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Post by benrhosgad on Jan 20, 2018 23:55:32 GMT
Went for my appointment at the Manchester visa office today. Was told I had to come back again next week to have my fingerprints taken. Right pain in the arse as they also told me i have to go back again the week after to collect my passport. Looking on the net it looks as though this is turning into a usual procedure if applying through the Manchester office. which website is it |
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Post by manulike on Jan 25, 2018 11:49:50 GMT
I am not an expert on Currency fluctuations, but the pound seems to have really risen against the USD these last 3-4 days.
The HKD has been pegged to the USD at 7.75 for the last 30 years.
The HKD has been around 10-10.5 to the pound, ever since Brexit.
Today its just over 11 HKD to the pound.
The Chinese Remminbi / Yuan is linked, indirectly to the HKD as well - sadly, at about 20% less
IF ANYONE IS GOING TO VIETNAM
I strongly recommend getting USD cash right now - $50 bills, but also plenty of $20/$10/$5 - they need to be in close to pristine condition, though!
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Post by helipad138 on Jan 25, 2018 19:31:20 GMT
I've noticed the cost of my hotel bookings (in pounds) dropping a little in the past week or so. Happy days!
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Post by mx47 on Jan 26, 2018 12:38:40 GMT
Got my Visa back today, so all sorted...can’t wait now 😀
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Post by helipad138 on Jan 27, 2018 14:16:50 GMT
Updated travel advice from Foreign Office: China travel advice26-01-2018 11:20 AM GMTSummary & Health sections – human infections of avian influenza are being reported in China, particularly among individuals who have been in close contact with infected birds. Before travelling, you should read more information and follow the prevention advice on the Public Health England and NaTHNaC websitesInfo on Public Health England website: www.gov.uk/government/news/avian-flu-advice-for-travellers-going-to-chinaNaTHNaC Web page for China: travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/49/china |
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Post by iot on Jan 28, 2018 12:42:07 GMT
Hey, I'm filling in my visa application and looking for advice on section 2.6 - Itinerary. We head off to Hong Kong with a transfer in Beijing. The itinerary asks for 'Province/autonomous region/municipality in mainland China'. I have two questions:
1. Do I need to note down the stop in Beijing here?
2. Hong Kong doesn't come up as an option, presumably because it isn't on mainland China. Do I need a separate visa for HK? If not, what am I supposed to do here?
Would really appreciate any advice and know what others who are going to HK have done. Cheers!
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Post by iot on Jan 28, 2018 14:21:37 GMT
Hey, I'm filling in my visa application and looking for advice on section 2.6 - Itinerary. We head off to Hong Kong with a transfer in Beijing. The itinerary asks for 'Province/autonomous region/municipality in mainland China'. I have two questions: 1. Do I need to note down the stop in Beijing here? 2. Hong Kong doesn't come up as an option, presumably because it isn't on mainland China. Do I need a separate visa for HK? If not, what am I supposed to do here? Would really appreciate any advice and know what others who are going to HK have done. Cheers! Sorry, ignore the second question - I should have known that UK citizens can enter HK without a visa. Still not sure on the first question though - should the itinerary include the first day I arrive in Beijing or from when we enter mainland china to stay after HK? |
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Post by mx47 on Jan 28, 2018 14:36:22 GMT
Hey, I'm filling in my visa application and looking for advice on section 2.6 - Itinerary. We head off to Hong Kong with a transfer in Beijing. The itinerary asks for 'Province/autonomous region/municipality in mainland China'. I have two questions: 1. Do I need to note down the stop in Beijing here? 2. Hong Kong doesn't come up as an option, presumably because it isn't on mainland China. Do I need a separate visa for HK? If not, what am I supposed to do here? Would really appreciate any advice and know what others who are going to HK have done. Cheers! Sorry, ignore the second question - I should have known that UK citizens can enter HK without a visa. Still not sure on the first question though - should the itinerary include the first day I arrive in Beijing or from when we enter mainland china to stay after HK? I can only say what I would do in those circumstances. I would include the day of arrival in Beijing if only for completeness sake. You're are going to need to supply flight documentation with the application.....anything that does not match up may get queried. If they need to know they will....if they dont they can choose to ignore it. Best of luck!!! |
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Post by manulike on Jan 28, 2018 15:30:01 GMT
