[hktraveller]

Originally Posted by drumbrake

I thought these visas had been suspended? Can anyone else confirm that they are available?

Also any information on whether the hotel book and return flight regulation is being enforced? (China visa office)

And, Visa Office says you got to be a HK resident to apply - does that just mean in person, or can someone use an agent to apply?

Finally, are Chinese visas at HKIA suspended or still possible?

Cheers for any info.

I can confirm that they were available at Luo Hu until last week Wednesday. I heard that a group of Germans couldn't get them yesterday.

[Ritakel]

Hi Golah, Sleuth and Jimbo,

If you already have a multiple entry visa, there is no problem, it will not be revoked and you can continue to use it until it expires. You are one of the lucky ones!
The problem arises if someones visa runs out now in April or between now and sometime after the Olympics (Whenever they decide to return to normal)
The applications are getting more and more difficult and some countries are facing more restrictions than others in terms of fees and turnaround time.
The rules keep changing and you do not find out until you ask the specific question at the visa office.

[sp1key]

my visa is expiring in june. am due for china in the next fortnight and will share my experiene then; meanwhile any confirmation on the below quote?

QUOTE: "I was also told there that the visa application office at Lowu has closed, all applications go through the embassy in Wan Chai."

meaning one cant apply for a single/double entry visa at the luohu border?

[drumbrake]

Most nationalities could only get a 5 day Shenzhen visa at Lo Wu before the present changes. Therefore, then, as now, you would have to go to Wanchai or use an agency to get a full single or double entry visa.

[basketcase]

I spent the day yesterday at the China Resourse Building in Wan Chai trying to renew my Multi-entry Visa that expired on Sunday. The lines were horrible - I took everything possible with me to convince them to issue Multi-entry since my lively hood depends on my frequent traveling to China. All ears were deaf - all they would say over and over was "Computer Glich - Computer Glich" My only option was for a double entry. I explained my situation and she finally said once I get to China to go to a Police Station and they can extend the Visa. I have started to research this option on line and it looks like it might be viable. Has anyone ever done this? Please advise.

[HKChigger]

Originally Posted by basketcase

I spent the day yesterday at the China Resourse Building in Wan Chai trying to renew my Multi-entry Visa that expired on Sunday. The lines were horrible - I took everything possible with me to convince them to issue Multi-entry since my lively hood depends on my frequent traveling to China. All ears were deaf - all they would say over and over was "Computer Glich - Computer Glich" My only option was for a double entry. I explained my situation and she finally said once I get to China to go to a Police Station and they can extend the Visa. I have started to research this option on line and it looks like it might be viable. Has anyone ever done this? Please advise.

I think the issue you are worried about in the amount of entries and not length of time no? Police in China can't change the amount of entries...

[hktraveller]

Originally Posted by basketcase

I spent the day yesterday at the China Resourse Building in Wan Chai trying to renew my Multi-entry Visa that expired on Sunday. The lines were horrible - I took everything possible with me to convince them to issue Multi-entry since my lively hood depends on my frequent traveling to China. All ears were deaf - all they would say over and over was "Computer Glich - Computer Glich" My only option was for a double entry. I explained my situation and she finally said once I get to China to go to a Police Station and they can extend the Visa. I have started to research this option on line and it looks like it might be viable. Has anyone ever done this? Please advise.

We have been trying this in Shanghai and no way for extensions. The only option I see is to let one of your suppliers employ you and make a Z visa with residence permit. Working permits are fairly easy to get in China.
Put your salary at 4800, plus say 2000 housing allowance plus 2000 travel expenses, so that you don't have to pay tax and it still sounds near to reasonbable. (Your world income is tax excempt for the first 5 years, so you only pay tax for salary above 4800 RMB).

[hktraveller]

Originally Posted by drumbrake

Most nationalities could only get a 5 day Shenzhen visa at Lo Wu before the present changes. Therefore, then, as now, you would have to go to Wanchai or use an agency to get a full single or double entry visa.

We just called the visa issuing counter at Luo Hu and they said nothing has changed, 5 day visas are still available to the nationalities that could get them last week (not for Moslem countries and the US). I am a bit hesitant to publish the number, since they might not answert the phone anymore if too many people call.

CITS will tell you that they are not available.

[drumbrake]

Originally Posted by hktraveller

We just called the visa issuing counter at Luo Hu and they said nothing has changed, 5 day visas are still available to the nationalities that could get them last week (not for Moslem countries and the US). I am a bit hesitant to publish the number, since they might not answert the phone anymore if too many people call.

CITS will tell you that they are not available.

Thanks - so any idea about other land crossings - Sha Tau Kok or Shenzhen Bay? I remember seeing a notice a week or so ago at the China ferry terminal in TST saying VOA was suspended at Shekou, Fuyong and Zhuhai for sea crossings.

[MaxWonga]

Has anyone gone to PRC with an APEC Biz card since this bollox started