China visa
Mar 16, 2009 | 4:41 pm
#16
Ambassador: China
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Malibu Inferno Ground Zero
Programs: UA AA CO
Posts: 4,836
Mar 16, 2009 | 8:41 pm
#17
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: MSP
Programs: LH, DL
Posts: 1,757
When I went to Beijing in Dec. 2006, I got a single entry visa for $50. I find $130 for a six month, or even one year visa, even with multiple entries to be a bit high. I have a ten year multiple entry visa to India for $125. I would be willing to pay even $150 or $200 for a ten year visa. Chinese paranoia will probably never allow them to issue a ten year visa.
With regards to China, as anacapamalibu states, good luck. The best I could do this past year (with a number of chinese visas in the passport) was a 1 year F multiple entry with 30 day stay (didn't even try the 60 - next time?). A 2 year L might also be feasible, though I've never tried that either.
Plus China is far more paranoid about foreigners and kind of or pretending to keep track of them than is India, for better or worse... Registering at PSB stations etc.
Mar 21, 2009 | 3:15 pm
#21
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Tri-State Area
Posts: 4,728
In NYC, you bring in passport, picture and application in the morning. Usually 3-5 days but for a few extra dollars you can pick up next day.
Btw, looks like 2 yr tourist visa no longer available. My 2 yr expired and they would give me a one yr - and I am ABC.
Btw, looks like 2 yr tourist visa no longer available. My 2 yr expired and they would give me a one yr - and I am ABC.
Mar 21, 2009 | 3:18 pm
#22
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: HH Diamond, Marriott, IHG, Hyatt something
Posts: 34,507
Time to get a visa
I just got a 1 year Biz visa this week, using Cindy in Houston. Normal processing was 4 business days. I had my passport back in my hands a week after sending it off.
Mar 21, 2009 | 3:35 pm
#23
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: CLE
Programs: UA Gold, HH Diamond, Marriott Gold
Posts: 3,717
expediters??
I'd appreciate names of expediters for the visa. I'm in MEM and according to the website, have to use Washington DC embassy. I've used one a couple of times. When I used them on my own, the service was OK (hard to reach the person taking care of my visa, etc--on the other hand, they did catch a mistake on the visa and had the visa reissued). When I used them through an upscale travel company, they were wonderful--returning my phone calls. But, they are pricey.
My traveling companion is in Cleveland, but he is going to be in NYC and so can get one then, if the consulate will issue it quickly.
My traveling companion is in Cleveland, but he is going to be in NYC and so can get one then, if the consulate will issue it quickly.
Mar 22, 2009 | 11:47 am
#25
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Tri-State Area
Posts: 4,728
NYC - expedited service is available by paying more. Drop off in morning pick up next day. Helps to bring along a ticket (ask your TA to dummy one up for you) that shows travel the following week!
Mar 23, 2009 | 3:25 am
#27
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Watchlisted by the prejudiced, en route to purgatory
Programs: Just Say No to Fleecing and Blacklisting
Posts: 102,077
There is same day service for a premium.
When not in the US, I usually get same day service at many Chinese consulates/embassies in Europe and South America and there's more often than not a premium charge for it.
Six-months multiple entry visas haven't been a problem for me as of late -- a huge improvement over double-entry visas that were often the norm IME in 2006 and 2007 and part of 2008.
When not in the US, I usually get same day service at many Chinese consulates/embassies in Europe and South America and there's more often than not a premium charge for it.
Six-months multiple entry visas haven't been a problem for me as of late -- a huge improvement over double-entry visas that were often the norm IME in 2006 and 2007 and part of 2008.
Jun 4, 2009 | 7:56 am
#28
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 123
I don't care if it is one year or ten years, it is a lot of money!!
Jun 4, 2009 | 11:45 am
#29
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: LAX
Posts: 11,576