Hey, I'm filling in my visa application and looking for advice on section 2.6 - Itinerary. We head off to Hong Kong with a transfer in Beijing. The itinerary asks for 'Province/autonomous region/municipality in mainland China'. I have two questions: 1. Do I need to note down the stop in Beijing here? 2. Hong Kong doesn't come up as an option, presumably because it isn't on mainland China. Do I need a separate visa for HK? If not, what am I supposed to do here? Would really appreciate any advice and know what others who are going to HK have done. Cheers! I feel that you may be over complicating things. Are you staying overnight in Beijing? If yes, then you must include that. Regardless, British passport holders can only apply for MULTIPLE ENTRY / 2 year visa. Thus, all that the paragraph is really seeking is "Itinerary in China (in time sequence，may type on separate paper)" Eg. Beijing - hotel name address- dates Hong Kong - hotel name address - dates Nanning - hotel name address - dates In theory, your first day's hotel stay and your last day's hotel stay should co-inside with your flight's arrival/departure. In practice, it is fairly common practice to allow you 3-4 days or so of time in/out of Hong Kong or Macau without them insisting on accommodation there to be pre-booked... |
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Post by iot on Jan 28, 2018 17:21:49 GMT
Hey, I'm filling in my visa application and looking for advice on section 2.6 - Itinerary. We head off to Hong Kong with a transfer in Beijing. The itinerary asks for 'Province/autonomous region/municipality in mainland China'. I have two questions: 1. Do I need to note down the stop in Beijing here? 2. Hong Kong doesn't come up as an option, presumably because it isn't on mainland China. Do I need a separate visa for HK? If not, what am I supposed to do here? Would really appreciate any advice and know what others who are going to HK have done. Cheers! I feel that you may be over complicating things. Are you staying overnight in Beijing? If yes, then you must include that. Regardless, British passport holders can only apply for MULTIPLE ENTRY / 2 year visa. Thus, all that the paragraph is really seeking is "Itinerary in China (in time sequence，may type on separate paper)" Eg. Beijing - hotel name address- dates Hong Kong - hotel name address - dates Nanning - hotel name address - dates In theory, your first day's hotel stay and your last day's hotel stay should co-inside with your flight's arrival/departure. In practice, it is fairly common practice to allow you 3-4 days or so of time in/out of Hong Kong or Macau without them insisting on accommodation there to be pre-booked... No I'm not staying overnight, just a transfer on to HK. I'm filling it in online and section 2.2 'Intended number of entries' allows me to select one of: One entry valid for 3 months from the date of issue Two entries valid for 3 to 6 months from the date of issue Multiple entries valid for 6 months from the date of issue Multiple entries valid for 1 year from the date of issue I've just selected the first option, but you're saying British passport holders are only eligible for options 3 and 4? Not enjoying this process at all, I'm not finding it clear at all. It's probably just me though! |
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Post by manulike on Jan 28, 2018 17:56:04 GMT
I feel that you may be over complicating things. Are you staying overnight in Beijing? If yes, then you must include that. Regardless, British passport holders can only apply for MULTIPLE ENTRY / 2 year visa. Thus, all that the paragraph is really seeking is "Itinerary in China (in time sequence，may type on separate paper)" Eg. Beijing - hotel name address- dates Hong Kong - hotel name address - dates Nanning - hotel name address - dates In theory, your first day's hotel stay and your last day's hotel stay should co-inside with your flight's arrival/departure. In practice, it is fairly common practice to allow you 3-4 days or so of time in/out of Hong Kong or Macau without them insisting on accommodation there to be pre-booked... No I'm not staying overnight, just a transfer on to HK. I'm filling it in online and section 2.2 'Intended number of entries' allows me to select one of: One entry valid for 3 months from the date of issue Two entries valid for 3 to 6 months from the date of issue Multiple entries valid for 6 months from the date of issue Multiple entries valid for 1 year from the date of issue I've just selected the first option, but you're saying British passport holders are only eligible for options 3 and 4? Not enjoying this process at all, I'm not finding it clear at all. It's probably just me though! Is it a UK passport? The £151 or £175 with postage? You should be able to get 2 years multiple entry through www.visaforchina.orgWhat day of the week are you landing in HK and how many days do you have there prior to entry to China? |
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Post by manulike on Jan 28, 2018 21:39:47 GMT
