Visa query
Jun 9, 2009, 8:53 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2006
Programs: QFF
Posts: 95
Visa query
Hi,
I don't have all the ticket details etc as I am just wanting an indication to know whetehr to give some hope to a friend or not. They bought tickets in the Buy an adult ticket get a child's free for international flights. The Chinese embassy in Australia is being exceedingly difficult to deal with and the flights are booked for a week's time. The embassy has already returned the passports twice with no visa and no explanation. Is having no visa a valid reason for QF to waive cancellation fees etc?
I don't have all the ticket details etc as I am just wanting an indication to know whetehr to give some hope to a friend or not. They bought tickets in the Buy an adult ticket get a child's free for international flights. The Chinese embassy in Australia is being exceedingly difficult to deal with and the flights are booked for a week's time. The embassy has already returned the passports twice with no visa and no explanation. Is having no visa a valid reason for QF to waive cancellation fees etc?
Jun 9, 2009, 8:59 pm
#2
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Melbourne, AU
Programs: QF WP, Hyatt Diamond, Hilton Diamond, Hertz PC, Europcar Privilege Elite, Velocity Platinum
Posts: 326
Hi,
I don't have all the ticket details etc as I am just wanting an indication to know whetehr to give some hope to a friend or not. They bought tickets in the Buy an adult ticket get a child's free for international flights. The Chinese embassy in Australia is being exceedingly difficult to deal with and the flights are booked for a week's time. The embassy has already returned the passports twice with no visa and no explanation. Is having no visa a valid reason for QF to waive cancellation fees etc?
I don't have all the ticket details etc as I am just wanting an indication to know whetehr to give some hope to a friend or not. They bought tickets in the Buy an adult ticket get a child's free for international flights. The Chinese embassy in Australia is being exceedingly difficult to deal with and the flights are booked for a week's time. The embassy has already returned the passports twice with no visa and no explanation. Is having no visa a valid reason for QF to waive cancellation fees etc?
Jun 9, 2009, 9:28 pm
#4
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Sydney, AU.
Programs: QF. UA. Avis. AMEX.
Posts: 1,558
You are best advised to attend the Chinese Embasy in Sydney in person to get a Visa. My wife went to China last year and got her Visa in person 2 days before travel. She was one of two people granted a Visa that day.
I would suggest calling QF after you have attended the Embasy in person if you are still unable to gain a Visa.
I would suggest calling QF after you have attended the Embasy in person if you are still unable to gain a Visa.
Jun 10, 2009, 12:13 am
#5
Moderator, Hilton Honors
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: on a short leash
Programs: some
Posts: 71,422
Either attend in person, or use the services of a professional travel visa company. Costs a few $ but well worth it in my experience. You are likely to face expedite fees this close to travel in order to complete in time.
Jun 10, 2009, 6:57 am
#6
Moderator: Asiana & Qantas Frequent Flyer
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: STR/SYD/SMF
Programs: QF Lifetime SG, LH HON, OZ Lifetime Diamond +, HH Diamond, Marriott Lifetime Platinum
Posts: 14,375
Hi,
I don't have all the ticket details etc as I am just wanting an indication to know whetehr to give some hope to a friend or not. They bought tickets in the Buy an adult ticket get a child's free for international flights. The Chinese embassy in Australia is being exceedingly difficult to deal with and the flights are booked for a week's time. The embassy has already returned the passports twice with no visa and no explanation. Is having no visa a valid reason for QF to waive cancellation fees etc?
I don't have all the ticket details etc as I am just wanting an indication to know whetehr to give some hope to a friend or not. They bought tickets in the Buy an adult ticket get a child's free for international flights. The Chinese embassy in Australia is being exceedingly difficult to deal with and the flights are booked for a week's time. The embassy has already returned the passports twice with no visa and no explanation. Is having no visa a valid reason for QF to waive cancellation fees etc?
And then I agree with what nonce that showing up in person might do the trick.
Otherwise, if you stay less than 48 hours in Shanghai, you don't need a visa.
Jun 10, 2009, 2:47 pm
#7
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Sydney, AU.
Programs: QF. UA. Avis. AMEX.
Posts: 1,558
I wasn't assuming the OP was in NSW, I was hinting if not then the OP's best bet is to attend in person. I know of a number of people who have had cause to travel to China and each time (some who do so 5- 6 times a year) the only way they have been able to get a Visa for the past 18 mths is to attend in Sydney in person.
It appears that the following changes have not been relaxed:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2...06/2237284.htm
See http://www.info.dfat.gov.au/Info/Web...penForm&ChinaC for a state by state list of offices and contacts
It appears that the following changes have not been relaxed:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2...06/2237284.htm
See http://www.info.dfat.gov.au/Info/Web...penForm&ChinaC for a state by state list of offices and contacts
Jun 11, 2009, 1:55 am
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2006
Programs: QFF
Posts: 95
Problem solved. The passports were returned today, for the third time, with the visas included. My friends' prayers have been answered. Now they just have to avoid being confined to a Chinese hospital if suspected of being on the same flight as a swine flu victim. 
Jun 11, 2009, 9:37 pm
#11
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: AU
Programs: former Olympic Airways Gold (yeah - still proud of that!)
Posts: 14,406
regards
lme ff