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!
Whether or not Hong Kong is a country is a debated topic. But put it this way - it has its own currency, its own borders, its own visa regulations, its own flag and its own international football team. The British also ruled Hong Kong until as recently as 1997.
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!
So in Hong Kong...if you walk around Tsim Sha Tsui (particularly near the notorious Chung King Mansions on Nathan Road) people will just shout "China visa" at you and certainly they will sort you out very easily with a China Visa but most likely they will charge for the service and get you a single entry visa only. These guys that roam the streets of TST selling visas and the like are good if you need one quickly - make sure everything is valid when you're with them - office, proper forms etc. (the form on the photo below is the front page of the current real China Visa Application). But you're better to find an agency yourself, read on...
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.
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.
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 passport photo
3. Your completed application form with these main points:
- 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.
- There is a section for hotel/where you are staying. I normally just write a hotel name in the city I'm visiting on that trip, or write - staying with friends. On none of my 4 recent trips have I actually stayed in the place I wrote on the form. They never check. If they do then you will need to book a hostel or hotel online and print it to show them (I've never heard of this actually happening though).
- 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. 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).
So that's it! Easy enough to get a visa for China in Hong Kong - go ahead and sort it out!
I'll write separately about crossing the border itself - also very easy and enjoyable.
Enjoy China! Don't Stop Living!
Jonny the travelling Northern Irishman
Whether or not Hong Kong is a country is a debated topic. But put it this way - it has its own currency, its own borders, its own visa regulations, its own flag and its own international football team. The British also ruled Hong Kong until as recently as 1997.
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!
So in Hong Kong...if you walk around Tsim Sha Tsui (particularly near the notorious Chung King Mansions on Nathan Road) people will just shout "China visa" at you and certainly they will sort you out very easily with a China Visa but most likely they will charge for the service and get you a single entry visa only. These guys that roam the streets of TST selling visas and the like are good if you need one quickly - make sure everything is valid when you're with them - office, proper forms etc. (the form on the photo below is the front page of the current real China Visa Application). But you're better to find an agency yourself, read on...
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.
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.
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 passport photo
3. Your completed application form with these main points:
- 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.
- There is a section for hotel/where you are staying. I normally just write a hotel name in the city I'm visiting on that trip, or write - staying with friends. On none of my 4 recent trips have I actually stayed in the place I wrote on the form. They never check. If they do then you will need to book a hostel or hotel online and print it to show them (I've never heard of this actually happening though).
- 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. 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).
So that's it! Easy enough to get a visa for China in Hong Kong - go ahead and sort it out!
I'll write separately about crossing the border itself - also very easy and enjoyable.
Enjoy China! Don't Stop Living!
Jonny the travelling Northern Irishman
About the Author:
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