China Lifts Visas Suspensions

[flameproof]

Thanks, that's what I plan. But same, no time yet.

[aw451]

Big news but also has anyone used the visa free policy? So is this a potential loophole to not applying for a visa from the airports? I assume you need to come off a flight but can't find the specific term

https://www.travelchinaguide.com/cit...-visa-free.htm

I have used this before. You have to travel from Country A -> China visa free area -> Country B. For the purpose of this, Taiwan and Hong Kong are considered country-like.

I went to Shanghai and got the visa on arrival (technically a transit visa) within a few minutes. It's even more efficient than crossing the UK border as a Brit

[Crankshaft]

How long did it usually take to get the visa pre-covid? Yes, I know it will take longer now until the rush calms down.

[SonicYouth1]

I have used this before. You have to travel from Country A -> China visa free area -> Country B. For the purpose of this, Taiwan and Hong Kong are considered country-like.

I went to Shanghai and got the visa on arrival (technically a transit visa) within a few minutes. It's even more efficient than crossing the UK border as a Brit

Thanks, but is it true its only available if you fly into China at those designated airports in guangdong? So doesn't apply to land crossing

[aw451]

Thanks, but is it true its only available if you fly into China at those designated airports in guangdong? So doesn't apply to land crossing

Yes, it's only at the designated ports (in the case of Guangdong, all are airports). They have a special counter for these 144 hour visas.

There are flights from HK to Guangzhou if you really prefer not to get a proper visa but it's a bit wasteful in terms of time and environmental impact for such a short journey.

[Peaky]

Is it everyone's interpretation that flying into Guangzhou and then out by rail to HK is allowed? Seems quite a convenient option, and seems to be permitted for biz trips/activities too.

[tparker]

It's even more efficient than crossing the UK border as a Brit

My experience with this was flying into Gatwick September last year. No problem with machine readable UK/EU passport and automated gates, but those with children had to join a single looong queue (45mins) shared also by "friendly nation" citizens (UK/EU/EEA/AU/Singapore etc...). It was madness.

Ironically the "others" queue was empty: it would have been far quicker to be an Iraqi or Burmese that day.

Incompetent bureaucrats....