Visa restrictions for next few months
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PaulR
Talker
Joined: Dec 05, 2007
Posts: 89
Status: Offline
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 Posted:
Apr 13, 2008 - 07:16 PM |
 
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| Post subject: Visa restrictions for next few months |
Had a look through the recent posts and can't see this being raised.....and it may be of intrest to the one's on here without Residency Permits who use the Hong Kong route for visas.
From China Briefings earlier this week:
Multiple-entry visas suspended
China has stopped issuing multiple-entry visas and slowed the processing time for single- and double-entry visas for foreigners in Hong Kong. According to travel agencies in the region, applicants are only being issued single-entry visas, with double-entry visas only being issued if airline tickets or detailed itinerary can be provided explaining why two entries are required during the same trip. The duration of stay for both single- and double-entry visas is 30 days.
It is also now being recommended to apply in advance of planned travel to the mainland, as processing times are slowing as well. Currently, a visa can take up to four days to process according to travel agencies in Hong Kong. The suspension, which appears to be both related to the upcoming Olympics as well as the ongoing political unrest in the nation’s western regions, took effect on March 28 and will last until October 17.
Chinese authorities are also said to be stepping up enforcement of other rules and regulations applying to foreigners on the mainland. A recent letter circulating on the mainland warns foreigners with residence permits in China to make sure they register with their local police station within 24 hours of arriving in China, and every time they return to the mainland from abroad. While these rules have been in place for years, the letter suggests that the authorities will step up enforcement of the regulations ahead of the Summer Games.
One thing I didn't realise is that if you have a Residence Visa, you still have to regester with the local police..........  |
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underh20
Board Legend
Joined: Sep 27, 2006
Posts: 12702
Location: Veggie-Free Zone
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| Posted:
Apr 13, 2008 - 07:21 PM |
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| Post subject: Re: Visa restrictions for next few months |
| PaulR wrote: |
Had a look through the recent posts and can't see this being raised.....and it may be of intrest to the one's on here without Residency Permits who use the Hong Kong route for visas.
From China Briefings earlier this week:
Multiple-entry visas suspended
China has stopped issuing multiple-entry visas and slowed the processing time for single- and double-entry visas for foreigners in Hong Kong. According to travel agencies in the region, applicants are only being issued single-entry visas, with double-entry visas only being issued if airline tickets or detailed itinerary can be provided explaining why two entries are required during the same trip. The duration of stay for both single- and double-entry visas is 30 days.
It is also now being recommended to apply in advance of planned travel to the mainland, as processing times are slowing as well. Currently, a visa can take up to four days to process according to travel agencies in Hong Kong. The suspension, which appears to be both related to the upcoming Olympics as well as the ongoing political unrest in the nation’s western regions, took effect on March 28 and will last until October 17.
Chinese authorities are also said to be stepping up enforcement of other rules and regulations applying to foreigners on the mainland. A recent letter circulating on the mainland warns foreigners with residence permits in China to make sure they register with their local police station within 24 hours of arriving in China, and every time they return to the mainland from abroad. While these rules have been in place for years, the letter suggests that the authorities will step up enforcement of the regulations ahead of the Summer Games.
One thing I didn't realise is that if you have a Residence Visa, you still have to regester with the local police.......... |
Don't believe a lot of what you read in That Rag.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs has already issued a statement that it is false that they've stopped issuing multiple entry visas.
But then the truth seldom gets in the way of That Rag's reporting. |
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"If I need to buy a TV, I'll definitely buy a Japanese TV. A Chinese TV might explode." -- Jackie Chan
Last edited by underh20 on Apr 15, 2008 - 09:00 AM; edited 1 time in total |
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PaulR
Talker
Joined: Dec 05, 2007
Posts: 89
Status: Offline
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Apr 13, 2008 - 08:31 PM |
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Hmmm...........that's good news then  ........I've not been to the local police to register since l got my residency permit last year  .......I presume that bit is correct  once you have residency you don't have to register every time you return to China ?
P.S..........if I get a visit from the PSB, can I say that UnderH2o said it was OK to be here  |
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ThomasCaron
Ranter
Joined: Dec 11, 2006
Posts: 551
Location: Shanghai
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Apr 13, 2008 - 09:45 PM |
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I came back from HK on a new visa March 27, but neglected to re-register at my local police station until three days ago (April 10). It was a non-issue. I suppose every precinct won't be as blasé. |
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"Wisdom is silent, and the most effective propaganda for truth is the force of personal example." - Henry Miller |
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woaihuan
StreetBeater
Joined: Dec 15, 2007
Posts: 2437
Status: Offline
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Apr 13, 2008 - 10:57 PM |
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What about the one month per restrictions?
I'm living on three month visas, since it's cheapest.
I hate Hong Kong, and I'd hate to spend four days of every month there. |
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Andreas
Shanghai Royalty
Joined: Feb 27, 2004
Posts: 9140
Location: s/v Waratah
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Apr 13, 2008 - 11:03 PM |
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| woaihuan wrote: |
What about the one month per restrictions?
I'm living on three month visas, since it's cheapest.
