Posts Tagged ‘Chinese visa’

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Travel Visas to Climb Cho Oyu

Saturday, July 31st, 2010

If mountaineering is one of your hobbies, climbing an 8,000-meter-tall mountain is probably on your life list of goals. That means a trip to the Himalayas. While climbing Mount Everest is a difficult and expensive undertaking, there is a more accessible option for amateur mountain climbers- Cho Oyu,  the “Turquoise Goddess” of the Himalayas.

At 8,201 meters above sea level, Cho Oyu is the 6th highest mountain in the world. There are 14 mountains in the Himalayan range with summits higher than 8,000 meters. However, Cho Oyu is generally considered the easiest and most approachable of these giants.

That doesn’t mean you can just go without any preparation, however. 8,000 meters is way up there, and the risk of altitude sickness and other altitude-related problems is still quite present even with the help of oxygen and a team of Sherpas. You need to be in the best possible shape before you climb a peak like this, and many of the companies that guide you to the top require that you’ve climbed at least one really high mountain successfully prior to attempting to summit Cho Oyu.

Most Cho Oyu expeditions start in Nepal, where you meet up with your climbing group.  However, the climb actually starts on the Tibet side of the mountain, so you’ll need both Nepal and Chinese visas to complete your journey.

Nepal visas can either be obtained ahead of time, before you leave the US, or in the airport on arrival.  If you take the time to apply for your Nepal visa in advance, you get the advantage of peace of mind from knowing that your visa is already taken care of and you’ll spend less time in the airport.  For more information about how to apply, see Nepal Visa Requirements for Tourists.

Some trekking companies will have you apply for your Chinese visa in Nepal, but you can also apply for it in advance. For more information about what you need to get your Chinese visa, see Chinese Tourist Visa Requirements.

RushMyTravelVisa can help you apply for these visas as well as any other visas you might need for your trip, including transit visas. Contact us about your travel visa requirements today!

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Travel Visas To Travel the Silk Road

Sunday, July 11th, 2010

The Silk Road-even the name sounds romantic, doesn’t it? The Silk Road connected China with the West and provided a vital distribution route for ideas, culture and materials goods like silk.  Even today, many of the major stops along the Silk Road are vibrant and interesting tourist destinations.

If you want to tour the Silk Road, the first step is determining which route to follow. There were actually two main land routes. The northern one led from China to the western boundary of the Roman Empire or to Iraq. The southern route led from China to the Levant in Syria or to Alexandria in Egypt.

After you decide on a route and book your travel, the next step is to secure the necessary travel documents. To help you out, here’s a list of countries that you might travel as part of a Silk Road tour, with information about visa information and whether or not you must apply in advance:

  • China: Tourists need travel visas and must apply in advance. See Chinese Tourist Visa Requirements
  • Kazakhstan: Apply in advance. See Apply for a Kazakhstan Visa
  • Azerbaijan: You need a visa, but if you’re flying into Azerbaijan directly you can get one in the airport. If you are entering by land, you must get one in advance.
  • Georgia: If you’re a US citizen visiting Georgia for 360 days or less, you do not need a Georgian visa
  • Turkmenistan: You need a visa, and you must apply ahead of time.
  • Uzbekistan: Uzbekistan does not issue visas on arrival. Apply for yours in advance.
  • Tajikistan: Apply in advance for your Tajikistan visa.
  • Syria: Obtain your visa prior to travel.
  • Egypt: Tourist visas can be obtained on arrival at the airport or in advance. If you are arriving by land, you need to have your visa ahead of time.

RushMyTravelVisa can research your exact itinerary to make sure you have the documents you need for your trip. We can also help expedite your visa applications, making the entire process of getting your travel visas much quicker and easier.

Need a travel visa? Apply with us today!

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Do You Need a Chinese Visa to Go to Hong Kong?

Tuesday, June 29th, 2010

Hong Kong, a former British colony that is now part of China, is often described as “the place where East meets West.” Englad took control of Hong Kong from  China during the first Opium War in 1841. It was finally returned to Chinese control in 1997.

Today, the island is a major financial hub and tourist attraction. Tourists visit Hong Kong for shopping, dining and to see impressive attractions like the Giant Buddha of Po Lin Monastery.

Hong Kong is part of China, but do you need a Chinese visa to visit it?  Not necessarily. If you are just visiting Hong Kong as a tourist and will be staying less than 90 days, all you need to enter is your US passport, enough money to support yourself while you are there, and a return ticket.

Even though you don’t need a visa, there are few important things you should be aware of before you book your flight. First, check the expiration date on your passport. Hong Kong only requires that it be valid for one month past your visit.  However,  since many of the surrounding countries require you have at least 6 months left on your passport to enter, the US Department of State recommends renewing your passport if it expires in less than 6 month.

