Quote Originally Posted by Terpe View Post
Englishman,
In 2004 I went to Chinese Embassy in person with my visa application form etc and paid about £50 for a multiple entry Tourist visa valid for 6 months.

Absolutely no hassle. No questions. Very smooth. Visa granted.
Took just a couple weeks.

I know it was a long time ago but I cannot imagine it's gotten more stringent. Probably it's more expensive.
Did something happen that prompted you to ask the question?

I remember that passing through immigration was a breeze also.
Very similar process to when I used to go to India and needed a Visa in advance. It looks as though it is around £65 now.

Nothing's prompted it, I'm being prepared in advance. I knew I didn't need a visa in advance for HK or Macau due to their special status and close links to the west. When I went there in Jan, getting entry was very simple. However, I enquired about going to China at the time and was told I would need a visa, but it could take up to 72 hours to process, so I never took it any further at that time, knowing I would be back in HK in August and deciding to leave China until then.
This is actually going to be an expensive day trip now, the 13 hour day tour is £100, plus another £65 for the visa At least it will be a 6 month multiple entry, although I doubt I'll be back in China before it expires