I hate Hong Kong, and I'd hate to spend four days of every month there. |
Well, then don't. Choice is yours isn't it? If you would do anything professional here you would be living on a one year Z visa anyway, painlessly renewed every year. Right? |
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woaihuan
StreetBeater
Joined: Dec 15, 2007
Posts: 2437
Status: Offline
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Apr 13, 2008 - 11:11 PM |
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Can't, not eligible. Must be 18.
...I hope October comes quickly. Maybe I take my wife to Canada for the summer. |
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Andreas
Shanghai Royalty
Joined: Feb 27, 2004
Posts: 9140
Location: s/v Waratah
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Apr 13, 2008 - 11:14 PM |
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Ah, ok, I see. That's a different story, I did not realize that (or better said, I forgot  ). Hope it works out for you. |
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How do you make a small fortune? Start with a big fortune, and buy a boat. |
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sbergman
StreetBeater
Joined: Sep 12, 2007
Posts: 2354
Status: Offline
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Apr 13, 2008 - 11:28 PM |
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If she'd adopted you instead of marrying you, this would have been much easier. |
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yu888
Board Deity
Joined: Jan 25, 2003
Posts: 19241
Location: ZhongShanParkArea SH
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Apr 14, 2008 - 07:35 AM |
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I'd just sign up for a Chinese language program and get an X-visa (student), then at least you can stay here legally without having to make those trips out. |
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The right to free speech does not grant you freedom from the repercussions of what you say. This and more on my Blog...Random Thoughts about Living in Shanghai...and more |
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kumlong
PopStar
Joined: Oct 18, 2007
Posts: 999
Location: puxi
Status: Offline
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Apr 14, 2008 - 11:06 AM |
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according to SCMP, officially there is still multi entry visas. the only problem is 'due to a systems upgrade, multi entry visas take indefinite period to process' |
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deeroo
Barker
Joined: Nov 05, 2007
Posts: 175
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Apr 14, 2008 - 01:53 PM |
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Based upon a link on another thread about applying for a Z visa in the home country of the applicant, would it be possible to apply for the visa though an agency in the US (one that I have used before) and then have the passport with the Z visa sent to me here?
I am just curious to know if I have to physically enter the country with the Z visa and have that entry stamp before I can apply for the Residence permit. Or would they even allow me out of the country to Hong Kong for the day to get the stamps if I have a Z visa issued on say April 20th, but I haven't left the country since I got here on Dec 29th (my original L visa was issued with 120 day stays).
These regs keep changing so quick that I want to get this taken care of asap. |
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Good judgment comes from experience, and experience comes from bad judgment.
Last edited by deeroo on Apr 14, 2008 - 02:41 PM; edited 1 time in total |
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woaihuan
StreetBeater
Joined: Dec 15, 2007
Posts: 2437
Status: Offline
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Apr 14, 2008 - 01:59 PM |
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120 day stays? How do you get that kind of L?
Is the in home country only rule applying only to Z visas? |
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deeroo
Barker
Joined: Nov 05, 2007
Posts: 175
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Apr 14, 2008 - 02:42 PM |
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I got the 120 day visa last year from the US before all these crazy new laws started coming through.
I am not sure if it only applies for Z visas...when I find out more, I'll post it. |
_________________
Good judgment comes from experience, and experience comes from bad judgment. |
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french_64
Seeker
Joined: Dec 15, 2005
Posts: 47
Status: Offline
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Apr 14, 2008 - 05:27 PM |
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| yu888 wrote: |
| I'd just sign up for a Chinese language program and get an X-visa (student), then at least you can stay here legally without having to make those trips out. |
hi,
Can you switch easily from a F visa to X visa?
What kind of document do you need?
Where did you sign?
language school or university?
thanks |
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mrpango
Low Seater
Joined: Jan 26, 2007
Posts: 3276
Status: Offline
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Apr 14, 2008 - 05:33 PM |
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| sbergman wrote: |
| If she'd adopted you instead of marrying you, this would have been much easier. |
Haha... Sorry, couldn't help but laugh!
I'm glad I don't have to go through any visa crap any more. Waiting 8 months to finally get a work permit was more than enough waiting. |
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Well, may as well start a blog http://www.sinocracy.com/ - click at your leisure! |
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PaulR
Talker
Joined: Dec 05, 2007
Posts: 89
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Apr 14, 2008 - 06:30 PM |
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One thing i do need to know is..........all of you guys and girls out there with residency permits....the little red book.....do you still regester at the PSB everytime you leave and return to China? Since I got residency last year I've not been bothering to go to the PSB for the pink slip.......should I be going |
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winterain
Barker
Joined: May 29, 2007
Posts: 151
Location: Nanpu Bridge Basement
Status: Offline
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Apr 14, 2008 - 08:39 PM |
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The rumors are true... foriegners can't apply for 3 month visa in Hong Kong anymore. My American friend went back to HK to renew his visa a week back, and he was only given 1 month, and was notified about the new policy change. As a result, he will be going back to the US.  Well he was unemployed here. But flying to hk every month to renew 30 days is too costly. |
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woaihuan
StreetBeater
Joined: Dec 15, 2007
Posts: 2437
Status: Offline
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Apr 14, 2008 - 09:33 PM |
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| winterain wrote: |
| The rumors are true... foriegners can't apply for 3 month visa in Hong Kong anymore. My American friend went back to HK to renew his visa a week back, and he was only given 1 month, and was notified about the new policy change. As a result, he will be going back to the US. Well he was unemployed here. But flying to hk every month to renew 30 days is too costly. |
He could always pick up residence in Shenzhen.
