Ban on Multiple Visa Shocker!!

Posted by kk11 (594 days ago)

Here is my mini rant on why it sucks that the multiple visa have ended until after the Olympics.

I am so upset as I would have renewed last week if I had any idea.

It is ridiculously expensive to get the double or single entry ones.

Also, all the sellers in SZ will be badly affected by this.

Arrrrhhhhhh!!!

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Posted by tinlok (593 days ago)

Does this rule apply to all or just for certain nationalities? My officemate just asked me how to get a multiple-entry visa to China and I would have to warn him to wait until after the Olympics if this new rule applies to all. He'd be disappointed if he gets another single visa as it takes up so much passport space.

Posted by kk11 (593 days ago)

I think it applies to all nationalities - even those on long stay in HK.

Posted by namaste (593 days ago)

Has anyone had their one-year or three-year visa "down-graded" at the border? My husband commutes to SZ 3-4 days a week and his visa is good through October, but I heard on RTHK that they may be revoking those already-issued visas.

Posted by P.M (593 days ago)

yikes !I have a precious 1 year visa until September ;I thought I read that visas issued already will be honoured -in that article posted by Ed from SCMP Sunday.And yes it sucks...

Posted by Gustavo (593 days ago)

I have a multiple visa and went to China on April 2 (Nansha port), and there was no issue of it being downgraded, or no special mark put on my visa. I go back tomorrow and will see if anything happens.

Posted by P.M (593 days ago)

entry visa ban until after Games
Hurdle to mainland trips for frequent travellers
==========================================================
www.scmp.com

Beijing has stopped issuing multiple-entry visas, risking major inconvenience to foreigners who travel to the mainland regularly, especially on business. Hong Kong travel agents say the ban will stay in place until after the Olympic Games.
Travellers are now restricted to single- or double-entry visas valid for 30 days. Multiple-entry visas that have not expired are still valid

Posted by mrsmith (592 days ago)

For a country that is supposedly adopting the Olympic principles and opening up the rest of the world, this and the flame fiasco, are running in total opposition.
Sadly, I believe they are looking at raising extra revenue. I am wondering how this also effects some of the support staff for Olympic teams that need to travel in and out of the country on behalf of athletes. This might sadly be another way of the BOCOG taking a competitive edge away from foreigners in order to get more gold. I really hope they can reconsider as this is so bad in many fronts.

Posted by adele78 (592 days ago)

How does this affect entry into the HK SAR? I'll be coming to HK from Sweden for 10 days on the 29th of this month and then coming back to Sweden for 4 weeks before moving to HK for good. My husband has recently started a job there and I will be under his 'umbrella' as a dependant.

Posted by kk11 (591 days ago)

HK entry is not affected by this change.

China is a different world - as we all know!

This is really bad for China's image of embracing thw world. (And very inconvenient for many people too)

Posted by NZlawyergirl (590 days ago)

Agree with all of the above. What exactly is the justification? I do not understand the reference to the Olympic Games as justification unless, as some people say above, it is just a money making scheme. Does anyone know if you can still get single entry visas at the border (at least for those nationalities who until recently could still get them there) or do you have to apply in advance in HK?

The other thing that has always annoyed me is why when you hold a HK work permit and right to live and HK is part of China that you even need a separate visa to visit the rest of China!

Posted by GreenValleys (590 days ago)

NZ...
I'm sure you already know the answer to your last bit and that it was just made out offrustration with the system. Yesn it's a part of China - but it's a SAR that has totally different rules to the mainland. I don't suggest anyone making too much noise in support of HK being treated exactly the same as the rest of China just for the sake of a few minor visa inconveniences.

Posted by Totty (589 days ago)

Multiple entry ban is now until mid October

Posted by dasia (589 days ago)

This change only appears to be if visa application is submitted in Hong Kong.

Family back home were issued with 6 month multiple entry a couple of days ago.

