China Visa @ airport

Hi, I was on the HK airport website, and noticed the ad for %26#39;China Travel Service%26#39;, which stated they provide visa service at their counter at the airport. Does anyone have more info on that? .... I am trying to find a easiest/best/cheapest way to get a visa to enter China as soon as I land in HK. Thank you in advance for any info.

China Visa @ airport

China Travel Service actually somehow represents the Chinese Government in issuing visa in Hong Kong. That should be the most convenient place to work on your visa if you arrive by air, although not the cheapest. Express visa (give you immediately) is at a charge. Otherwise you have to wait for a few days for processing.

China Visa @ airport

Thanks for the reply, FrancisHongKong, yes, we will be arriving by air on a Thursday night - 6pm. Do you know how much do they charge for express service with Canadian passports, that is pick up same time/day or next day?

The availability of visas in HK appears to have changed in the last few days (this appears to be a temporary sitaution until after the Olympics)and there is another thread about this;

http://tinyurl.com/5j8z59

The Chinese Consulates website announced changes which took effect from 3rd April which indicate that 48 hours is the fastest time a visa can be obtained;

fmcoprc.gov.hk/eng/zgqz/bgfwxx/default.htm

China Travel Service (CTS) which is the Chinese Govt affiliated travel agency confirmed today the fastest service is 48 hours.

Another contributor here has however spoken to the Forever Bright agency who say same day service is still possible if you apply before 9am so maybe some agents have special arrangements.

You%26#39;d probably be better obtaining a visa at home before you travel if you want be sure you can continue to the mainland quickly.

If you are an American passport holder, you will have to pay more than other nationalities - at least HK$1020 from the visa office in Wanchai.

fmcoprc.gov.hk/eng/zgqz/blsjfy/default.htm

If you use an agent the cost will be higher.

Many other nationalities are also paying more now as well - HK$500 up for a single entry- according to the South China Morning Post.

It appears it now costs HK$850 for a UK passport holder to get a single entry visa. Certainly makes those quick trips across the border to Shenzhen less worthwhile.

A poster on LP thorntree said he got a 5 day visa for $450. A 30 day visa can be had for a little less - he was quoted HK$780 by Forever Bright, so probably HK$750 from the visa office.

I%26#39;ve since found out that CTS Mongkok branch are today quoting HK$600 for a 30 day single entry visa for UK passport holders with pick up in 4 days although the SCMP report says the typical cost is now HK$850 and as you say on the Lonely Planet Thorn Tree various fees are being quoted. I think the HK$450 5 day visa is the border visa which is restricted to SEZ. All very confusing and apart from quoting fees for US citizens all reference to actual visa fees seems to have disappeared from Chinese Embassy websites so if cost is an issue it probably pays to ';shop around';.

Official fees at the HK visa office(Single, double, 6 month, 1-3yrs):

UK 450,670, 890, 1330

Surcharge: 3nd day 150, 2nd day 250 i.e. no more same day service, effective Apr 1

Fee schedule (only in Chinese)

鈥mprc.gov.cn/gate/鈥54810.htm

Sorry effective Apr 3. Annoucements made Apr 1.

Official fee schedule in English

fmcoprc.gov.hk/eng/zgqz/blsjfy/default.htm

Processing time:

fmcoprc.gov.hk/eng/zgqz/bgfwxx/default.htm

%26gt;%26gt; indicate that 48 hours is the fastest time a visa can be obtained

You have to read the whole thing carefully(including the example given), or the Chinese wording that explicitly says 24 hours(end result still same as English page) - 2nd working day (24 hours), if applied Mon-Thurs.