Chinese visa situation still unclear
Thursday, 24 Apr 2008 10:06
British authorities have asked the Chinese government to clarify the new visa restrictions on travel to china, the new British consul-general to Hong Kong has said.
Andrew Seaton expressed concern yesterday about the new limitations on travel to mainland China from Hong Kong.
He told reporters: "As far as I know, we do not yet have that precise clarification of the new rules that we are seeking."
The British consulate has been trying to establish exactly what the new rules are as there has been some inconsistency between Chinese foreign ministry announcements and what travel agents are experiencing.
Multiple-entry visas are now no longer being issued by Chinese authorities and both business travellers and tourists must now provide hotel and transport receipts before gaining a Chinese visa.
In addition, nationals from 33 countries now have to apply for a Chinese visa in their home country rather than in Hong Kong, which has long been a convenient point to apply for a visa.
It appears the restrictive entry rules have been introduced as part of heightened security ahead of the Olympic games in Beijing.