China Visa

[Negita43]

Anyone have experience of getting one for a UK National in Thailand?

 

eg.Where, How much, How long, what documents needed.

 

Thanks

Edited August 7, 2017 by theoldgit
Edited to show OP's nationality, "Farang" isn't a recognised nationality.

[jayguzz]

Anyone have experience of getting one for a Farang in Thailand?
 
eg.Where, How much, How long, what documents needed.
 
Thanks

If your American you can get a 10 year visa Thur my thai agent


Sent from my iPhone using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

[Negita43]

Sorry UK not US citizen

[strikingsunset]

I live in Shanghai and regularly get a business visa at the china consulate in Phuket.
Yes - you are US or Australasian citizen you can get a 10 year visa.
If it's a holiday a 30 day tourist visa maybe what you need.
If you are applying in Bangkok and for the first time - if it was me- I would apply via an agency.


Sent from my iPhone using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

[Tanoshi]

Yes.

Info here: http://www.chinaembassy.or.th/eng/zgqz/sqzn/  

 

You will need a letter of invitation.

 

Application centre and contact details here: http://www.chinaembassy.or.th/eng/zgqz/visa1/

[Negita43]

"if it was me- I would apply via an agency. "

 

- Any suggestions on this?

 

 

[jayguzz]

You can go to the Chinese embassy and bring your hotel reservation and a paid airline ticket. Wait in line and drop off in the morning and pick up after 3 in the afternoon. It's a pain in the ass and a full day project


Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect

[strikingsunset]

"if it was me- I would apply via an agency. "
 
- Any suggestions on this?
 
 

I can't recommend a specific agency but yes- very time consuming to apply yourself - it's not complex just draining, if your paperwork is not exactly right you can be sent away to start all over again ( I'm used to it after 13 years in China) maybe google " china visa in Bangkok"


Sent from my iPhone using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

[THAILIBAN]

Chiang Mai consulate was always a lot easier to deal with, in case that's an option for you (though my experience dates 4-5 years back)

[impulse]

23 hours ago, Tanoshi said:

Yes.

Info here: http://www.chinaembassy.or.th/eng/zgqz/sqzn/  

 

You will need a letter of invitation.

 

Application centre and contact details here: http://www.chinaembassy.or.th/eng/zgqz/visa1/

 

Relying on information posted on the website is just asking to be disappointed.  Download the forms to fill out before hand, sure.  But use an agency.  They know what's required and will let you know in a second whether they need more from you.  Better than risking a wasted trip, waiting in line, then finding out there's a neibu (internal, often unwritten regulation) that wasn't in place last week.  Happens a lot around important government meetings and international events where they don't want to risk people coming in to protest.

 

In Seoul, I used CTS (China Travel Service) and they always did a great job- they have excellent contacts at the consulates.  In BKK, my company's visa fairies always took care of it so I don't have a recommendation.

 

[Tanoshi]

6 minutes ago, impulse said:

 

Relying on information posted on the website is just asking to be disappointed.  Download the forms to fill out before hand, sure.  But use an agency.  They know what's required and will let you know in a second whether they need more from you.  Better than risking a wasted trip, waiting in line, then finding out there's a neibu (internal, often unwritten regulation) that wasn't in place last week.  Happens a lot around important government meetings and international events where they don't want to risk people coming in to protest.

 

In Seoul, I used CTS (China Travel Service) and they always did a great job- they have excellent contacts at the consulates.  In BKK, my company's visa fairies always took care of it so I don't have a recommendation.

 

I've never used an agent, never will.

In 20+ years never had a problem with documentation or a Visa refusal.

 

It was relatively simple in the UK, even in the old days when I applied at the Embassy, then later at CVASC because of my location.

Granted it's more of a problem in Thailand due to my location, but I treat it as a few days break from home.

Entirely up to the individual if they want to use an agent.

[impulse]

1 minute ago, Tanoshi said:

I've never used an agent, never will.

In 20+ years never had a problem with documentation or a Visa refusal.

 

It was relatively simple in the UK, even in the old days when I applied at the Embassy, then later at CVASC because of my location.

Granted it's more of a problem in Thailand due to my location, but I treat it as a few days break from home.

Entirely up to the individual if they want to use an agent.

 

Different people have different experiences.  In Seoul, I had to use an agent.  The consulate required it.  They wouldn't let individuals in the door.   CTS never let me down.

 

There have been times, like the 2008 Olympics, the 5 year CCP meetings, and International Economic Forums when the requirements got so onerous that I was in a guest house in Seoul with quite a few long stay businessmen who couldn't get in to visit their own factories.  They chose the wrong agencies.  I got in, but CTS convinced me to forgo my normal business visa and go on a tourist visa. 

 

I don't think anyone needs to use an agency on BKK.  But that's how I'd go.  Especially if I wasn't a legal resident of Thailand. For my first China visa from BKK, I had to provide proof that I was working in Thailand, with bank deposits, a copy of my work permit, and a letter from my employer.  Why, I have no clue.  And I don't know what's required today.  The agencies know.

 

 

 

[Negita43]

Thanks everybody.

 

I think the time/booking constraints (visa extension due 15 Oct, need to go soon after  - my gf school hols) mean we will have to wait for our China trip till next year.