I'm looking to take the missus on a cruise that goes through China.  I'm a Brit and she's Thai and as far as I'm aware we're both going to need visas.  Does anyone know the best way to go about getting them sorted and the likelihood of success?  I would like to get the cruise booked but obviously don't want to if there is a chance the visas wont go through. I'm happy to use an agent.

 

Thanks!

Doesn't the cruise company do this sort of thing for you?

 

Na.  They told me they normally refer people to a visa agent (if in the UK) but being over here, I'd have to find one myself.  I guess I could send the passports to the UK but would rather not.

Chinese Embassy in Bangkok should be able to get you sorted.

 

http://www.chinaembassy.or.th/eng/lsfw/qzxk/

 

Yeah I have just dropped them an email - thanks.  

15 hours ago, Crossy said:

Doesn't the cruise company do this sort of thing for you?

 

 

This is a common misconception.

Cruise lines are not interested in helping with visas, except in very rare situations such as tin pot islands or countries (that you've possibly never heard of), where they deal with immigration on arrival at the port.

 

In fact the cruise lines make it very clear that it is the responsibility of the passenger to make sure he/she has all necessary visas in advance of boarding.

 

If you don't have your visa, boarding will be denied. You can't work around it by saying, "It's okay. I'll stay on the ship when we arrive in that country." They won't allow you to do that.