China Visa

[FLL-BKK]

I posted the following in the Chiang Mai Forum as a response to an ongoing post over there, but I believe this question is best suited for this forum:

My wife is a dual citizen Thailand and United States. She is currently in Thailand as we are building a house in Isaan for her family. I am visiting in 4 weeks and upon my return back to the states, I arranged a 3 day stop over in Beijing. Because my airline ticket included a Beijing stopover, Thai/United recommened I get the visa from the States in advance so I am not denied departure from LAX since my Chinese visa was not already included. I applied last week and chose the slowest method and my passport was turned around and sent back to me here within a week with the 30-day single entry. They did require me to fax my airline ticket and hotel confirmation to finalize, however. My question is, should my wife get her Chinese visa in Thailand as a Thai citizen (which I can save $) or as a US Citizen since I have my Chinese visa as a US citizen? She is doing a round trip ticket from Bangkok to Beijing so it has no bearing on her 1 year Thai visa as a US citizen where she has to report to immigration every 90 days. Are more things required as a Thai citizen and do they question Thai's more as the US Embassy does for tourist visas for Thai citizens?

Does anyone have any experience with the Chinese embassy or consulates in Thailand where they can make an educated guess as to my wife's best choice in this matter?

[sjaak327]

That's easy, apply for the Chinese visa as Thai citizen, as they only pay 1100 baht (all other citizens except the US pay 1200). US citizens pay 2400.

In my experience, the Chinese embassy is not requesting more information as already included in the numerous forms that have to be filled. Of course they might be more strict when the period of stay is longer, but not sure about that.

[jstumbo]

Your Thai wife is in Thailand on her US passport and has an extension of stay?

Your passport would not have any effect on which passport she should use for the Chinese visa.

[FLL-BKK]

I guess it was confusing the way I wrote it. I know that my status has nothing to do with her status. She came into Thailand on her US passport and got the 1 year visa with 90 day reporting based on being a Thai citizen. She insisted on doing it that way because she was proud of becoming a US citizen even though it cost a little money for the visa and the hassle of reporting to immigration. I will have her attempt to get the 30 day single entry Chinese tourist visa as a Thai citizen and she will take the short trip only with her Thai passport. She has the proper travel documents for China (a confirmed airline ticket and confirmed hotel reservation) so hopefully it won't be a problem. Thanks.

Your Thai wife is in Thailand on her US passport and has an extension of stay?

Your passport would not have any effect on which passport she should use for the Chinese visa.

[jstumbo]

I don't know that I have ever heard of anyone doing that before. Just seems kind of strange.

I imagine that she will not have a problem whichever passport she uses to go to China.

Make sure she has a re-entry permit prior to leaving though, otherwise her extension of stay will go away and she will have to get another visa to stay in Thailand on her US passport.

And when she leaves, she will have to show her Thai passport to the check-in counter so that they can see the Chinese visa, and then show the US passport to immigration when she leaves.

Edited April 25, 2008 by jstumbo

[Tinkelbell]

FLL-BKK, your post sounds so complicate that I'm not sure how to reply. But I will go ahead and share my experience.

As a dual (US & TH) passport holder. I always carry two passports.

This is how I had done many times before.

When I was in Thailand, going to China, Cambodia, I use TH passport to get visa, this way it costed me less, like the other poster-Istumbo said......using US pp applies for Chinese visa would cost you twice as much. He is right I found out at the time when I used my US/pp applying a Chinese visa at the agency in Chinatown, NY. After that I always use TH/pp at the Chinese Embassy in BKK, get it within a day or two.

Most countries don't require the US passport holders to get a visa if staying in that country less than 30 days, but not the Chinese.

So either way, your wife still have to pay for visa if she wants to visit China.

[Pierrot]

Rules have recently changed, and it's now much more difficult, and longer, to get a visa for China. You should now apply from your country of residence, which means your wife should use her Thai passport if she wants to apply from Thailand. You should also show your flight tickets and hotel booking.

Furthermore, no more multi entry 3 month or 6 month visa but one month, one or two entry, is still ok. But rules are changing so fast lately, better get your visa as soon as possible.

[PattayaParent]

That's easy, apply for the Chinese visa as Thai citizen, as they only pay 1100 baht (all other citizens except the US pay 1200). US citizens pay 2400.

In my experience, the Chinese embassy is not requesting more information as already included in the numerous forms that have to be filled. Of course they might be more strict when the period of stay is longer, but not sure about that.

How recent is that pricing info sjaak? I'm trying to call the China Embassy to inquire but one number is continually engaged and the other is unanswered!

[sjaak327]

I went to the embassy around the 5th of March this year, so pretty recent.

[PattayaParent]

I went to the embassy around the 5th of March this year, so pretty recent.

Thanks.