Visa for American going to China
 

Hi,
Can someone verify that I can go to Hong Kong with no visa required and then obtain a visa for China there in 4 days or for rush service even quicker?
Also, if I choose to get a visa for China before leaving home, it's best to use a third party for processing?Any suggestions for what company to use?
I am American planning on visiting China for about 12 days in January.
Thank you very much!

Yes, you can go to Hong Kong and apply there.

Standard time is 4 working days, but if you pay more, you can get it faster. Even same day is possible, as long as you're willing to pay.

However, check for holiday schedule at the visa office:

www.fmcoprc.gov.hk/eng/zgqz/bgfwxx/default.htm

Here in the US, your choices are:

- Go, or have someone go, to a Chinese embassy or consulate in person.

- Use a 3rd party agent, for a fee.

They don't do visa by mail.

Thanks for the info.
Do you know of a third party service here in the USA that can do it for me, how much it costs, and how long it takes?
thanks again.....

Where do you live? The Chinese consulate for your region in the US should have a list of "approved" agents. Others here may also have recommendations. [I live in Houston with a consulate, so I've never used a 3rd party agent.]

You don't need a visa to enter Hong Kong if you hold a US passport. You can get a visa for the PRC in Hong Kong, the fee is something like HK$220. To the best of my knowledge it takes 3 working days, but can be done on a one-day basis for another HK$250. However, the PRC consulate in Hong Kong is only open from 9 am to 12:30 on Saturdays and is closed on Sundays, so if you are arriving over a weekend you may have fewer days than you think to obtain the visa. as If you are going to try to get the visa in Hong Kong, bring passport-size photos as you will need them for the application, and you won't waste time getting them taken there.

Office of the Commissioner of PRC Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong
7/F Lower Block, China Resources Building
26 Harbour Road
Wanchai, Hong Kong

Tel: 852-3413-2300 (24 hour recorded info on making application, press 2 for English)
852-3413-2424 (9:00-12:00 am; 2:00-5:00 pm, Monday-Friday)
Email: [email protected]

For Americans, standard fee is Chinese visa is HK$780 now. Basically the same as the US$100 fee if you get here in the US.

www.fmcoprc.gov.hk/eng/zgqz/blsjfy/default.htm