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Message
Obtaining a Visa for China Questions
Posted on 5/19/16 at 1:18 pm
Posted on 5/19/16 at 1:18 pm
I will be applying for a visa to china for my first time over the next few weeks and have been trying to find the proper procedures. In looking online I've found that it's $140 and I will have to pick it up in person. Houston China embassy
Several questions: I'm assuming the nearest consulate is in Houston? I guess I can make a weekend trip out of it and visit some family over there
Can I mail my application and passport to the consulate or do I have to do everything in person? If that's the case I'm assuming I may have to meet with them on a Friday morning and pick up the following Monday.
Should I apply for multiple entries or single entry? Seems like if something happened while I was there and needed to leave I would not be able to get back in with a single entry. God forbid I actually like it there I can go back within the next 6 months
Several questions: I'm assuming the nearest consulate is in Houston? I guess I can make a weekend trip out of it and visit some family over there
Can I mail my application and passport to the consulate or do I have to do everything in person? If that's the case I'm assuming I may have to meet with them on a Friday morning and pick up the following Monday.
Should I apply for multiple entries or single entry? Seems like if something happened while I was there and needed to leave I would not be able to get back in with a single entry. God forbid I actually like it there I can go back within the next 6 months
4
Posted on 5/19/16 at 1:29 pm to CuseTiger
When I went for work, we had a travel agent in Houston obtain the visas for us. Get the multiple entries, no reason not to.
Posted on 5/19/16 at 1:52 pm to MamouTiger65
Do you know that name of the "service agent" or travel agency in houston that did your transfer? Don't really feel like driving over there unless I absolutely have to.
Posted on 5/19/16 at 2:13 pm to CuseTiger
I'm no longer with that company, so I don't have the name of the person we used. You can Google visa agents in Houston and find several companies that do this for you. You mail them your passport and the fee and then they mail it all back to you.
Talked to a friend that also travelled there, he did the application in person and it took 3 business days to process.
Talked to a friend that also travelled there, he did the application in person and it took 3 business days to process.
Posted on 5/19/16 at 3:40 pm to CuseTiger
How long you going to be there and what city are you entering at?
I just did a transit visa when I flew through Shanghai earlier this year. That only required a boarding pass to display at immigration.
Not sure about the real deal visa, though I bet I can find out if I google enough. I did India through the Houston Consulate via mail and it worked out, but I recall a buddy going to Houston personally for a Brazil visa.
I just did a transit visa when I flew through Shanghai earlier this year. That only required a boarding pass to display at immigration.
Not sure about the real deal visa, though I bet I can find out if I google enough. I did India through the Houston Consulate via mail and it worked out, but I recall a buddy going to Houston personally for a Brazil visa.
Posted on 5/19/16 at 4:04 pm to Teddy Ruxpin
quote:
How long you going to be there and what city are you entering at?
10 days, Beijing. Conference in Beijing
I talked with a professor on campus and he recommended this agency. Said it was very cheap, I'll give it a shot
Posted on 5/20/16 at 7:21 am to CuseTiger
I'm going through this process myself. I have my first international trip into Shanghai next month. My company uses CIBT. They basically send you the application for China, and you send it back with your photos,passport,and a copy of your license. Not sure what they charge.
Posted on 5/20/16 at 7:44 am to CuseTiger
I used CBT Visas. Great service. Online application. If you're able to handle in person, that's great, but you should be able to submit online, overnight passport and have back in 48 hours for 150-200. Rush service extra. If you want to avoid trip downtown, online is fairly easy.
Any of the companies will work. It's a cash cow, or was before 10 year visas, so go cheap and don't be discouraged by the turnaround times unless you're really close. Most companies will expedite if you really need it and put the heat on them.
On a bright note, it'll now be valid for 10 years whereas before only 12-13 months for mult entry Visa.
And, as someone suggested earlier (n/a to OP, or anyone staying longer than 72 hours) under new China laws you can enter the major cities eg Beijing, Shanghai and other hubs on a transit visa. Allows 3 days stay. Ideal if, eg, you want to see the Great Wall en route to, say, Thailand - where you can't catch a direct US flight, last I checked, not even Bangkok.
Safe travels and enjoy Beijing.
Any of the companies will work. It's a cash cow, or was before 10 year visas, so go cheap and don't be discouraged by the turnaround times unless you're really close. Most companies will expedite if you really need it and put the heat on them.
On a bright note, it'll now be valid for 10 years whereas before only 12-13 months for mult entry Visa.
And, as someone suggested earlier (n/a to OP, or anyone staying longer than 72 hours) under new China laws you can enter the major cities eg Beijing, Shanghai and other hubs on a transit visa. Allows 3 days stay. Ideal if, eg, you want to see the Great Wall en route to, say, Thailand - where you can't catch a direct US flight, last I checked, not even Bangkok.
Safe travels and enjoy Beijing.
Posted on 5/20/16 at 7:45 am to Givens
Maybe it was CIBT. Sounds right. Reliable and good service, may be a bit pricier.
This post was edited on 5/20/16 at 7:47 am
Posted on 5/20/16 at 10:42 am to geauxchaz
Appreciate all your suggestions and help guys 
Had no idea it'd be valid for 10 years, that's very valuable information to know. Even though I only plan on going once I'll apply for the multiple entries just in case I decide to go back over the next 10 years
ETA: Last question. On the application itself there's a section that has "Intended number of entries". The five options are:
One entry valid for 3 months from the date of issue
Two entries valid for 3 to 6 months from the date of issue
Multiple entries valid for 6 months from the date of issue
Multiple entries valid for 1 year from the date of issue
Other (Please specify)
If I want the 10 year multiple entry visa, should I choose other?
quote:
On a bright note, it'll now be valid for 10 years whereas before only 12-13 months for multi entry Visa.
