Tourist visa for journalist

Tourist visa for journalist
Aug 10, 2010 11:56
KOWALSKI77 Points: Join Date: Aug 10, 2010 Status: offline	Hi there, I'm visiting China in about six weeks time as a holiday, and so have started the visa application process. I made an appointment at the Chinese Visa Centre in London, and when the lady who served me asked my occupation, I truthfully responded that I'm a journalist, but that I would not be working in China. She told me immediately that my visa would now only be one month and would not permit double entry. She ultimately said that I would have to come back closer to my departure date and re-apply. So my question is, how much difficulty does it cause applying for a visa in China as a journalist - even if I say - you are travelling as tourist? Thanks, K.

Aug 10, 2010 11:56

KOWALSKI77
Points:
Join Date: Aug 10, 2010
Status: offline

Hi there,

I'm visiting China in about six weeks time as a holiday, and so have started the visa application process.

I made an appointment at the Chinese Visa Centre in London, and when the lady who served me asked my occupation, I truthfully responded that I'm a journalist, but that I would not be working in China.

She told me immediately that my visa would now only be one month and would not permit double entry. She ultimately said that I would have to come back closer to my departure date and re-apply.

So my question is, how much difficulty does it cause applying for a visa in China as a journalist - even if I say - you are travelling as tourist?

Thanks,

K.

Aug 13, 2010 08:15

APAULT
Points:
Join Date: Mar 11, 2006
Status: Offline

There are two types ofjournalist visa. If you want to apply as an independent journalist I think you must expet some problems, supporting invitations and so on. If you are sent by a foreign employer say to cover an event, you will be scrutinised but your employer should know the ropes and you should get the visa.

Next time you apply for a tourist visa put photographer :) If you want to work as an independent for a short period get a tourist visa but be discrete. You can't say you are working or expect inside opportunities.

I must say I have no direct experience in J visas etc but base by comments on knowing the way China works.

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