do u need a visa

[spinoff]

Mimi, yeah... my visa is the same "L" for Category and "M" for Entries.

 

[swelou]

Just looked at mine..It has a "L" after category and a "M" after entries and a Chinese word multi in parenthesis.

 

[Tri]

Wow. That sucks. Nope, I got a "L" and it says 2 entries. Doubt I will be going twice anyway, but I would have preferred a multiple if it was that easy.

Oh well.

 

[Pompal 09.]

I agree also. The comfortable arrangement enjoyed for the last few years where a 6 month multiple entry visa was processed in HK for less than $100 ended (hopefully temporarily) before the Olympic Games.

I had hoped to fly into HK, obtain a 6 month F-class visa and wander into China then travel around the country independently as I had previously. I've heard stories about itiniaries, hotel bookings, return tickets being asked for and 30 day visas being standard.

I too am hoping that the situation reverts back to normal after the Olympics. Check out the following board on Lonely Planet's web site for the most current information. It is a bit lengthy to wade-through but has a lot of details about the current situation.

http://www.lonelyplanet.com.au/thor...=1585596&tstart=0&messageID=14541502#14541502

 

[Juuls]

I agree, best to wait another week until the Olympics are over to get a visa unless you already have prepaid travel plans. Also, for those interested in travelling to China, do some legwork on your own and google the Chinese Consulate website for your particular country. Not all countires have the same requirements. Use the information here on the board only as a direction pointer, but don't rely on dated posts or information contained therein.

 

[Kazie]

Dude, that information is dangerously out of date. It is very hard to get a multi at the moment and will be until the Olympics are finished. As long as you have confirmed hotel and flight reservations you will probably be able to get a double.
As is usual with China, it all depends on the person you are dealing with at the time, and where you are doing it. I am based in Macau and cannot get a new multi from here without returning to my native country, New Zealand. As you can imagine I am just going to wait until the Olympics are over.
To give some perspective, since the visa clamp down I got a double entry once and then when I reapplied after that they asked me why I wanted to visit China so much (my wife wants to visit her family there) and then gave me a single entry valid for 15 days!
I am not saying that you and all the other posters are wrong, but I think the OP should plan carefully and get his visa at home before leaving the country and not just 'hope for the best' once in HKG.

 

[Chilanga]

When I went to the Consulate office in May 2008, the only thing they said was available were multiple entries for $130 for US Citizens. China changed its policy in the beginning of 2008. Believe me, I asked for single entries since I was paying for 6 visas, for a family trip.

When I got my visa in November 2007, there were different categories with different prices (single, double and multiple). I am not sure if there are any further changes since May 08. But, those who are interested can easily look it up on the Chinese Consulate's website.

Godo... check on your visa and see what letter they put as the visa type. If there is a "(M)", then it is a multiple. It was explaned to me in May that they were still using the old xerox forms. You can check-off single or double, they charge you $130, but will automatically issue a multiple (M).

 

[Tino {20}]

I got my visa on Dec. 31 2007 and it is good til Dec. 2008 for $100 USD. I could have gotten a single entry for $50 USD. In March 2008 someone said the 1 year multi entry was $130 USD.

I have no problem getting a 1 year multi entry visa. I just filled out the form and give it to them and got my visa in 4 days.

 

[Pompal 09.]

I went a couple of weeks ago and it was $130 for a double entry. I think they still have the single entry in L.A., it's just that it costs $130 anyway. The multiple entry can be a headache to get if you don't have a letter from a business or friend inviting you.

 

[E-Man]

There is no more single entry visas offered to US Citizens. Now, it is one price and you get the multiple entry. If you are in HK, you can go to China Travel Service and pay a premium for same day or next day visa, but not sure if can get same or next day during the weekend.

 

[Magic is Might!]

The single entry visa is $50 USD and the $130 one is for multi entry for one year.

 

[Mother Nature]

I don't think it would be risky, but you might have to wait at the border for it before you can enter. Also it will cost more unless you want to be at the border for 4 days. I would get it in the USA or in HK before you go.

 

[-Karma-]

Could be a bit risky doing this, much simpler getting it in the US IMO.

 

[Me.]

If you are feeling adventurous you could get into Hong Kong with a U.S. passport and then apply for a Chinese visa at the border... you probably won't get it same day if you go around now though.

 

[Zach Will]

you need a visa. contact the local consulate office. cost is $130 for US citizens.

 

[Pompal 09.]

ok im gonna be going to beijing in march for a long get away from the united states was just wondering if u need a visa or will my usa passport be ok for the 8 days ill be staying