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.
First up Hong Kong sits nicely on the border with China and so it's a perfect place to sort out your visa. There are a few immigration points between Hong Kong and Shenzhen and I've been to a few of them.
Seriously in Hong Kong there are lots of places to get a Chinese Visa. This has to be the easiest and best place to get a China visa in the world. You're next door to the beast for a start! I did once get a Chinese visa in London (2007) but these days as a nomad, Hong Kong is the best place to do it!
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.
They have a lot of branches but believe me just turn up in Tsim Sha Tsui or Mong Kok and wander round the streets and you will see a place doing China Visas.
You'll be surprised at how simple and easy it is to get a Visa for China in Hong Kong.
This is what you need:
1. A passport, valid for at least another 6 months and with space for 2 pages in it
2. A passport photo
3. The application form completed, with main points:
- They will ask for entrance point - always put Shenzhen as that way they know you are crossing the border on foot - which you will do if you go HK - China. I've always put Shenzhen. Thousands of tourists and business travellers pass the Hong Kong to Shenzhen border 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.
- the name of the hotel or hostel you are staying at. If you haven't booked one, just write one you expect to stay in - they rarely check. If they ask for proof then you'll have to do as they say but for me they didn't.
- Have you got medical insurance? Always write no, believe me!
- type of visa you want - go for a single entry of course if this is your first time, if not pick the visa you want (note they can turn multiple entries down easier)
4. The payment - normally less than $50 but depends on nationality.
5. Attend in person to hand in the form and voila!!
If you want your visa quicker you can pay more and collect within a day or two.
There you go then for your China Visa come and get it in Hong Kong and enjoy this marvellous country of China!
A separate post will detail the border itself - not too tricky
Have fun in China and live a lifestyle of travel!
Jonny at Don't Stop Living
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.
First up Hong Kong sits nicely on the border with China and so it's a perfect place to sort out your visa. There are a few immigration points between Hong Kong and Shenzhen and I've been to a few of them.
Seriously in Hong Kong there are lots of places to get a Chinese Visa. This has to be the easiest and best place to get a China visa in the world. You're next door to the beast for a start! I did once get a Chinese visa in London (2007) but these days as a nomad, Hong Kong is the best place to do it!
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.
They have a lot of branches but believe me just turn up in Tsim Sha Tsui or Mong Kok and wander round the streets and you will see a place doing China Visas.
You'll be surprised at how simple and easy it is to get a Visa for China in Hong Kong.
This is what you need:
1. A passport, valid for at least another 6 months and with space for 2 pages in it
2. A passport photo
3. The application form completed, with main points:
- They will ask for entrance point - always put Shenzhen as that way they know you are crossing the border on foot - which you will do if you go HK - China. I've always put Shenzhen. Thousands of tourists and business travellers pass the Hong Kong to Shenzhen border 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.
- the name of the hotel or hostel you are staying at. If you haven't booked one, just write one you expect to stay in - they rarely check. If they ask for proof then you'll have to do as they say but for me they didn't.
- Have you got medical insurance? Always write no, believe me!
- type of visa you want - go for a single entry of course if this is your first time, if not pick the visa you want (note they can turn multiple entries down easier)
4. The payment - normally less than $50 but depends on nationality.
5. Attend in person to hand in the form and voila!!
If you want your visa quicker you can pay more and collect within a day or two.
There you go then for your China Visa come and get it in Hong Kong and enjoy this marvellous country of China!
A separate post will detail the border itself - not too tricky
Have fun in China and live a lifestyle of travel!
Jonny at Don't Stop Living
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Nice informative post dear. some useful information about Hong Kong Immigration Benefits to share
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