This week in Shanghaiist
Richard Brubaker of All Roads Leads to China has some good visa news (if true), but only for UK citizens. An update he quoted from the British Chamber of Commerce:
Visa Situation Update
The British Embassy lobbied the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing and have now secured confirmation from them that 12 month multiple-entry business visas will continue to be available to all qualifying UK applicants.Chinese Embassy websites now makes clear that the following documents should be supplied:
i) invitation letter issued by the relevant department of Chinese government (e.g. MOFCOM, local Chamber of Commerce) - an invitation from a Chinese company will no longer suffice;
ii) a copy of a Chinese hotel reservation;
iii) a copy of outward and return flight ticket booking (one way ticket will not be sufficient).
If anyone has any inside information on the above, please drop us a note as it does strike us as strange that the Chinese immigration authorities would operate double standards by granting 12 month multiple-entry business visas only to UK citizens and not to applicants of any other nationality.
Brubaker also highlighted three things:
Note: The HK Website previously sourced has yet to change, and it appears that non-residents are still unable to get visas in HK.Note 2: AMCHAM Shanghai will be offering members a chance to learn about the new rules next Tuesday (Given the implications of this, this is coming a bit late…) at the Portman. Details here
Note 3: I am hearing more and more stories of people being stopped and asked for credentials. If you are not carrying them, they will be happy to follow you home to get them. So, best pack your passport for the next few months
Previously on Shanghaiist
More updates on the Chinese visa situation
No more Hong Kong and Macau visa runs?
Getting your F visa: Even magic won't work now!
The multiple-entry F visa goes on holiday for the Olympics
China tightening F visa applications?
Photo from Heidi D
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Wow! An embassy actually doing its job for once! I won't hold my breath in expectation of the American consulate/embassy doing the same.
Re: Note 3
It is a good idea to have at least a copy of the info page and visa of your passport on you at all times, either in your wallet or purse, in case you are randomly asked for it. Usually that will satisfy the curiousity of whatever official is asking for it.
yeah... the U.S. Consulate, as usual, is taking the example of our fine president - clenching their eyes shut and clicking their heels together and hoping it all goes away and people stop asking them questions. the fantastically useful reply I got from the U.S. Consulate was exactly this:
"For questions relating to Chinese visa, please contact the Shanghai Exit/Entry Bureau (EEB) at 1500 Min Sheng Lu, Pudong, Shanghai, tel: 2895-1900*2."
thanks, thanks alot. my hard earned tax dollars pay for a phone-book lookup.
and then today - oh boy, just got my April Newsletter from the Consulate! why I'm sure they'll have SOME commentary on this most important of issues, right!?!?
Ummm... I guess not. but at least they are encouraging me to vote. as long as its for Republicans I'm sure.
New Topics:
-- Upcoming Holidays and Other Closures
-- NEW Voting Pamphlet Available in ACS
-- Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption Enters into Force
-- Summer Olympics and Paralympics in China
-- State Voter Registration Verification Websites
-- Passport Card
-- IRS - Economic Stimulus Payments Information
-- Leaving Shanghai Consular District?
-- Voting Information Updates