Staying with friends in China - and getting a visa
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Shanghai,
Shanghai,
China
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
From an Australian paper, about staying with a friend or relative:
Question: I've just returned to Australia after two weeks in Shanghai. Before leaving, I applied for a Chinese visa and was told I needed to provide hotel confirmation. I'd like to know why I cannot stay with my girlfriend in Shanghai. I plan to go back in May next year and don't want to spend another $1500 on a hotel that is more than 40 kilometres away.
- M. Johnson
Answer: Visa changes introduced in March this year now require visitors to provide proof of accommodation for their entire stay in China as well as details and confirmations of flights in and out of the country.
However, there is no reason you can't be issued a visa if you plan to stay with your girlfriend. Single entry visa forms also state that Australian passport holders must provide proof of relationship if visiting friends and relatives.
If you are staying with a spouse, proof of your relationship must be enclosed, for example, a marriage certificate.
A letter of invitation signed by your girlfriend confirming your relationship, your intended length of stay, as well as her home address and work contact details (and some proof of these) will therefore be required to be attached to your next visa application.
For visa and passport inquiries and updates, phone the Chinese consular office in NSW on (02) 8595 8002. The office is open 9am-noon weekdays. See also http://www.smartraveller.gov.au or phone the China National Tourist Office on (02) 9252 9838.
http://www.smh.com.au/news/your-travel/your-questions/2008/08/21/1219262389084.html
