[jaykay]

Actually in May and June I was using a new passport with my visa in the old one and had no problems. The only problem I had was my multi running out in June!

Anyway for me the company got me a double entry for which I am on the second entry patiently waiting for Z visa and residents permit. Should all be with me on Thurs / Fri and I can get back to HK finally!

[hello_there]

Originally Posted by Stoob

Was the corner of the visa page cut off when the embassy cancelled the old passport?

I came in to SZ last week with a new passport/visa in old passport with no drama. (Visa page was not clipped)

US passports get several holes punched in the cover and a cancelled stamp, but no cutting of visa pages. The China immigration guy told him that the visa automatically expired with the expiry of the passport. No further explanation was offered.

[Boris]

The immigration guy was wrong. The visa is a document by itself and expires on the date put on it. It has to be accompanied by a current passport. I have used this way and never ever had a problem.

If an officer says something you believe not to be true you should have the top officer make a decision and get him to put it in writing, making sure they see you writing their badge numbers . Of course they won't because they will lose too much face when proved wrong.

[vmlinuz]

Originally Posted by Boris

If an officer says something you believe not to be true you should have the top officer make a decision and get him to put it in writing, making sure they see you writing their badge numbers . Of course they won't because they will lose too much face when proved wrong.

You may have the cojones to argue with an immigration officer at the border, most of us don't. Particularly in the current atmosphere, if I argued, I would at least expect them to completely invalidate my existing visa, and I'd say there would be a realistic chance of blacklisting, and depending on how much trouble you caused, incarceration.

[Boris]

Ask --- don't argue -- of course.
Just do it the way they do to you. Smiling Tiger style.

[juergenw]

Originally Posted by Boris

The immigration guy was wrong. The visa is a document by itself and expires on the date put on it. It has to be accompanied by a current passport. I have used this way and never ever had a problem.

If an officer says something you believe not to be true you should have the top officer make a decision and get him to put it in writing, making sure they see you writing their badge numbers . Of course they won't because they will lose too much face when proved wrong.

I think Boris is right - I did the same many times the last 8 years as naturally once the passport is fully chopped (not expired - my passport never gets "older" than 3 years) you need to get a new one but the visa expiry date is essential. BUT: If some immigration officers want to challenge you they surely can: The visa issued always shows the passport number - as your new passport will have not the same number as the visa in the old passport - they can play you around with this TODAY - as everything is now "super-nervous" and maybe some guys at some checkpoints will do duty to the extreme - unfortunately there is some risk with this constellation nowadays. A stupid advice: Take your old passports with you, to prove that it worked many times like this - maybe helpful.

[LuisHK]

Originally Posted by LuisHK

Anyone entered China with a visa valid on an expired passport lately? I read it was no problem before but things look quite a bit more complicated at the moment and just had to renew my passport because the former one was full and we're supposed to fly ton Guangzhou on August 10, during the games, and I was planning to use a 1 year multiple entry tourist visa still valid on the old passport. For sure I wouldn't apreciate beeing turned away, is there a official policy regarding the issue, or some poster with recent experience?

Update : there was no problem checking in in Bangkok airport nor entering China in Guangzhou. I can't say the remaining has been very smooth so far, starting with a difficult ride to the new Ascott and beeing turned away at the reception despite a confirmed reservation than sent to very average Springsdale from the same Group.

Hope Shenzhen wil be better - although I have strong doubts.

[chicagolife]

Does someone know the offical date that I can apply for a Multiple Entry Visa again? Is it the day after the Olympics are finished?

[elle]

Nobody really knows that date. Rumor has it that things will be back to - hopefully - normal after the special Olympics, that would be mid/late October.

[pin]

Originally Posted by elle

Nobody really knows that date. Rumor has it that things will be back to - hopefully - normal after the special Olympics, that would be mid/late October.

the special olympics? don't you mean the para olympics?