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!
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...
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.
There's a host of these China Travel Services branches everywhere so you can't miss them!
It's a simple and easy process to get a China visa in Hong Kong.
I'll shorten it for you here to make it easy, these are the things 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. 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.
- 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.
- Have you got medical insurance? Always write no, believe me!
- 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. Go to the office and hand the visa 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 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.
Enjoy China! Don't Stop Living!
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.
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!
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...
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.
There's a host of these China Travel Services branches everywhere so you can't miss them!
It's a simple and easy process to get a China visa in Hong Kong.
I'll shorten it for you here to make it easy, these are the things 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. 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.
- 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.
- Have you got medical insurance? Always write no, believe me!
- 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. Go to the office and hand the visa 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 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.
Enjoy China! Don't Stop Living!
Jonny the travelling Northern Irishman
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