China Visas: New Rules

Posted by drumbrake (594 days ago)

Seems that new multi entry visas are no longer possible, that the most you get is a single of double entry of 30 day duration, and that extensions after July 1 2008 are going to be difficult.

Also the 5 day 'Shenzhen visa' is no longer possible via sea crossings - although still possible at the Lo Wu border.

Finally, visa costs are going up for most nationalities.

Any other news?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

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Posted by kerri (593 days ago)

Is is possible to buy a "Shenzhen Visa" at Lok Ma Chau?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by drumbrake (593 days ago)

I think land crossings are still ok. Someone posted on another forum that they got a 5 day visa at the Lo Wu crossing on Saturday 5 April, so I'd think Lok Ma Chau is still fine.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by beancurd (593 days ago)

my daughter went to Shenzhen yesterday and same day she came back to HK and warned that she must not stay to HK for long time and has to go back to Phils before her visa expires. Finally, she was granted another 14 days. two years ago, she was able to stay in Hk and China back and forth for 3 months and now, I think it would be difficult to stay in Hk

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Scuba_Diver (593 days ago)

I'm based in China and used to go to HK everyweek for meetings with clients and sometimes spend my weekends in HK. The HK immigration started asking me or holding me in their interview room why I often go to HK. I showed them my China working visa but they still continue to hold me everytime I go to HK. Finally I decided not to go to HK on weekends but instead once a month. I think there are too many foreign illegal workers in China and HK. My fellow expat friends in China told me that the police bureau in China are going around during night time and knock at the doors of the houses where most expats are then demand for the proper working permits.

(I am based in Unspecified)

Posted by beancurd (592 days ago)

scuba_driver, do you think the china working visa can easily be granted? Because now my daughter has confirmed job offer in Shenzhen and the company informed her that the company will pay and get her visa in one month time...

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by mumof2boys (591 days ago)

Okay I think it is because of the olympics as the rules are going to change after Oct. so it's to do with china trying to control who comes into the country right before the olympics more carefully.
BUT it is a b*tch because my husband works in Shenzhen and travels back to HK everynight to come home and we're not sure what is going to happen as we don't know if the new visa they are applying for through his work will be multiple entry or not. We really don't want to be split up and we moved house so we could be close tot he border. I have a business in HK.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by scott_od (591 days ago)

My understanding is that multiple entry visas will only be issued for business purposes with invitation letters etc, etc.

Multiple entry tourist visas are currently not available.

(I am based in Guangzhou)

Posted by Scuba_Diver (588 days ago)

Beancurd, yes it is very easy to get china working visa (maximum is 2 wks) as long as the company who will hire your daughter will sponsor the working visa and has the proper documents. You can PM me if you have any questions about work visa maybe I can help.

Mumof2boys,
From what I know HK nationals or anyone with HK ID can get multiple entries china visa. Business visa can be obtained if you do business in china and have an invitation letter from the factory/company you are doing business with.

(I am based in Unspecified)

Posted by tifftiff208 (584 days ago)

I made an inquiry at the CTS counter (HK Airport) yesterday and was told that working visas were no longer provided either. Is this true? I need to find details for a working visa. Can a working visa be longer than 2 wks? (eg one year).

Thanks in advance.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Scuba_Diver (583 days ago)

tifftiff208, working visa can be obtained in china if there is a company that will sponsor and only the police beaureau in china is authorized to grant it.

(I am based in Unspecified)

Posted by Domi_K (568 days ago)

I went to Shenzen this Tuesday, April 29th for a shopping trip. You can get a visa on the spot at the border (like before) providing you have a HK ID card only. There was NO line.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by simplydee (548 days ago)

As of this period, May 2008 onwards till maybe end of July, how long can a tourist visa be? As I have read above, there those who were granted 14 days and some 5 days, what about now?

(I am based in Guangzhou)