Getting a Visa to go to China.
Help! Is it true they give Chinese visas in Hong Kong?
I am Mexican who lives and works in the Netherlands since 5 years. I booked and paid a three-week trip to China since March but now I cannot get a visa here, even if I show my residence permit and my tickets, hotels booked, etc.
They want me to go back to Mexico and apply for it there. *&^%##!!! Needless to say I cannot skip work for two weeks to get a Chinese Visa in Mexico City. It also seems only relatives can ask for a visa in your name and my family does not live in Mexico City.
Any ideas? Suggestions?
I tried to cancel the trip but the travel agent won't give me my money back... ggrrr....
Reply to this My friend says there has been much angst expressed in the Hong Kong newspapers this week about people being unable to get visas. Sorry I have no details.
Reply to this why do you want to go to cHina so badly???
If they don't want your money, tell them to f*** off!
go somewhere else!
Reply to this Jzz, why do you post something like that? Do you have an advice? I asked for advice not for your opinion.
Adrie, I already paid the trip and these were going to be my yearly holidays. You could say I don't wnat to through away all those euros.
And Shan, please grow up, I could have also boycotted my visit to London a few weeks ago because of the Iraq war. Pfff...
Reply to this Yes, this thread is for discussing Chinese visas.
Here is a thread which was made for discussing the Olympics and human rights issues in China.
Human rights, China
Reply to this Actually, I was just kind of being silly. I struggled with the decision to tour china for the human rights issues but came to the conclusion it was to great a culture to miss. Truthfully, I was just being bitter because i'm not sure I can fit China into my budget for my next trip.
If I do go to China, I'll attempt to get a visa before leaving my home country (canada) - i think this may make things easier? I know you can apply for a 3 month visa for $50 cnd.
Reply to this For anyone who may still be interested, I finally got the all important pink slip from the Chinese embassy in Hanoi today and so all being well, I should pick up the visa on Monday and fly to Beijing on Tuesday! Yippee!! I followed Sickboy's advice on the previous page, and the only other thing I would add is that "respectable" t-shirts must have sleeves covering the shoulders. I was wearing a vest top and the guard almost didn't let me in because I dared to bare my shoulders, but luckily I had a headscarf on, which I took off and wrapped around me and I was eventually allowed in. It's a fricking process but to give hope to anyone in the same situation, it is possible!
Reply to this Oh and even though I was second in the queue, I would also advise to sharpen your elbows - the Chinese people waiting at the embassy don't give a monkeys about queuing, so make sure you are equally as pushy!!
Reply to this Glad i could help =D
You will soon get used to the 'pushy' Chinese. You will be using your elbows a lot, espically if you go on a Chinese tourist package like the 3 Gorges tour
Have fun and try and book your train tickets lots in advance to make sure you get what you want.
Very good site for trains is www.seat61.com (click links at top and you can get the train times and numbers between stations. Makes it easier just to show the counter staff)
Jay
Reply to this Of course respectable tops cover the shoulders. My advice is to find out lots about local culture before starting to travel. I can't wait to get to China!!!!
Reply to this Oh get off your high camel, Erratic. I apologise for being so uncultured and not as "ultra respectable" as you with your Brunei ID card and full time job. I thought I looked smart with my suit trousers and top, how was I to know that you had to cover your shoulders? It's not a fricking temple.
Reply to this I like that ... high camel ... but general rule in Asia: throw a scarf or light jacket over bare shoulders ... works a treat in all sorts of situations. And btw, I'm unemployed like everyone else now. ;-)
Reply to this Are you sure you didnt get a visa to Hong Kong erratic??
You say you will only lose $50 HKD, interestingly they dont take HKD in China....
Maybe your just going to Hong Kong..
We dont even need a visa to go there...
Reply to this Huh? The hotel bookings were made through the China Travel Service/Agency in HK, thus payment was made in HK$.
I don't need a visa for HK. I got a visa for China. I'm not that erratic.
Reply to this OK.... We tried to get a visa in Sydney, Brisbane, Saigon, Hanoi and Hong Kong and got the same response at every location.
No!
Anyway we had a great time in Vietnam and Hong Kong...
Anyway congratulations and Happy Travels
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That's such a shame ... maybe you'll get a chance to go there sometime in the future. I have to thank you for starting this thread ... it alerted me to the issues and persuaded me to do something about getting a visa while I was still resident in Brunei, rather than leaving it til Saigon as I'd planned. It was 24 hours of hell, but it paid off - thanks again!
Reply to this I knew it was too good to be true...I'm now stuck in a typhoon is Sapa and can't get back to Hanoi!! Supposed to be flying to Beijing on Tuesday...for the religious among you, prayers please!!
Reply to this Ok, I finally got my visa. At the end I had to send my passport to Mexico and my father got it for me, it turns out there is a consulate in Tijuana which actually many people from San Diego prefer than going to L.A.
What I have heard is that because of the Olympics there are very strict at the moment, who knows how they will be with the Para??? If you are still travelling after the Olympics there might be hope. I wish you the best.
I am so glad I am going! I have lots of Chinese friends and finally I will have the opportunity to know their country and their culture 😊))
Reply to this Excellent News!!!!
Have fun crew and make sure you post your adventure..
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