Multi entry visa to China from US?

[IrishGuy65]

Can anyone tell me what the best way to go about this is.  I am planning a trip to China in the summer.  Probably in August, but I am hoping earlier.  I also plan on going back in the winter, so rather than getting a one shot visa, I was hoping to get a multi entry visa (I think that's what they are called.)

I haven't done research on it yet, I thought I'd get thoughts here before I started doing my research.

Thanks all!

[Willy The Londoner]

I think from the US you can get 12 month multi or at least a double entry visa whereas in the UK  Visa division for China only like to give 6 month visa's.

I am sure that Robertt will tell you all very soon.

Willy

[Martin]

I think china likes to see you go at least once on a single entry visa before issuing a multi entry. To apply for one, just check off that you are applying for a multi entry, and give the appropriate fee. Not much else to it..other than your passport needs to be valid through that time frame as well.

[Pineau]

I never had any problem getting a one year multi entry VISA.
I use this company. They will answerer all your questions.  http://www.visarite.com/

[IrishGuy65]

Great.  Thanks for the info so far.  I'll check that company tomorrow, Gerry. 

[Robertt S]

I use visarite myself for visas and they also handle other types of documents such as Single Status Affidavits and other legal documents for use in China. Here is a link to their FAQ page concerning Visas for entering China.   http://www.visarite.com/faq.htm#durationOfStay

Here is the link to the authentication page for documents to be used in China.  http://www.visarite.com/authentication.htm#.UTGZTrRXVLQ

Here is the link for the Single Status Affidavit  page. http://www.visarite.com/SingleStatusAffidavit.htm

Good Luck, Robertt

[Smaug]

I applied for a multi-entry visa to China, got it on the first try.

I went in November 2012. I'm going again in June 2013. Maybe one more time before the year is up.

One possible pitfall to watch for is that if you are not staying at a hotel, you are supposed to register with local police when you get to your girlfriend's place. I tried to do this when I was there last week. My girlfriend said it is crazy, and that we should not bother. I insisted that I would like to try to follow the rules. So we went. But only a deputy was on duty, he said we had to come back another day when the boss was there. So we came back, talked to the boss. He said we need to have certain photos taken for their paperwork. At that point, we said "forget it."

I'm going in June, and will try again to do it properly. Bring the pix, so they are ready.

A guy from another forum warned me that if I don't get registered properly while I'm there, China will reject me next time I apply for a tourist visa.

So my advice is to have your girlfriend get the photo/information requirements from her local police to you before you go, so you can have the info ready when you arrive, instead of wasting your precious time when you are there trying to get it together.

[maxx]

When you checked into your hotel.The hotel took care of all the necessary paperwok.The hotel made a copy of your passport and your visa.When you registered.Only certan hotels in China can have foreign guests.

[shaun]

I guess I have been lucky.  I've never found a Hotel that I couldn't stay at and I haven't knowingly registered at any Hotel.  I have always assumed the Hotel did since they look at my passport.

But Peggy and I travel around so much it would be difficult for the police to keep up.

[Willy The Londoner]

I was pulled by the police on two occasions. The first is when they came to the door and wanted to see me.  Do not under estimate the number of people keeping watch on foreigners.

Somehow they knew where I was living and the next day I was at the police station as instructed. Feeling the worst was about to happen it seemed that my presence was only required so that I could register. A very efficient police woman managed to take a copy of my photo from my passport and use that on the temporary residents permit.

That residents permit has eased my way on several occasions especially having been visited at home on several other occasions since that time.

I never leave the house without my temp residents permit and a colour photo copy of my passport.

So if you are not staying at a Hotel and intend to be here for more than two weeks then make sure you register.

Willy

[IrishGuy65]

What if I come to China, then we decide to go visit another city for a few days?  Do I need to tell the police in the one city I'm leaving for a few days and the police in the new city I'm there for 2 or 3 days?

[Willy The Londoner]

Why. You are staying in hotels. The hotels notify the police for you. It is only if your not staying at a hotel that you should register at the police station.

If you booked into the hotel, you will get a refund for any days that you move out and go somewhere else.  Just book out when you leave and tell them when you are coming back.

The hotels are good about that.

Willy

[IrishGuy65]

Great!  Thanks a lot for the info, Willy.  I appreciate it!

[shaun]

I let the motel's take care of it and when my wife an I stay at her or her mother's place I don't sweat it. Generally I'm the only white boy in town and they all know where I am.