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Save/SharePlanning to travel to China this summer? The government has enacted new visa rules in order to keep better tabs on the more than 1.5 million visitors expected for the Olympic Games in August.
While the new regulations are having more of an impact on foreigners living and working in China, tourists are also being required to jump through a few extra hoops. According to the Chinese consulate in New York, people applying for a 30-day tourist (L) visa must now provide proof that they have purchased round-trip airplane tickets and have made reservations at hotels for their entire stay.
Here are the required documents for tourist visas:
—A completed visa application form, which can be downloaded at nyconsulate.prchina.org/eng or china-embassy.org/eng.
—A passport with plenty of extra pages, valid for at least six months.
—One recent passport photo.
—Copies of hotel bookings from the day you arrive to the day you leave.
—Copies of your round-trip airplane tickets.
There are other changes to be aware of. China has suspended multiple-entry visas until October, meaning you cannot leave China (to take a side-trip to Thailand, for example) and return to China on the same visa.
Also, the government is requiring tourists interested in going to Tibet to fill out a form issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau—when you call the Chinese consulate in New York, a recording instructs you to call the tourism bureau directly at 011-86/891-683-4313. I don't think this form will be easy to get—China has really tightened access to Tibet following the riots there this spring, mainly to keep out foreign journalists.
Lastly, you cannot submit a visa application to the Chinese embassy or any consulate in the U.S. by mail—you have to either take it to the office personally, or have a friend or travel agent do it. Visa prices have also gone up to $130 for individual applicants, and $110 per person for people applying as part of a tour group.
A good source for up-to-the-minute information on visa regulations is the English-language China travel website Chinatravel.net.
MORE FROM BUDGET TRAVEL
—Do-It-Yourself China
—The 2008 Beijing Olympics Planner
—How to Get Visas For Countries Around the World
—More Do-It-Yourself China advice.
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ChinaTravelGuide.com has detailed China visa info.
Posted By John Fontana on May 31, 2008, 3:43 PM
Visa question-Would you be able to travel from China to Thailand/ Cambodia and return to Hong Kong? Fly back to the US from there....
Posted By Mindy on June 2, 2008, 1:53 PM
The two links to download the China visa applications do not work.
Posted By Craig Lubow on June 3, 2008, 4:19 AM
Craig,
Thanks for the heads-up. You need to enter the "www" in front of each Web address to make it work in your Web browser. (It's our house style to leave off the "www" whenever possible.)
Mindy--Good question. But Hong Kong is part of China now, so I'm not sure that idea would work. Perhaps to Sydney instead? I'd consult a travel agent specialized in this field.
Regards,
Sean
Blog editor
Posted By Blog Editor on June 3, 2008, 8:37 AM
To follow up on Sean's response to Mindy's post.. actually, you could fly from China to Thailand and then to Hong Kong without getting a re-entry visa. As an American, in fact, you don't need a visa to go to Hong Kong at all.
Hong Kong and Macau are special territories within China. They belong to China, but they maintain their own customs and immigration policy, monetary system, and legal system. Many foreigners who live in China go to Hong Kong on "visa runs" to renew their Chinese business or tourist visas because it's technically considered leaving the country.
Posted By Justin Bergman on June 3, 2008, 4:10 PM
I went through Hong Kong on the way from Mauritius to Los Angeles, 2 long-haul flights. I was able to stay in the transit area and didn't have to enter China (PRC) at all.
What if you want to fly into China, then take a train to Moscow or leave some other way not by air? Can you get around this stupid (and typical) onward-or-return-airline ticket business? (Mauritius also does this, BTW).
Posted By Roger A.C. Williams on June 12, 2008, 1:41 PM
I was able to get a Multiple entry visa in February (I went to China in March, and will be back again for the Olympics). Do I need to go back and provide air ticket and housing information or is my visa still good? If I decide to go to Hong Kong for a few days during the games, will I be able to use my existing visa?
Posted By Daniel on June 12, 2008, 2:06 PM
Daniel. Just look at your visa for the expiration date. If it's expired you need a new one. If not, look when it does expire. In regards to multi- entry visa's, there is no clear cut rule actually. My friend from London just got one for July and August. There is no rhyme or reason. Just try for it and see what happens.
Posted By Jay on July 15, 2008, 2:44 PM
Hi,
Am living in china and from Africa.
I read from one chinese new online that quote'F-visa issued outside china (not including shezhen and zhuhuai) can be extend within china?
THANKS .I WANT YOUR ANWSER THEN MORE QUESTION?
Posted By MAWELL on July 26, 2008, 10:55 PM
Where are the pin trading going on? Are Olympic tickets for tennis, track & field,basketball and gymnastics hard to find at a face value or slightly above face value price/ Is it safe to buy tickets near the made stadium?
Posted By Jesse on August 14, 2008, 3:32 AM