Shanghai Expat

Visas, Taxes, and Legalities - Dealing with the 30 day stay rule
Toruitas - June 30, 2009 - 07:54 PM
Post subject: Dealing with the 30 day stay rule
I'm in the process of getting a 6 month multi entry tourist visa from HK, but with that catch of 30-days and then you gotta get your ass outta China.

Is that truly the only way, or at the end of these 30 days could I go to the EEB in Pudong and get an extension (or two as it were)? It'd be cheaper (marginally) and less of a hassle than actually leaving the country to refresh. This rule is a frustrating one.

This is my second trip to HK already, and I've been to Macau... So I'm not looking for a chance to explore.

Thanks
Andreas - June 30, 2009 - 07:59 PM
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Once a month to HK for a few days is not bad. Done that the first 3 years. At a certain moment I liked it so much, I went every two weeks Smile
Those 30 days are a blessing mate!
Shangstar - June 30, 2009 - 08:01 PM
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i thought if you extended your "period of stay" on a multi-entry, yes you get an extensiom, but that single extension then cancels out your entire multi-entry visa.
MoonOverMiami - June 30, 2009 - 08:19 PM
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Why not fly to Shenzhen in the morning, walk across the border and come back in, and fly back to Shanghai later on in the day. Its about RMB1,000 cheaper to fly into Shenzhen than HK.
p1atl10 - June 30, 2009 - 10:37 PM
Post subject:
Shangstar wrote:
i thought if you extended your "period of stay" on a multi-entry, yes you get an extensiom, but that single extension then cancels out your entire multi-entry visa.


Correct-a-mundo!
You can extend a SINGLE stay, the rest of the "entries" go bye-bye.

OP..You really have no choice but to exit.
A day to Shenzhen, across and back.

Or like Andreas suggested...A holiday in HK for a weekend.
SatelliteTV - July 01, 2009 - 05:45 AM
Post subject:
p1atl10 wrote:
[Or like Andreas suggested...A holiday in HK for a weekend.


Why not Korea?
yu888 - July 01, 2009 - 06:11 AM
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As a tourist, (and even not) it would be a total blessing to have to leave every 30 days as Andreas said. But if one is one of those non-tourists that isnt married to a Chinese national but just want to hang here in China but OH, cant afford the time nor expenses to keep leaving... the stupid 30 day rules are probably directed at, the its probably time top pack it up and figure out another country to hang at b/c for now, China is pretty strict and honestly a lot nicer place without much of the riff raff that ends up staying forever on L visas. yes, even now i am still jaded Twisted Evil
pj4701 - July 01, 2009 - 06:17 AM
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first year I was here I did the run every 30 days. HK and Macau via Shenzhen was consistently cheapest option, and I had tons of fun. Also found some great flight deals to Vietnam and Philippines twice. Hassle, expense, but being forced to go somewhere new and exciting wasn't so bad. Legit now...
Toruitas - July 01, 2009 - 11:41 PM
Post subject:
Yeah, after actually spending some time in HK I've remembered how stressful China can be. This was a blessing in disguise! Time to start planning my mini-trips then, I guess. Smile Thanks.
Andreas - July 01, 2009 - 11:49 PM
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Make the best out of everything mate! Wink
ericst29 - July 02, 2009 - 02:00 PM
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I heard should be able to get a 3 months Chin L visa in Hk these days, without needing to leave very 30 days, I am not sure about the entries though, but it could be extended 2 times overhere, so 5 months stay in a row would be possible
yu888 - July 03, 2009 - 02:45 PM
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120's are available via consulates in the US...gotta be in other places too
DrShanghai - July 04, 2009 - 08:20 PM
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I have a 90, L. I know you can get a 120 F 2 year in the US. Go to a Chinese Travel Agencym they can work miracles.
Renovator - July 04, 2009 - 09:06 PM
Post subject:
DrShanghai wrote:
I have a 90, L. I know you can get a 120 F 2 year in the US. Go to a Chinese Travel Agencym they can work miracles.


2 year multiple entry F visas can be had in US for those that qualify, but not through agents. Agents in US will not process more than a 1 year so you must do it on your own if you want one and can qualify.
DrShanghai - July 04, 2009 - 10:58 PM
Post subject:
I know Tons of people that got 2 year F visas with 90-120 day stays Through their Agents in the US, just have to have the right agent, with connections to the Embassy.
But it is really a mute point, to this guy, as he just needs to get a one year 90 day L.
although Hong Kong is nice!
Renovator - July 05, 2009 - 05:28 AM
Post subject:
DrShanghai wrote:
I know Tons of people that got 2 year F visas with 90-120 day stays Through their Agents in the US, just have to have the right agent, with connections to the Embassy.
But it is really a mute point, to this guy, as he just needs to get a one year 90 day L.
although Hong Kong is nice!


Out of the tons of people you know, could you do us a favor and get the name of just one agent that will do this now? I received one of the very first 2 year F visas 4 years ago and yes did get it through an agent with the connections and was issued by the Embassy in Washington. 2 years ago, I contacted him and 8 other agents when it was time to get a new one and they all told me that they would not even attempt the 2 year F visas anymore because they were too much trouble for them. I am currently on a multiple entry 2 year F visa 180 day stays allowed, which I got myself at the New York Consulate, but will need to get a new 2 year visa next month. I would love to find an agent that can do this for me and save the travel time to New York. One year multiple F Visas are no problem and any agent will do those, but I have yet to find one that will do the 2 year deal.

Please help and advise.
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