Here is the official Embassy announcemnet www.chinese-embassy.org.uk/eng/gdxw/t1330627.htm As of Monday, 11 January 2016, in line with the reciprocal visa arrangement between China and the UK, the Chinese Embassy and Consulates in the UK will issue two-year multi-entry visas to eligible British nationals who intend to go to China for commercial/trade activities, as a tourist and to visit family members/relatives. Five-year and ten-year visas will be issued to eligible British nationals. In addition, starting from Monday, 11 January 2016, visa fee for British applicants for Chinese visa will be ￡85 (additional service fee will be charged by the Chinese Visa Application Service Center), irrespective of visa validity and times of entry. |
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Post by gwernybwch on Feb 3, 2018 14:18:34 GMT
Flights finally booked :-) But by the time that I have finished completing my Visa application, I think that I will be in need of a holiday! Generally, there is no guarantee of gaining a visa. The appointment (the same in any embassy in the world) will just go through your application with you and highlight obvious pit-falls. You usually only pay for it on collection, if it gets approved. Obviously, be sure to have it filled online and printed out, and attach as many print outs as you can: accommodation print outs with your name and the hotels address, travel insurance, previous Chinese visa (if any) and possibly a letter from your employer. As you speak of "Turkish stamps from holidays" I would advise you to try and link these to our current football invitation. In section 3.7 perhaps write something like:"Chinese Football Association has kindly invited my own National football team (the Football Association of Wales) to take part in the prestigious Gree China Cup, taking place in Nanning. Guangxi province between 22-26 March 2018. I have the honour of being a long standing member of the Welsh Gold Membership supporter's group ( insert membership number) and intend to support my team in China. Please find a detailed list of my matches attended recently" ... If your Turkey trip co-insided with football trips to Georgia / Moldova etc - I would certainly highlight this and print out your Purchase History page from the FAW site. Section 2.10 talks of "Other countries or territories you visited in the last 12 months". Some embassies (Hanoi and Bangkok) actually routinely cross out that in their application form and write "3 years" and ask you to complete the other trips while there. If your Turkish visit happened in the last 12 months, but was not relatively in time with a football match, I would not draw their attention to it, above. I wondering if others have put the above for Section 3.7 or just put it as "n/a"? Also Section 2.8 on "Information of inviter in China". Is this n/a or the Chinese Football Association? |
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Post by mx47 on Feb 3, 2018 15:17:22 GMT
Flights finally booked :-) But by the time that I have finished completing my Visa application, I think that I will be in need of a holiday! Generally, there is no guarantee of gaining a visa. The appointment (the same in any embassy in the world) will just go through your application with you and highlight obvious pit-falls. You usually only pay for it on collection, if it gets approved. Obviously, be sure to have it filled online and printed out, and attach as many print outs as you can: accommodation print outs with your name and the hotels address, travel insurance, previous Chinese visa (if any) and possibly a letter from your employer. As you speak of "Turkish stamps from holidays" I would advise you to try and link these to our current football invitation. In section 3.7 perhaps write something like:"Chinese Football Association has kindly invited my own National football team (the Football Association of Wales) to take part in the prestigious Gree China Cup, taking place in Nanning. Guangxi province between 22-26 March 2018. I have the honour of being a long standing member of the Welsh Gold Membership supporter's group ( insert membership number) and intend to support my team in China. Please find a detailed list of my matches attended recently" ... If your Turkey trip co-insided with football trips to Georgia / Moldova etc - I would certainly highlight this and print out your Purchase History page from the FAW site. Section 2.10 talks of "Other countries or territories you visited in the last 12 months". Some embassies (Hanoi and Bangkok) actually routinely cross out that in their application form and write "3 years" and ask you to complete the other trips while there. If your Turkish visit happened in the last 12 months, but was not relatively in time with a football match, I would not draw their attention to it, above. I wondering if others have put the above for Section 3.7 or just put it as "n/a"? Also Section 2.8 on "Information of inviter in China". Is this n/a or the Chinese Football Association? 2.8 I left blank. 3.7 I said "I was looking forward to visiting China to see Wales take part in the China Cup in Nanning. I also added that i would be sightseeing in Beijing. For what its worth I received the Visa about 2 weeks ago. Hope that helps...best of luck!! |
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Post by bluewales on Feb 4, 2018 12:07:52 GMT
I posted the visa applications for 4 of us to the Edinburgh office last Saturday morning and had them back Friday morning.
