| Applying for Tourist [L] Visa | |
|---|---|
| Oct 19, 2008 15:43 |   |
 | I am leaving for china in 4 weeks, and am just about to apply for a tourist visa at the embassy in New Zealand. The website says I have to have 'travel itinerary made by travel agent'. We are just planning to backpack around so this would be a hassle. Anyone have any ideas? |
| Oct 19, 2008 21:25 | #1 |
| From Olympic , till now, Chinese VISA law not stable. |
| Oct 20, 2008 03:11 | #2 |
| Backpacking must be tricky to comply with Chinese law, which requires aliens to register their accommodation. In fact I have not heard of anyone backpacking in China. Normally you have two options, the hotel will do this for you automatically but you should check that they do, small hotels may not. OR register within 24 hours of arrival at a local police station. My understanding is that you must do this at each location, and if you are staying with someone they must present their Hukou, ID card and answer some quite personal questions. The Chinese embassy in the UK requires either copies of hotel bookings or a letter of invitation from your host along with a copy of their passport and ID card. New Zealand of course may be different. |
| Oct 30, 2008 15:59 | #3 |
| I have now got my visa from the NZ consulate, and they did not require any itineray at all! I think the rules have relaxed somewhat |
| Nov 1, 2008 05:46 | #4 |
| The practical rules have been relaxed. And don't worry for the registration. A backpacker will stay at different hostels (hotels). The hostels are obligated to register a foreinger. When you check in, they will do it silently and automatically. It's quite easy for them to do, anyway. If you stay in an apartment with your friend, it is different. You have to go to the local police station to register. |
| Nov 1, 2008 11:22 | #5 |
| GUEST86116 | I 'backpack' in China all the time. Hostel and hotels will require you to show your passport and they will take your details and register them. If you stay in farm stay or small villages they most likely will not ask you for anything and make no record of you having been with them although your are required by law to register with the local police station but there is likely as not to be none in the vicinity anyway. I have spent many a night unregistered in China. If you are staying with friends for any more than a night or two it is a good idea to pop into the local police station. They may not know what to do with you but at least you have tried to do what is required. |
| Nov 4, 2008 03:27 | #6 |
| As last Guest says, backpacking in China is common, I am not sure what gaffer was referring to. If you stay in a hotel or hostel registered for foreigners, the nightly rego is doen automatically. If you stay with a friend it is THEIR responsibility to comply with the rules, but doing so is rare and most are unaware of teh rules. My friends have never complied. If you stay in unapproved hotels you could be evicted by the police at short notice...I was last week. In the cities/towns where the restictions are applied more rigorously you will find it harder to get into budget accom. In applying for your visa just list a few cities you plan to visit. |
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