Answer to One China Travel Question
|
| |
Q: I am visiting Hong Kong for a business trip. Dinner plans have been organized in Shenzhen. I will traveling to Shenzhen for 1 day. Do I need a visa and what are the necessary steps to receive it?
| | A: While travelers from most countries can stay in Hong Kong (a special administrative district of China) for a certain length of time visa-free, they do need visa to enter China proper, of which Shenzhen is a part. One exception is those who visit Shenzhen in a tour group from Hong Kong, in which case a group visa can be arranged by the tour agency. Others need to have their own visas.
To get a visa before traveling to China, one can apply for a China visa at a Chinese diplomatic/consular office in one's own country. If one travel first to Hong Kong before entering China proper, one can also apply for his visa in Hong Kong. China Travel Services (Hong Kong), which a branch of the semi-official Chinese travel agency, provides China visa service in Hong Kong. With rush service, one can get his visa on the same day (if he applies in the morning). Rush visa costs approximately 500 HK dollars; for half of that price, you get your visa in three days. To apply for a tourist visa (L) to enter China, one needs his passport (with at least 6 months beyond stay), filled-out application form, and a passport-type photo. Double check to make sure requirements for visa application have nto changed.
| | | | | |
|
|