Posted by kk11 (589 days ago)

does anyone know if the above from dasia is true? Can u get a multiple visa from othe countries still?

why must we in HK be penalised for this olympics stuff?

There doesnt seem to be that much about his in the news which is odd. Surely this is really bad for HK overall?

Posted by leghk (588 days ago)

Is there any official and unofficial reason for the ban? surely if it just about making money they would increase the cost, not suspend issuing the visas.

Just returned from cts, 600 hk dollars for single entry and was told they can only try for a double entry visa for 900. I am uk citizen, on work visa here.

I only want to visit guangzhou regularly to visit family and friends!!!!!!!

Posted by leghk (588 days ago)

also, is it still possible for uk citizen to get 5 day shenzhen visa at border?

Posted by kk11 (588 days ago)

no one can get visas on the door now at the border :(

Posted by biene (588 days ago)

You can still get visas at Shenzhen from the office upstairs before you get to immigration - I got one yesterday - mind you, only single entry but valid for 5 days.
Read in the SCMP last week that a Chinese spokesperson said that it was not the case that multiple entry visas could not be applied for, but that was all - no further information and I need to get a multiple entry as my visa has expired! Wish someone could clarify the whole matter!!

Posted by leghk (587 days ago)

have just returned from applying for visa in wanchai.

I was told no multi entry visas, only single and double entry. also if travelling further than guangdong, and/or wanting to visit for longer than 5 days on any 1 visit, then proof of hotel booking and flight tickets is required.

Posted by mrsmith (587 days ago)

So there is no truth to the comment "If you are renewing a multi entry visa they will not downgrade you"?

Posted by leghk (587 days ago)

"renewing"? my last 6 month multi entry tourist visa expired last week, and cannot renew.

Posted by MrsC (587 days ago)

My how things change quickly in this place... A bit confused - can you still get a single short-stay entry visa at the border for Shenzhen? Don't want to get there and have to come back.

Posted by Wiz Bang (587 days ago)

visas are no longer issued at the border

Posted by Wiz Bang (587 days ago)

http://hongkong.asiaxpat.com/forums/living-in-hong-kong/threads/115391/more-china-visa-woes/

Posted by MrsC (587 days ago)

Do they still issue at China travel service?

Posted by Wiz Bang (587 days ago)

so long as you have a hk id.

Posted by kk11 (585 days ago)

Who can I call to officially check if they are issuing single entry visa's at Lo Wu for foreigners (English and Swedish)?? Thanks!!!!

Posted by dasia (585 days ago)

earlier in this thread I said that my family at home were issued with a 6 month multiple entry visa a few days ago (now last week) but have to report that yesterday a friend in Australia was not able to get a multiple entry, only a double entry.

So..... looks like the restriction has now been enforced everywhere

Posted by FloridaTom (584 days ago)

Stay tuned folks. New article in SCMP Friday morn. More changes.

Posted by lace (584 days ago)

No, those are the changes already in place since Monday/Tuesday.

Posted by Kat101 (584 days ago)

Anyone know if UK passport holders can get single entry visas in Lo Wu for Shenzhen?

Posted by Wiz Bang (584 days ago)

visas are no longer issued at the border whether your uk passport, or indonesian or martian or venusian etc etc unless......


a clip from SCMP

"We were also told about a new visa for entering Shenzhen, which will effectively replace the on-the-spot Shenzhen visa that used to be issued at the border.

"Previously, if you went up to the border you could get a visa there, which was for approximately five days. We were told on Tuesday that the hotel voucher and proof-of-travel requirement would also apply to Shenzhen whether the passenger goes by boat, train or car."

Posted by Sad Sack (580 days ago)

Friend of mine who does visa work in Shanghai is tight with gov people and mentioned this was coming well before it did.

He told me the other day that this situation will persist through to October

Posted by kerri (580 days ago)

I went to Shenzhen yesterday. I am Canadian, purchased a visa at the border in less than 5 minutes. The clerk said they were open from 9am to 9:30pm.