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Post by manulike on Feb 4, 2018 19:02:24 GMT
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Post by gwernybwch on Feb 4, 2018 20:34:39 GMT
Here is the official Embassy announcemnet www.chinese-embassy.org.uk/eng/gdxw/t1330627.htm As of Monday, 11 January 2016, in line with the reciprocal visa arrangement between China and the UK, the Chinese Embassy and Consulates in the UK will issue two-year multi-entry visas to eligible British nationals who intend to go to China for commercial/trade activities, as a tourist and to visit family members/relatives. Five-year and ten-year visas will be issued to eligible British nationals. In addition, starting from Monday, 11 January 2016, visa fee for British applicants for Chinese visa will be ￡85 (additional service fee will be charged by the Chinese Visa Application Service Center), irrespective of visa validity and times of entry. Any ideas how you actually apply for the TWO year multi-entry visa? I've looked at both the Chinese Embassy and the Visa for China application form and there is no option in section 2.2 on the application form (version 2013) to apply for a two year visa. Unless you put it under "other"? PS: I've also booked into the 7-Days Inn, just off Chaoyang :-) Although it doesn't have as good reviews as other similar priced hotels in the area. |
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Post by manulike on Feb 4, 2018 20:56:29 GMT
Here is the official Embassy announcemnet www.chinese-embassy.org.uk/eng/gdxw/t1330627.htm As of Monday, 11 January 2016, in line with the reciprocal visa arrangement between China and the UK, the Chinese Embassy and Consulates in the UK will issue two-year multi-entry visas to eligible British nationals who intend to go to China for commercial/trade activities, as a tourist and to visit family members/relatives. Five-year and ten-year visas will be issued to eligible British nationals. In addition, starting from Monday, 11 January 2016, visa fee for British applicants for Chinese visa will be ￡85 (additional service fee will be charged by the Chinese Visa Application Service Center), irrespective of visa validity and times of entry. Any ideas how you actually apply for the TWO year multi-entry visa? I've looked at both the Chinese Embassy and the Visa for China application form and there is no option in section 2.2 on the application form (version 2013) to apply for a two year visa. Unless you put it under "other"? PS: I've also booked into the 7-Days Inn, just off Chaoyang :-) Although it doesn't have as good reviews as other similar priced hotels in the area. From my readings on TripAdvisor, I had the impression that the two-year visa was now given as standard. Yes. I assume best put it under 'other'. If its an issue, they will automatically downgrade you, but not necessarily upgrade you from one year to two. I was reading a fair few reviews on Ctrip, and the thing that swings it for me is the fact that the 7Days Inn is exclusively on the 13th and 14th floors, so great views / good fresh air and less noise ... Note that the lift and entrance is on the BACK of the People's Commercial Building, walking through the shopping centre. A lot of talk there about free milk every evening ... that might be a euphemism, as most Chinese are diary intolerant ;-) |
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Post by welrus on Feb 5, 2018 0:05:15 GMT
Fantastic information Manulike.
I'm planning to travel by train from Hong Kong to Nanning (direct no stop over). Just wondered is anybody else has got to grips with this.
Following Manulike's advice I've worked out two options:
From Hong Kong to Guangzhou to Nanning.
- However as far as I can the train from Hong Kong gets into Guangzhou EAST and the train leaves for Nanning from Guangzhou SOUTH (and you can go to either Nanning or Nanning East depending which train you choose). However it looks like its an hour subway ride between Guangzhou EAST and SOUTH.
or
- From Hong Kong to Shenzhen to Nanning. Much fewer trains from Shenzhen and only to Nanning EAST. And you have to walk getting between HK and Shenzhen to get over the border. Anybody idea how far the walk is and how long the border crossing takes?