Also, if you plan to cross over into mainland China, you will need a Chinese visa and you should apply before you leave the US. Technically, you can apply for a Chinese visa at the PRC Embassy in Hong Kong, but the Department of State website notes that travelers who do this often find themselves unable to get a visa because they lack the required documents. For example, the Chinese government requires a certified U.S. birth certificate to issue a visa for a US-born child in Hong Kong. In any case, it’s best to have all of that stuff taken care of before you leave the US, while you are still on familiar territory.

For more information on getting a Chinese tourist visa, see Chinese Tourist Visa Requirements.

RushMyTravelVisa.com can help you apply for any visas you may need for your trip to Hong Kong, including any required transit visas. We’ll research your itinerary and let you know what documents are needed, help you apply and expedite your applications.

Need a Chinese visa? Let us help you apply today!

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Do You Need a Chinese Visa to Visit Macau?

Wednesday, June 9th, 2010

Macau, once a Portuguese colony, is now a Special Administrative Region of China. It’s also known as the “Vegas of Asia,” and a recent Bootsnall article referred to it as a “gambler’s paradise.”

Like Las Vegas, Macau features a plethora of casinos, including local establishments as well as such familiar American names as Wynn and MGM Grand.  According to Bootsnall, the Wynn casino in Macau is “freakishly similar” to the one in Vegas.

Should you actually manage to beat the house, the streets are packed with jewelry vendors who will be more than happy to let you spend some of your winnings on some bling.  24-carat gold is the norm.

Most travel to China requires a visa, but Macau is different. Americans can visit for up to 30 days without a China visa, as long as they are just visiting as tourists. However, if you are visiting Macau for business, you will need to apply for a visa beforehand. Also, check the expiration date on your passport. If yours expires in the next 6 months, you need to apply for a passport renewal before you leave.

Although you don’t have to have a China visa to visit Macau, you will need one if you plan to stop in China during your trip. It may be possible to obtain to a China visa in Macau, but the US Department of State notes that some Americans have had problems doing so, and recommends that you obtain all necessary visas before leaving the United States. For more information on how to get a Chinese tourist visa, see Chinese Visa Requirements for Tourists.

If you need a China visa, RushMyTravelVisa can help. We make the visa application process much easier by providing a helpful checklist and personal assistance from a trained representative. Then, we’ll expedite your visa for you, personally delivering your paperwork to the appropriate embassy or consulate for the fastest possible processing.

Apply for your China visa today!

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Chinese Visa Requirements To See the Giant Buddha of Leshan

Sunday, June 6th, 2010

This week’s featured UNESCO World Heritage Site is located in China, near the site of the country’s first Buddhist temple. The original temple was built in the 1st century AD, but over the years, more temples were added, as well as the area’s crown jewel, the Giant Buddha of Leshan.

Standing 71 meters high, the Giant Buddha of Leshan is the largest Buddha statue in the world. Carved out of the side of a cliff, the Buddha appears imposing but serene as he surveys the place where the Minjiang, Dadu and Qingyi rivers meet.

The story of the Buddha’s creation is an interesting one. The statue was carved as an expression of faith, but the monk who came up with the idea, Haithong, also hoped that the finished statue would grant a measure of serenity to the wild, rough waters of the rivers below. By the time the statue was finally completed, years after Haithong’s death, so much rock had been deposited into the river as a result of the statue’s construction that the waters did indeed calm down, creating a safe passage for ships.

To see the Giant Buddha of Leshan, you need a Chinese visa.  Americans are required to apply for Chinese visas in advance, as China does not grant visas on arrival and will instead send you home at your own expense.  Tourists should apply for a tourist visa, also known as an “L” visa. Here are the documents that are required:

  • A completed Chinese visa application
  • Your US passport
  • One  passport photo

If your plane leaves in the next seven days, you should also include a copy of your travel itinerary to expedite your visa.

RushMyTravelVisa can assist you in applying for your Chinese visa. We make things simple by walking you through each step of application process, helping you avoid common mistakes that can lead to delays in processing. Then, we expedite your Chinese visa application with the appropriate embassy or consulate for the fastest processing available.

Apply for your Chinese visa today!

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5 Reasons to Get a Chinese Visa

Saturday, May 29th, 2010

China is a magical place, at once ancient and modern, as more and more American tourists are discovering. There are innumerable reasons to get a Chinese visa and go exploring, but here are 5 of our favorites:

  1. The Great Wall- Yes, visiting the Great Wall may be something of a cliché. But it’s still impressive.
  2. Tomb of Qin Shi Huan: The tomb of Qin Shi Huan features thousands of terracotta soldiers and horses, each one unique. If Qin Shi Huan got in a fight in the afterlife with an Egyptian pharaoh, the Chinese emperor would most likely win.
  3. Tiger Leaping Gorge: If you are the outdoorsy type, Tiger Leaping Gorge offers what is quite possibly the best backpacking trip in all of China.
  4. Chinglish- Chinese and English are too very different languages. When attempting to translate between them, hilarity often ensues. This article from the New York Times has some great pictures of “Chinglish” signs from Shanghai.  Please keep in mind, though, that if Americans tried to write signs in Chinese for Chinese tourists without the assistance of a professional interpreter or someone who knows both languages really well, the results would probably be equally amusing.
  5. REAL Chinese Food- After years of Chinese takeout, the sheer variety of Chinese food in China will be a revelation. Depending on the region you visit, you might find crispy, delicious duck, boiled scorpions or even “thousand-year” eggs preserved for a rainy day in ash and straw.

