China is a must see country and I have become aware that a few travellers have found it difficult to obtain a visa, so I'm stepping in to tell you an easy way to get it - get yourself to Hong Kong. I will be heading to China again very soon and have recently had no problems getting my Chinese visas in Hong Kong. It borders China for a start!
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 is on the border with China, there are quite a few immigration checkpoints. Personally I have been to 5 of them recently. Before you go there however you need a China Visa!! Unless you are Chinese!
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!
When you walk round Tsim Sha Tsui in Hong Kong at lower parts of Nathan Road you will almost be guaranteed to have someone ask if you want a China Visa - these guys can get you one quite easily. But they will charge more and check it's legitimate first up. If you find an agency you can sort it all out yourself through them a lot easier than a guy on the street or the actual embassy.
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.
There's a host of these China Travel Services branches everywhere so you can't miss them!
You'll be surprised at how simple and easy it is to get a Visa for China in Hong Kong.
This is what you need:
1. Room for 2 pages in your passport which should also be valid for 6 months more
2. One passport photo
3. A completed Application Form, the key points are:
- Your entry route into China - tip is to put Shenzhen as its on the HK to China border and is busy every day.
- They will ask for for expected date of travel - just make this up if you don't know when you are heading - you will have three months (I think) from the date printed on the visa to enter. No big deal this question.
- the name of the hotel or hostel you are staying at. If you haven't booked one, just write one you expect to stay in - they rarely check. If they ask for proof then you'll have to do as they say but for me they didn't.
- 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. The payment - normally less than $50 but depends on nationality.
5. Go to the office and hand the visa application in yourself!
There's also a fast option which you may need but I just pick the regular visa pick up time.
There you go then for your China Visa come and get it in Hong Kong and enjoy this marvellous country of China!
The border crossing is simple enough too.
Have a great time doing China and enjoying a lifestyle of travel!
Jonny Blair
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 is on the border with China, there are quite a few immigration checkpoints. Personally I have been to 5 of them recently. Before you go there however you need a China Visa!! Unless you are Chinese!
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!
When you walk round Tsim Sha Tsui in Hong Kong at lower parts of Nathan Road you will almost be guaranteed to have someone ask if you want a China Visa - these guys can get you one quite easily. But they will charge more and check it's legitimate first up. If you find an agency you can sort it all out yourself through them a lot easier than a guy on the street or the actual embassy.
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.
There's a host of these China Travel Services branches everywhere so you can't miss them!
You'll be surprised at how simple and easy it is to get a Visa for China in Hong Kong.
This is what you need:
1. Room for 2 pages in your passport which should also be valid for 6 months more
2. One passport photo
3. A completed Application Form, the key points are:
- Your entry route into China - tip is to put Shenzhen as its on the HK to China border and is busy every day.
- They will ask for for expected date of travel - just make this up if you don't know when you are heading - you will have three months (I think) from the date printed on the visa to enter. No big deal this question.
- the name of the hotel or hostel you are staying at. If you haven't booked one, just write one you expect to stay in - they rarely check. If they ask for proof then you'll have to do as they say but for me they didn't.
- 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. The payment - normally less than $50 but depends on nationality.
5. Go to the office and hand the visa application in yourself!
There's also a fast option which you may need but I just pick the regular visa pick up time.
There you go then for your China Visa come and get it in Hong Kong and enjoy this marvellous country of China!
The border crossing is simple enough too.
Have a great time doing China and enjoying a lifestyle of travel!
Jonny Blair
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