Had no idea it'd be valid for 10 years, that's very valuable information to know. Even though I only plan on going once I'll apply for the multiple entries just in case I decide to go back over the next 10 years
ETA: Last question. On the application itself there's a section that has "Intended number of entries". The five options are:
One entry valid for 3 months from the date of issue
Two entries valid for 3 to 6 months from the date of issue
Multiple entries valid for 6 months from the date of issue
Multiple entries valid for 1 year from the date of issue
Other (Please specify)
If I want the 10 year multiple entry visa, should I choose other?
This post was edited on 5/20/16 at 11:04 am
Posted on 5/20/16 at 12:04 pm to CuseTiger
I did option 4. No idea if that was right, though. 
Posted on 5/20/16 at 12:33 pm to Givens
Let me know what they end up giving you, I've got a few weeks before I send in the application. If it works for you I'll pick that option as well
Posted on 5/20/16 at 12:58 pm to geauxchaz
By the way, as of this year, some cities like Shanghai (but not Beijing) are up to 144 hours.
Posted on 5/20/16 at 1:18 pm to CuseTiger
quote:
Let me know what they end up giving you
Will do. Hopefully,mine will be back within a week or two.
Posted on 5/20/16 at 2:55 pm to CuseTiger
I'm not sure which to choose, honestly. I'd specify other- 10 year ME visa. Seems to be the default now based on what I (briefly) read a few min ago.
The Chinese visa seems to be a moving target, like the 72 hour (now 144) transit visa. Counterintuitive to thinking it's now easier, but I'm sure it means more tourism $$$.
I recommend calling any reputable company and talking to a rep... I received a ton of (free) help from several companies while trying to get a visa last year for my wife on 2 days notice, only to find out she didn't need one since we were only breezing through Beijing to see a friend. Honestly, most of my knowledge is from airport ads targeting US citizens in PEK.
The Chinese visa seems to be a moving target, like the 72 hour (now 144) transit visa. Counterintuitive to thinking it's now easier, but I'm sure it means more tourism $$$.
I recommend calling any reputable company and talking to a rep... I received a ton of (free) help from several companies while trying to get a visa last year for my wife on 2 days notice, only to find out she didn't need one since we were only breezing through Beijing to see a friend. Honestly, most of my knowledge is from airport ads targeting US citizens in PEK.
Posted on 5/20/16 at 3:24 pm to Givens
A few tips which might help first timers in Beijing, if applicable.
Legit tour guide in Beijing, PM me. She's smart, sweet and well connected as a government tour guide. Private and flexible tours, skip security & lines in places like Forbidden City and Tian Square, which can otherwise be a hassle.
Same thing if you're looking for art, jade, pearls, antiquities and the like. She has introduced me to some good people, still keep up with them on WeChat. Or any "super" souvenirs without the headache of silk market and other dodgy places.
Lastly, food. Din Tai Fung, Mr. Lee's, DaDong (duck) and if you get tired of Chinese and Mand cuisine, find a Kro's Nest for pizza and cheese fries. Of course, it's Beijing, so you may be an hour away from these places depending on which ring you're in. Massive and intimidating place first go round.
Legit tour guide in Beijing, PM me. She's smart, sweet and well connected as a government tour guide. Private and flexible tours, skip security & lines in places like Forbidden City and Tian Square, which can otherwise be a hassle.
Same thing if you're looking for art, jade, pearls, antiquities and the like. She has introduced me to some good people, still keep up with them on WeChat. Or any "super" souvenirs without the headache of silk market and other dodgy places.
Lastly, food. Din Tai Fung, Mr. Lee's, DaDong (duck) and if you get tired of Chinese and Mand cuisine, find a Kro's Nest for pizza and cheese fries. Of course, it's Beijing, so you may be an hour away from these places depending on which ring you're in. Massive and intimidating place first go round.
Posted on 5/20/16 at 3:32 pm to geauxchaz
quote:
Legit tour guide in Beijing, PM me. She's smart, sweet and well connected as a government tour guide.
We can't pm on here. If you could send me an email I'd like more details
This post was edited on 5/31/16 at 11:58 pm
Posted on 5/20/16 at 3:50 pm to CuseTiger
Hop on down to the embassy on Montrose with your application. I got mine back the same day and only waited in line for 5 minutes on a Tues or Wed.
Usually the multi-entry only costs you a few bucks more.
Usually the multi-entry only costs you a few bucks more.
Posted on 5/26/16 at 12:48 pm to CuseTiger
quote:
Let me know what they end up giving you, I've got a few weeks before I send in the application. If it works for you I'll pick that option as well
Got mine back today. It is marked for multiple entries and valid until 2026. I'm thinking there was somewhere on the CIBT application where I was able to select multi year.
This post was edited on 5/26/16 at 12:52 pm
Posted on 5/26/16 at 1:16 pm to Givens
quote:
It is marked for multiple entries and valid until 2026. I'm thinking there was somewhere on the CIBT application where I was able to select multi year.
Awesome. If I can't find it on the application I'll just select other and write in multiple entries/10 yr
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