Going to Hong Kong for a Visa

Going to Hong Kong for a Visa
tobie.taljaard Oct 28, 2013 12:55

We all know that since July 1 the visa regulations in China have changed. But we're not exactly sure what they have changed to. Since getting back to China at the end of August I have had to deal with all the visa problems that now face foreigners who would like to be in China longer than a tourist visa will allow. I had a one month tourist visa which I extended once to get another month. After that I couldn't extend it again and had to go to Hong Kong on a 'visa run'.

On my first day there I went straight to an agency, recommended by a friend, that is meant to be able to help you with any kind of visa request you might have. Wrong. The new visa regulations are so tough that even these miracle workers couldn't help me out. The maximum visa I could get was a 15 day tourist visa. This is the visa they call the Shenzhen visa which is meant to help businessmen who are in Hong Kong for business to be able to cross the border and continue their affairs in Shenzhen or Guangzhou.

The problem with this whole process is that it is different for every country. I am African so we have a slightly tougher time getting long visas whereas EUropeans and Americans usually find it easier. I did meet an American guy in my hostel who applied for a 3 month tourist visa and only got 15 days too.

I think, because the whole situation is rather murky, that Hong Kong is no longer a viable place to go to extend tourist visas. I was told that the only way I could get a long term visa in Hong Kong was by doing a student or working visa; neither of which I had the paperwork for.

If you are planning on going to Hong Kong for your visa business then first call your embassy in Hong Kong to get the exact details (although in my experience embassies are less useful than they should be). Or else spend the little extra money that it would cost to go abroad, to say Korea, and get a longer tourist visa there.

Tags:Visa & Legalities Business & Jobs Expat Rants & Advice

8 Comments

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Guest791722

Has somebody a direct contact? I am looking for business M visa 12 months. How much and where? Possible to get in Hong Kong, or Guangzhou? It needs any documents? Or only passport like in the past? Forever Bright Agency HK is not in the mood to offer this kind of visas. They offered me this only, after i have pushed and shown another offer from Shenzhen. Would be nice if somebody has real information. I don't need this visa for working in a company. I guess other people are in the same situation. Thanks

Nov 19, 2013 21:11 Report Abuse

baoluo7

I have a friend that can help those in Guangzhou. It is an M visa, good for at least 12 months. The email address is: caohewa@163.com. This is legit and my school was happy to accept it. I only needed minimum proof. I am a VERY happy camper!

Nov 15, 2013 12:54 Report Abuse

Clovino4

Thank you for the info

Nov 16, 2013 09:22 Report Abuse

Guest655508

M1, to be precise - right? how about price? M2's (3-6 months) already reach upwards of 3-4000...

Nov 16, 2013 14:16 Report Abuse

kingkong42

this is a scammer no one should listen to people like this, they will take your money and you wont see them again.

Dec 02, 2013 15:55 Report Abuse

kingkong42

if you give these people your money you will regret, they will take your money and passport and you wont get it again, visa for foreigners are a problem now.

Dec 02, 2013 15:56 Report Abuse

Guest655508

you can get another 90 days almost everywhere. but it might not be an L. could be S2 or M2. price is also quite high. prepare to dish out up to 4k for another 90 days ~

Nov 14, 2013 21:25 Report Abuse

Guest2411352

Thanks for the tip. I've got deal with all that soon.

Nov 06, 2013 09:12 Report Abuse