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A China visa agency in Hong Kong has just put up the following notice on its website:
We are informed by the China visa office that effective from 28 March 2008-17 Oct 2008 there will be no more multi entry (F) visas available. For those who still need visas can only apply single or double entry visas instead (Duration of each stay is 30 days). All this will last till the Olympic games finished.
Shanghaiist reader Gregory Prudhommeaux who sent us the above tip also had this to say:
"Working as a consultant, I had a client who faced this situation in Paris last Saturday, and another one this morning in Hong Kong."
Our housemate is now in Hong Kong on a visa run (good luck Vainui!), so watch this space for an update when she returns.
Previously on Shanghaiist
China tightening F visa applications?
Photo from Heidi D
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I called emoo about this a few days ago and it looks like they've monopolized the market (as well as taken on some quite shitty staff). 4800 for a 6-month.
Then called everyone's fave 'Magic' who said it can still be done, but would require lots of paperwork and people might be better off going for a Z.
Shanghai really needs a VISA or work system covering self-employed/freelance. It's in their interest as we'd then have to file taxes.
I called the VISA office myself last month to get updates on all the options. The outcome being that I was told there is no system for legitimate freelancing. It's either the old dodges (on the way out) or full time sponsored.
What's funny is that they talked openly about it and recommended I do the loopholes way.
What the hell? Does that mean I have to apply for a longer visa than those usual 3 months visa? Im staying in China for about 2 and a half months this summer and will go to hongkong as well, so i guess I need double entry
please help...
@Andy - I'm sure China will implement such a visa program around the same time other most other countries do. That is: never.
Like Aric mentioned, you can still find 3 to 6 month F visas (depending on your nationality), but they are extremely pricey. Emoo and Magic are not the only game in town either.
And here I thought the Olympic spirit was about opening up and sharing your country with the global community. Silly me.
what the f"*k?would have been nice if we didnt discover this after the date.my visa runs out in june.so that means what?i need a 6 month visa with 2 entries if i wanna leave during that time-was supposed to go to germany.also what does it mean with the 30 day stay?i have to leave every 30 days(which will cost a small fortune during that time)to hong kong? that shit is fucked up-i am a skateboard coach-that wont pay for a flight every month!
@robdotr
ah ...yes.
Was just in the Manila Chinese embassy today and they have big notices saying
'Due to computer system upgrades only 30 day single entry visas will be issued until further notice'
My friend processed their 90 day F visa on the 29th of March with no problems, so it is a new development, and the story doesn't seem to be consistant across all embassies...