Posted by namaste (580 days ago)

Friend from Australia had his one-year multiple-entry visa downgraded at the border today on re-entry to HK. It was changed to a single-entry, which they said he had already used going in.

Posted by Goo (578 days ago)

Do you happen to know if your friend had a business visa or tourist visa downgraded? I can't believe they would allow border immigration guards to alter something in a passport. I honestly wouldn't be surprised if they simply started confiscating passports with multiple entry visas!

Posted by ceeh (578 days ago)

Went in and out of Shenzhen on Tuesday with 1 year multiple entry visa and nothing said, just the usual stamp and through.

We are now into the 3rd month of the life of the visa so will not be happy if the remaining 9 months are cancelled.

Posted by kk11 (578 days ago)

I have UK passport people that went to lo wu this morning and they had proff of hotel, departure etc and they refused their entry. This is despite being told it would be ok by other officials. China still has not made a proper statement as to what the rules are. This is very uncivilsed and frustrating to business people and travellers.

Posted by marys (577 days ago)

can anyone tell me if they still issue 5 days visa at lowu.
i have indonesian passport

Posted by cd (576 days ago)

I know some people that are having trouble getting a visa as they have tickets and hotel booking to proof they are going in from HK, but are hiring a bus to take them to ge the ferry back to Macau. Which the consulate won't take as proof they are leaving.

Posted by biene (574 days ago)

Apparently, new conditions come into force at the LoWu border crossing on the 1st of May in regards to getting visas at the border office. According to what I have been told, a notice has gone up that indicates there will now be 2 offices, one for those with a HK ID card and one for all others.
It is getting to be frustrating and expensive to cross the border now - took 3 hours on Saturday just to get a visa issued at the office - manpower was very very minimalist - only 1 person doing the job

Posted by namaste (574 days ago)

GOO - My friend had a tourist visa and was told that it was being revoked b/c he didn't have a HKID. They actually drew a line diagonally across the visa.

Posted by Cxbaron (570 days ago)

Can anyone ell me what the new rates are for single and double entry visas? Can anyone with a HK ID still apply for a double entry? Anyway of getting a multiple entry one?
Thanks in advance.

Posted by sandyshores (568 days ago)

I went into the Chinese consul on Friday.

if you only want to visit Shenzen, they will give you a double visa ONLY for shenzen and you can ONLY stay for a max 2 days now. That costs 670 - needs 4 working days. You also need to have visited shenzen before.
For the rest of China, you must show airtickets and hotel bookings.
They told me there NO multi visas available.

Posted by sandyshores (568 days ago)

That should have read you also must have HKID.

Posted by leghk (568 days ago)

hi, SS. did you ask for longer stay? I think the visa is valid for all of guangdong, not just Shenzhen.

Posted by sandyshores (568 days ago)

Yes, they said it's not available.

Also, they told me I could only go to Shenzen, maybe they meant Guandong as well, I dont know!

Posted by merm (567 days ago)

Most Europeans, Americans, Canadians can apply for single and trial double entry Chinese visa in HK even if they are not HK ID holder.

Don't rely on SCMP. Their reporters have little research and analytical ability. They just report. Well all those with research and analytical ability are working gossip magazines lol!

Posted by KAT8 (567 days ago)

Hmmm, after waiting for 3 hours, I was told I needed hotel reservation etc when I applied for a double entry for my daughter. She has a British passport but no ID card or a resident's visa. Since her dad lives in Shenzhen, her passport is full of old China Visas. Finally we got her a double entry through a travel agent but costing 1200 dollars!!

Posted by kylecook (497 days ago)

Hello,, It took me 3 times to go to the china embassy in HK,,And 1300 hk dollars for a double entry visa,,Good for 90 days,,Got it in may 30th..
I think China wants to keep forieners out, So they can fill the games with their own people,, This is how China Operates>

Posted by Yep (20 days ago)

Are you going to bump all the more than one year all thread to post your spam ?

Plus CTS does the 1 year multi entry visa !