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).
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!
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.
You'll not take long to find a branch of the China Travel Service - lots of them in Hong Kong!
The application for a China Visa is very straight forward and the process is a fast one in Hong Kong
I'll shorten it for you here to make it easy, these are the things you need:
1. Room for 2 pages in your passport which should also be valid for 6 months more
2. One 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.
- expected date of travel - make it up if you're not sure - you will get 3 months to enter China from the date they put on the visa.
- 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!
- 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. Your payment - varies depending on nationality but shouldn't be more than 40 UK.
5. Go to the office and hand the visa application in yourself!
If you want your visa quicker you can pay more and collect within a day or two.
SO there you have it folks! It's easy to get a China Visa in Hong Kong. What are you waiting for? Get out there and see it!! China is an amazing country and to be honest it's one you should never neglect. I've been 6 times and counting! Here's 3 top photo highlights so far to get you in the mood to do China!!
The border crossing is simple enough too.
Have a great time doing China and enjoying 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.
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).
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!
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.
You'll not take long to find a branch of the China Travel Service - lots of them in Hong Kong!
The application for a China Visa is very straight forward and the process is a fast one in Hong Kong
I'll shorten it for you here to make it easy, these are the things you need:
1. Room for 2 pages in your passport which should also be valid for 6 months more
2. One 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.
- expected date of travel - make it up if you're not sure - you will get 3 months to enter China from the date they put on the visa.
- 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!
- 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. Your payment - varies depending on nationality but shouldn't be more than 40 UK.
5. Go to the office and hand the visa application in yourself!
If you want your visa quicker you can pay more and collect within a day or two.
SO there you have it folks! It's easy to get a China Visa in Hong Kong. What are you waiting for? Get out there and see it!! China is an amazing country and to be honest it's one you should never neglect. I've been 6 times and counting! Here's 3 top photo highlights so far to get you in the mood to do China!!
The border crossing is simple enough too.
Have a great time doing China and enjoying a lifestyle of travel!
Jonny at Don't Stop Living
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