those hours.
Jun 13, 2015, 4:54 pm
#843
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: China and Canada
Posts: 1,886
I find that the price difference between HK and Shenzhen is often not enough for me to go trough all the trouble of flying from Shenzhen. I am talking here of the Shanghai flights with Spring. Don't know of discount airlines for Beijing though.
Jun 13, 2015, 4:57 pm
#844
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: Marriott Plat, Hilton Gold, UA Silver
Posts: 2,272
A poster pointed out that may be able to use my BA miles to get a reward from Guilin to Hong kong. For 4500 avios I'd take that in a heartbeat.
Jun 14, 2015, 10:33 am
#845
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: China and Canada
Posts: 1,886
I'll keep an eye on the other thread on how you do on this. Would be nice if I can use some of my 600,000 Avios points for domestic flights in China. I never thought about this option.
Jun 14, 2015, 5:44 pm
#846
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 42,009
Jun 15, 2015, 2:08 pm
#850
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: Marriott Plat, Hilton Gold, UA Silver
Posts: 2,272
Jun 15, 2015, 6:49 pm
#851
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 42,009
Photo copies of passport info page, previous PRC visas, and proof of residence. They have a copy machine there but having everything prepared in advance will save a few minutes. I also recommend using acrobat to fill out the application (better than hand printing). And, don't forget to include photos.
Jun 15, 2015, 7:02 pm
#852
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: Marriott Plat, Hilton Gold, UA Silver
Posts: 2,272
Photo copies of passport info page, previous PRC visas, and proof of residence. They have a copy machine there but having everything prepared in advance will save a few minutes. I also recommend using acrobat to fill out the application (better than hand printing). And, don't forget to include photos.
Jun 15, 2015, 7:09 pm
#854
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: Marriott Plat, Hilton Gold, UA Silver
Posts: 2,272
Yes all the instructions I have seen say one and I only have one. To get more I will have to go get additional photos taken, not something I was planning on at last minute.
Jun 16, 2015, 12:20 pm
#855
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: Marriott Plat, Hilton Gold, UA Silver
Posts: 2,272
Filed my application for a visa at NY consulate and it took 1 hour and 45 minutes. I used the Hong Kong airline tickets to show my flights and she questioned me specifically about how I was going from Hong Kong to China. I told her train and she just nodded her head and gave me the receipt. If there is a problem with your visa paperwork would they tell you right away or could I show up the day before my flight and have them deny me? Also, for the NY Consulate at least, how long does it take to pick up the visa? I know they were waiving people doing pickups inside, instead of having them wait in line with everyone else. They want me to come back on a very busy day for me to pick up the visa. According to the ticket the office closes at 2:30pm. If I get there at like 2pm and am waiting inside will they see everyone who is inside before the deadline or at 2:30 do they kick everyone out?