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Post by manulike on Feb 5, 2018 0:33:16 GMT
Fantastic information Manulike. I'm planning to travel by train from Hong Kong to Nanning (direct no stop over). Just wondered is anybody else has got to grips with this. Following Manulike's advice I've worked out two options: From Hong Kong to Guangzhou to Nanning. - However as far as I can the train from Hong Kong gets into Guangzhou EAST and the train leaves for Nanning from Guangzhou SOUTH (and you can go to either Nanning or Nanning East depending which train you choose). However it looks like its an hour subway ride between Guangzhou EAST and SOUTH. or - From Hong Kong to Shenzhen to Nanning. Much fewer trains from Shenzhen and only to Nanning EAST. And you have to walk getting between HK and Shenzhen to get over the border. Anybody idea how far the walk is and how long the border crossing takes? Shenzhen offers less choice, but a better connection. If you can not obtain a ticket at Shenzhen station, then there are dozens of departures through Guangzhou. Genuinely, no real need to pre-book. Only the SLOW / OVERNIGHT trains will go to Nanning Central station from Guangzhou / Shenzhen. That will save some money on accommodation, but cost almost the same as the bullet train. Train K1208, Dept Shenzhen EAST 15:22 arrive Nanning Central 6am - sleeper is Y230 Getting to Nanning East station is probably easiest from Hong Kong Lok Ma Chau MTR Station. It is only 23 minutes and 4Y on LINE 4 of the Shenzhen metro to Shenzhen North Railway Station. Direct train to Nanning depart at 12:22 arrive Nanning East at 16:41 for 245Y. Another one dept Shenzhen North at 16:20 and arrives Nanning at 20:18. NOTE Hong Kong Lok Ma Chau MTR Station connects directly onto the Shenzhen MTR system. Hong Kong Lu Wo MTR Station connects directly to SHENZHEN RAILWAY station (just minutes from immigration). |
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Post by cantonwelsh79 on Feb 5, 2018 12:29:15 GMT
Fantastic information Manulike. I'm planning to travel by train from Hong Kong to Nanning (direct no stop over). Just wondered is anybody else has got to grips with this. Following Manulike's advice I've worked out two options: From Hong Kong to Guangzhou to Nanning. - However as far as I can the train from Hong Kong gets into Guangzhou EAST and the train leaves for Nanning from Guangzhou SOUTH (and you can go to either Nanning or Nanning East depending which train you choose). However it looks like its an hour subway ride between Guangzhou EAST and SOUTH. or - From Hong Kong to Shenzhen to Nanning. Much fewer trains from Shenzhen and only to Nanning EAST. And you have to walk getting between HK and Shenzhen to get over the border. Anybody idea how far the walk is and how long the border crossing takes? Shenzhen offers less choice, but a better connection. If you can not obtain a ticket at Shenzhen station, then there are dozens of departures through Guangzhou. Genuinely, no real need to pre-book. Only the SLOW / OVERNIGHT trains will go to Nanning Central station from Guangzhou / Shenzhen. That will save some money on accommodation, but cost almost the same as the bullet train. Train K1208, Dept Shenzhen EAST 15:22 arrive Nanning Central 6am - sleeper is Y230 Getting to Nanning East station is probably easiest from Hong Kong Lok Ma Chau MTR Station. It is only 23 minutes and 4Y on LINE 4 of the Shenzhen metro to Shenzhen North Railway Station. Direct train to Nanning depart at 12:22 arrive Nanning East at 16:41 for 245Y. Another one dept Shenzhen North at 16:20 and arrives Nanning at 20:18. NOTE Hong Kong Lok Ma Chau MTR Station connects directly onto the Shenzhen MTR system. Hong Kong Lu Wo MTR Station connects directly to SHENZHEN RAILWAY station (just minutes from immigration). Looking at the man in seat61 website it says it is advisable to book trains in advance. (Although not sure how popular this route is) The easiest way for foreigners is through an agency, although they charge about $5 per ticket. I used china highlights.com but china diy are also recommended by the man in seat61 |
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Post by gifford on Feb 6, 2018 13:16:58 GMT
Two more on the road to China - visas arrived this morning.
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Post by kgblue on Feb 7, 2018 11:34:47 GMT
What's the thinking? What is everyone going for?
Cheaper Middle Tier might have a better view seeing as it looks like there is a running track around the pitch.
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Post by evsbech on Feb 7, 2018 12:07:52 GMT
I asked the same question and the general opinion from people I know that are going that it's the cheaper middle tier option is the one to go for. I hope so anyway because that's what I have bought!!
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Post by gifford on Feb 7, 2018 12:55:55 GMT
Is there a seating plan anywhere - wondering if you can move between b9, b10, b11 and b12
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Post by kgblue on Feb 7, 2018 13:17:13 GMT
Thanks evsbach, I hoped so.
Just booked Middle Tier Block 12 Row 7, 29 &30 then Block 12 Row 6, 9&10.
Seating plan on China's booking site, Block 10 is next to 12 - Middle tier. Whilst Block 9 is next to 11 - Lower tier.
Visa picked up by my son in Manchester today so China Here We Come.
Peking Duck is a must in Beijing!!
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Post by helipad138 on Feb 7, 2018 14:10:25 GMT
Went for lower tier. That looks far enough from the pitch as it is. Also looks like it is raised up a little above ground level.
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Post by manulike on Feb 7, 2018 15:10:57 GMT
six of us old timers, also going middle-tier...
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Post by manulike on Feb 8, 2018 19:38:28 GMT
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Post by Gary Williams on Feb 8, 2018 23:46:21 GMT
Anyone thinking of last minute decison in going
firstly tickets for game easily available for the games
Also still you can get return to Nanning from Manchester going 19/20th and return 27th for just over 400 nice dreamliner flights with KLM
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