Visiting Shenzhen - urgent visa issue

[mrcheese321]

Well, Chinese has to pay US$100 for visas which have to be applied at the US consulates here first before their departure, so that's a fair game.

Yea, same thing for US Passport holders visiting China.

I know that a lot of it is border control and everything, but I for one thing that with globalizaton, they should be making it easier and cheaper, not harder and more expensive.

[penguinsix]

The on-the-spot visas were pulled in response to fingerprinting and photos by the US post 9-11.

The Embassy in Washington has some rush service, but even then I think it is a full 24 hours. They are also strict on where you live re: where you apply. Some people have to apply in Chicago, some in NY, etc.

Maybe this is a dumb question, but why do you want to go to Shenzhen? Your friends are in Hong Kong for less than 72 hours, and the cost of the visas and the train will negate any savings on any shopping, if that is why you are going.

[wutang]

Is the Shenzhen visa restriction only apply to US passpoer holders? In other word, if you're Canadian, you'll be able to get instant visa to Shenzhen for hk$100 at Lowu immigration office, correct?

thanks.

[kirlex]

You will have no problem getting a visa at Shenzhen if you are Canadian. But I remeber it costs more than HKD100, maybe around 150 or 160.

As for the Americans not being allowed to get on the spot visas, it was annoying as when I went with my friends we had to turn back (some were American). Although this fingerprinting nonsense in the US is just as absurb. ANY visitor from ANY country (even England, Japan) except Canada has to get fingerprinted and photographed when clearing US customs.