The "right" amount of time for a first time visit to HK
Feb 4, 2010, 8:30 am
#31
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Newport Beach, California, USA
Posts: 36,062
Feb 4, 2010, 8:31 am
#32
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Newport Beach, California, USA
Posts: 36,062
Supposedly Shanghai was set up with 48 hr transit visa as a condition for the agreement for foreign carrier routes into China. So if you can transit intl to intl at PVG, then depending on the carrier route continuation HKG with a stop over
in Shanghai for <48hrs then onto intl destination would allow visiting China, exiting HK, without getting a visa.
But not sure if the airline routing structure would work.
in Shanghai for <48hrs then onto intl destination would allow visiting China, exiting HK, without getting a visa.
But not sure if the airline routing structure would work.
Feb 4, 2010, 2:56 pm
#33
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: BWI
Programs: LH M&M, CX MPC Green
Posts: 1,757
Agree with Christep - not a prayer.
HK - PVG is usually 2 hours or a hair less - in the air. Beijing is 3:10-3:55 depending on conditions. I've done both flights a number of times (though probably far less than many on this board), but its imperative to state that PEK-HKG is not a close flight at all.
Feb 4, 2010, 2:59 pm
#34
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: BWI
Programs: LH M&M, CX MPC Green
Posts: 1,757
Apparently the transit visa works, though I cannot personally vouch for it. I think as long as you have proof of journey (a print out) of moving onwards within 48 hours, you should be stamped through.
Ana - I believe that HK is considered "another country" in the sense that flights to and from the mainland are always considered "international" not to mention that mainlanders have to get visas to go to HK etc etc etc...
OP - the important thing is, how long do you want to spend in NRT (a fantastic city by all means). That's the crucual factor, I say.
If you spend all 10 days in HK, then I would suggest like others, hitting HK for 3-5 days and seeing sights/eating/wandering/exploring the city and outlying islands (lots to see and do, hiking, beaches etc too). Spend a full day in Macau, wander the old city, eat some great food, see a casino or two. A day trip to Shenzhen (shopping for fake stuff, just seeing a city that's been built up from a tiny village in 25 years) etc is interesting, as would a day trip to Guangzhou (I've never been). Both would need China visas and if you are not up for that, then why not take a trip to Taipei?
Taipei's a fantastic city, as a US citizen you don't need a visa. There's lots to eat, see and do for a few days and its about a 90 minute flight from HK. CX/KA run some cheap packages which will take care of flights and lodging.
Another way (and I am sure someone has said this) is if you really need the mainland fix (understandable), then structure a ticket to NRT from HKG via PVG or vice versa and keep it within 2 days. Should allow you some time to explore and see another fantastic and changing city.
Last edited by Jamoldo; Feb 4, 2010 at 3:06 pm