I agree though. I'm doing the same thing and going back to Canada. The cost is high, but even more importantly, Hong Kong sucks and spending 1/6 of my time there getting visas is just stupid.
Plus I heard that pretty soon they're only going to allow those with letters of invitation from family, business, or Olympics tickets to get tourist visas.
For the first time, I'll say it.
F*ck China.
And I'll be back in February. |
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underh20
Board Legend
Joined: Sep 27, 2006
Posts: 12702
Location: Veggie-Free Zone
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Apr 15, 2008 - 07:29 AM |
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| woaihuan wrote: |
| winterain wrote: |
| The rumors are true... foriegners can't apply for 3 month visa in Hong Kong anymore. My American friend went back to HK to renew his visa a week back, and he was only given 1 month, and was notified about the new policy change. As a result, he will be going back to the US. Well he was unemployed here. But flying to hk every month to renew 30 days is too costly. |
He could always pick up residence in Shenzhen. |
What's the difference between applying for residency in Shanzhen and anywhere else in China?
If you are talking about the special border visas valid only for Shenzhen, I hear they also have been eliminated. |
_________________
"If I need to buy a TV, I'll definitely buy a Japanese TV. A Chinese TV might explode." -- Jackie Chan |
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underh20
Board Legend
Joined: Sep 27, 2006
Posts: 12702
Location: Veggie-Free Zone
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Apr 15, 2008 - 07:30 AM |
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| PaulR wrote: |
| One thing i do need to know is..........all of you guys and girls out there with residency permits....the little red book.....do you still regester at the PSB everytime you leave and return to China? Since I got residency last year I've not been bothering to go to the PSB for the pink slip.......should I be going |
Hey, Einstein, on which planet are little red books called residency permits? |
_________________
"If I need to buy a TV, I'll definitely buy a Japanese TV. A Chinese TV might explode." -- Jackie Chan |
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underh20
Board Legend
Joined: Sep 27, 2006
Posts: 12702
Location: Veggie-Free Zone
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Apr 15, 2008 - 07:31 AM |
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| deeroo wrote: |
Based upon a link on another thread about applying for a Z visa in the home country of the applicant, would it be possible to apply for the visa though an agency in the US (one that I have used before) and then have the passport with the Z visa sent to me here?
I am just curious to know if I have to physically enter the country with the Z visa and have that entry stamp before I can apply for the Residence permit. Or would they even allow me out of the country to Hong Kong for the day to get the stamps if I have a Z visa issued on say April 20th, but I haven't left the country since I got here on Dec 29th (my original L visa was issued with 120 day stays).
These regs keep changing so quick that I want to get this taken care of asap. |
Might work. Or might not. It would be better if you were in Hong Kong because I'd think they would notice on the Mainland that there was no arrival stamp in your passport. You also wouldn't be in their computer system as having entered on a Z. |
_________________
"If I need to buy a TV, I'll definitely buy a Japanese TV. A Chinese TV might explode." -- Jackie Chan |
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woaihuan
StreetBeater
Joined: Dec 15, 2007
Posts: 2437
Status: Offline
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| Posted:
Apr 15, 2008 - 09:25 AM |
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| underh20 wrote: |
| woaihuan wrote: |
| winterain wrote: |
| The rumors are true... foriegners can't apply for 3 month visa in Hong Kong anymore. My American friend went back to HK to renew his visa a week back, and he was only given 1 month, and was notified about the new policy change. As a result, he will be going back to the US. Well he was unemployed here. But flying to hk every month to renew 30 days is too costly. |
He could always pick up residence in Shenzhen. |
What's the difference between applying for residency in Shanzhen and anywhere else in China?
If you are talking about the special border visas valid only for Shenzhen, I hear they also have been eliminated. |
If you lived in Shenzhen, it's no big deal to hop the boarder monthly. |
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underh20
Board Legend
Joined: Sep 27, 2006
Posts: 12702
Location: Veggie-Free Zone
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Apr 15, 2008 - 09:30 AM |
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^ Very true. |
_________________
"If I need to buy a TV, I'll definitely buy a Japanese TV. A Chinese TV might explode." -- Jackie Chan |
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yu888
Board Deity
Joined: Jan 25, 2003
Posts: 19241
Location: ZhongShanParkArea SH
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Apr 15, 2008 - 09:55 AM |
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The kid has good logic...some of us are just jealous he is so damned young  |
_________________
The right to free speech does not grant you freedom from the repercussions of what you say. This and more on my Blog...Random Thoughts about Living in Shanghai...and more |
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