China is a must see country and I have become aware that a few travellers have found it difficult to obtain a visa, so I'm stepping in to tell you an easy way to get it - get yourself to Hong Kong. I will be heading to China again very soon and have recently had no problems getting my Chinese visas in Hong Kong. It borders China for a start!
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 is on the border with China, there are quite a few immigration checkpoints. Personally I have been to 5 of them recently. Before you go there however you need a China Visa!! Unless you are Chinese!
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!
In Tsim Sha Tsui in Hong Kong there are countless guys on the streets who can all sort you out with a visa but while they may be legitimate, be careful. My advice is head to an agency and sort it out - there are loads of agencies and they will take you through the process.
The first time you decide to go to China it's best to simply apply for a single entry visa - saves time, money and hassle and you are not likely to be turned down. Recently though I have managed to get multiple entry and double entry visas - these are easier to get once you have a single entry already. I'm a budget backpacker for the most part but this doesn't mean I head to the embassy to get my China Visa. I find it quick, easy and less hassle to head to an agency such as China Travel Service to get mine. There are lots of these in Hong Kong and you shouldn't have any problems.
There's a host of these China Travel Services branches everywhere so you can't miss them!
The application for a China Visa is very straight forward and the process is a fast one in Hong Kong
Here's what you'll need:
1. Room for 2 pages in your passport which should also be valid for 6 months more
2. A recent passport photo
3. Your completed application form with these main points:
- entry point to China - put Shenzhen as then they know you are crossing a land border HK to China. 1000s of tourists do this route every day.
- They will ask for for expected date of travel - just make this up if you don't know when you are heading - you will have three months (I think) from the date printed on the visa to enter. No big deal this question.
- 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.
- They'll ask if you have medical insurance - write No in that section!
- what type of visa are you getting - most likely a single entry but if you want more just take your pick! you won't always guarantee to get your visa mind you.
4. Your payment - varies depending on nationality but shouldn't be more than 40 UK.
5. Hand the application in yourself.
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).
So that's it! Easy enough to get a visa for China in Hong Kong - go ahead and sort it out!
The border crossing is simple enough too.
Have a great time doing China and enjoying a lifestyle of travel!
Jonny the travelling Northern Irishman
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 is on the border with China, there are quite a few immigration checkpoints. Personally I have been to 5 of them recently. Before you go there however you need a China Visa!! Unless you are Chinese!
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!
In Tsim Sha Tsui in Hong Kong there are countless guys on the streets who can all sort you out with a visa but while they may be legitimate, be careful. My advice is head to an agency and sort it out - there are loads of agencies and they will take you through the process.
The first time you decide to go to China it's best to simply apply for a single entry visa - saves time, money and hassle and you are not likely to be turned down. Recently though I have managed to get multiple entry and double entry visas - these are easier to get once you have a single entry already. I'm a budget backpacker for the most part but this doesn't mean I head to the embassy to get my China Visa. I find it quick, easy and less hassle to head to an agency such as China Travel Service to get mine. There are lots of these in Hong Kong and you shouldn't have any problems.
There's a host of these China Travel Services branches everywhere so you can't miss them!
The application for a China Visa is very straight forward and the process is a fast one in Hong Kong
Here's what you'll need:
1. Room for 2 pages in your passport which should also be valid for 6 months more
2. A recent passport photo
3. Your completed application form with these main points:
- entry point to China - put Shenzhen as then they know you are crossing a land border HK to China. 1000s of tourists do this route every day.
- They will ask for for expected date of travel - just make this up if you don't know when you are heading - you will have three months (I think) from the date printed on the visa to enter. No big deal this question.
- 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.
- They'll ask if you have medical insurance - write No in that section!
- what type of visa are you getting - most likely a single entry but if you want more just take your pick! you won't always guarantee to get your visa mind you.
4. Your payment - varies depending on nationality but shouldn't be more than 40 UK.
5. Hand the application in yourself.
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).
So that's it! Easy enough to get a visa for China in Hong Kong - go ahead and sort it out!
The border crossing is simple enough too.
Have a great time doing China and enjoying a lifestyle of travel!
Jonny the travelling Northern Irishman
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