It came to my attention recently that a few travellers have had problems and issues getting visas for China. Everyone wants to visit the world's most populated country so I'm here with my latest visa advice for China!! I'm heading to China again soon for my 6th visit and I want to explain an easy and simple way for you travellers to get your China Visa - it's easy! All you need to do is ... get yourself to HONG KONG!
In terms of defining a country, as far as I'm concerned Hong Kong is one. It has it's own currency, flag, visa regulations and national football team. It was also British for a while, and that ended back in 1997. These days, lots of nationalities can get to Hong Kong without a Visa. You will get a stamp on arrival at the airport. If you arrive on a UK passport you can stay for 180 days no problem! A lot of nationalities also get a 90 day entry stamp - check with your embassy.
Hong Kong borders China, and there are about 5-6 different border entry points. I have passed through 4 of them in the last 12 months. But before you get there you will need a valid China Visa, unless you are Chinese or a nationality that doesn't require one (possibly Cuba or other 'Communist' countries - check with your embassy).
To get a China Visa in Hong Kong you don't need to look far! There are hundreds of Visa outlets in and around Hong Kong so seriously this city is the best place to get a Visa for the big next door neighbour!
When you walk round Tsim Sha Tsui in Hong Kong at lower parts of Nathan Road you will almost be guaranteed to have someone ask if you want a China Visa - these guys can get you one quite easily. But they will charge more and check it's legitimate first up. If you find an agency you can sort it all out yourself through them a lot easier than a guy on the street or the actual embassy.
If you're getting a China Visa for the first time, go for a Single Entry Visa. That's what most travellers do, then later on when you realise you love China, you can get a double entry or a multiple entry visa. Where should you get the visa? I work on a budget but I also use agencies sometimes to cut out complications and save time. Try the China Travel Service in Hong Kong which has branches in various parts of the country. They also open on Saturdays and Sundays which can be extremely helpful.
You'll not take long to find a branch of the China Travel Service - lots of them in Hong Kong!
It's a simple and easy process to get a China visa in Hong Kong.
This is what you need:
1. Room for 2 pages in your passport which should also be valid for 6 months more
2. A recent passport photo
3. A completed Application Form, the key points are:
- Your entry route into China - tip is to put Shenzhen as its on the HK to China border and is busy every day.
- your intended date of travel - just write any future date unless you have a flight/train booked - they put a date on the visa and give you 3 months to enter from that date.
- hotel or hostel you are staying in - again just write a hotel you know even if you have yet to book it. If they do ask for one, then you need to book one and show them but they have never asked me.
- Do you have Medical Insurance? Just write 'No' in the box. Trust me!
- Type of Visa - I advise if this is your first time to get a SINGLE ENTRY. It's no risk as there is a slight chance that they may not give you a DOUBLE ENTRY straight away. Once you have your single or double entries, next up apply for a multiple entry (I'm lucky at present that I have a valid HK ID card so a multiple entry is no problem)
4. The payment - normally less than $50 but depends on nationality.
5. Attend in person to hand in the form and voila!!
You also have the option of collecting it in a rush in ONE working day (for an extra cost), 2-3 working days (extra cost) or just what I do - regular 4 - 7 working days (the normal price).
There you go then for your China Visa come and get it in Hong Kong and enjoy this marvellous country of China!
I'll write separately about crossing the border itself - also very easy and enjoyable.
Have fun in China and live a lifestyle of travel!
Jonny Blair
In terms of defining a country, as far as I'm concerned Hong Kong is one. It has it's own currency, flag, visa regulations and national football team. It was also British for a while, and that ended back in 1997. These days, lots of nationalities can get to Hong Kong without a Visa. You will get a stamp on arrival at the airport. If you arrive on a UK passport you can stay for 180 days no problem! A lot of nationalities also get a 90 day entry stamp - check with your embassy.
Hong Kong borders China, and there are about 5-6 different border entry points. I have passed through 4 of them in the last 12 months. But before you get there you will need a valid China Visa, unless you are Chinese or a nationality that doesn't require one (possibly Cuba or other 'Communist' countries - check with your embassy).
To get a China Visa in Hong Kong you don't need to look far! There are hundreds of Visa outlets in and around Hong Kong so seriously this city is the best place to get a Visa for the big next door neighbour!
When you walk round Tsim Sha Tsui in Hong Kong at lower parts of Nathan Road you will almost be guaranteed to have someone ask if you want a China Visa - these guys can get you one quite easily. But they will charge more and check it's legitimate first up. If you find an agency you can sort it all out yourself through them a lot easier than a guy on the street or the actual embassy.
If you're getting a China Visa for the first time, go for a Single Entry Visa. That's what most travellers do, then later on when you realise you love China, you can get a double entry or a multiple entry visa. Where should you get the visa? I work on a budget but I also use agencies sometimes to cut out complications and save time. Try the China Travel Service in Hong Kong which has branches in various parts of the country. They also open on Saturdays and Sundays which can be extremely helpful.
You'll not take long to find a branch of the China Travel Service - lots of them in Hong Kong!
It's a simple and easy process to get a China visa in Hong Kong.
This is what you need:
1. Room for 2 pages in your passport which should also be valid for 6 months more
2. A recent passport photo
3. A completed Application Form, the key points are:
- Your entry route into China - tip is to put Shenzhen as its on the HK to China border and is busy every day.
- your intended date of travel - just write any future date unless you have a flight/train booked - they put a date on the visa and give you 3 months to enter from that date.
- hotel or hostel you are staying in - again just write a hotel you know even if you have yet to book it. If they do ask for one, then you need to book one and show them but they have never asked me.
- Do you have Medical Insurance? Just write 'No' in the box. Trust me!
- Type of Visa - I advise if this is your first time to get a SINGLE ENTRY. It's no risk as there is a slight chance that they may not give you a DOUBLE ENTRY straight away. Once you have your single or double entries, next up apply for a multiple entry (I'm lucky at present that I have a valid HK ID card so a multiple entry is no problem)
4. The payment - normally less than $50 but depends on nationality.
5. Attend in person to hand in the form and voila!!
You also have the option of collecting it in a rush in ONE working day (for an extra cost), 2-3 working days (extra cost) or just what I do - regular 4 - 7 working days (the normal price).
There you go then for your China Visa come and get it in Hong Kong and enjoy this marvellous country of China!
I'll write separately about crossing the border itself - also very easy and enjoyable.
Have fun in China and live a lifestyle of travel!
Jonny Blair
About the Author:
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