American citizens who want to visit China must first obtain the appropriate Chinese visa. China does NOT issue visas on arrival, so  make sure you apply in advance.

If you’re traveling to China as a tourist, you’ll want to apply for an “L” visa. You can choose to apply for apply for a single entry Chinese visa valid for 3-6 months, a double-entry visa valid for 6 months or a multiple-entry visa valid for 6 months, so double-check and make sure that the visa you are applying for gives you enough entries to accommodate your itinerary.

For more information on how to get a Chinese tourist visa, see Chinese Visa Requirements for Tourists.

RushMyTravelVisa can help you get a your visa quickly and easily.

Apply for your Chinese visa today!

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Russia and Chinese Visa Requirements To Ride the Trans-Siberian Railroad

Friday, May 7th, 2010

The longest railroad in the world, the Trans-Siberian Railroad connects Russia with Mongolia, China and the Sea of Japan. It is subdivided into three different routes for travelers to choose from: the Trans-Mongolian, which takes you from Beijing through Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia and on to Moscow (or vice-versa); the Trans-Manchurian, which takes you from Siberia through Manchuria to Beijing, and the Trans-Siberian, which will take from Moscow to Vladivostok.

Of course, there are many interesting places to stop along the way.  You can either ride the Trans-Siberian railroad as part of a tour group or on your own, although naturally if you travel independently you will have more flexibility when it comes to how much time you spend where.

Wikitravel has an excellent guide to help you plan the logistics of your trip, including how to buy tickets, what to pack, and where to get food.  This article on Matadortrips.com has a bunch of excellent suggestions for day trips and excursions if you’re traveling independently.

One other thing that you definitely should research ahead of time is visa requirements. Depending on your route and how far you take the railroad, you could end up spending time in Russia, China and/or Mongolia. To keep your trip from being unintentionally derailed (pun intended), it would be prudent to understand the entry requirements for each country before you travel.

Mongolian Visa Requirements

If you are an American citizen, you don’t need a visa to enter Mongolia as long as you don’t plan to stay longer than 9o days. However, if you plan to stay longer than 30 days, you do need to register with the authorities.

Chinese Visa Requirements

The requirements for obtaining a Chinese visa are fairly straightforward for tourists, but you will need to make sure that you have your visa in hand before you attempt t0 cross into China. If you will be crossing the Chinese border more than once during your journey, you should request a multiple-entry  Chinese visa. For more information, see Chinese Tourist Visa Requirements.

Russian Visa Requirements

Russia has a fairly restrictive and complex visa system. Learn more about what’s needed by reading Getting a Russian Tourist Visa, but remember, you’re probably better off seeking professional assistance.

RushMyTravelVisa can help you get all of the necessary documents for your journey on the Trans-Siberian Railroad. We’ll research your itinerary and let you know exactly what visas are required, then we’ll walk you through the application process and deliver your paperwork to the appropriate embassy or consulate for the fastest possible processing.

Need a visa? Let us help!

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Chinese Visa Requirements for Shopping in Shanghai

Thursday, April 29th, 2010

In terms of population, China is not only the biggest city in China-with a population of over 20 million people, it’s the largest city in the entire world. As you might expect from its size, Shanghai is an excellent shopping destination. In fact, it is often referred to as the “Shopping Paradise” and “Oriental Paris”.

In Shanghai, you can buy just about anything-the finest tea in China, beautiful pearls and delicate jewelry, brand names and knockoffs, and even fighting crickets!  If you are concerned about navigating the streets of Shanghai on your own, you can go as part of a shopping tour. However, traveling by yourself has its own advantages-you have more freedom to roam around, and you can spend the money you would have given the tour operator on stuff for yourself.

If you are planning in visiting the city and you want to shop independently, Matador Travel has an excellent guide on shopping in Shanghai.  One thing that makes shopping in Shanghai especially interesting is the collection of different markets: pearl markets, fabric markets, fashion markets, a tea market, even an animal and insect market where you can purchase the aforementioned fighting crickets. About.com has an excellent guide to the different Shanghai markets.

Shanghai is a world-class shopping destination, and China welcomes American tourists. However, if you’re going to Shanghai to shop, there’s one accessory you’ll need to purchase ahead of time: a Chinese tourist visa, also known as an “L” visa. China does not issue visas on arrival, so if you show up at the airport without one, you won’t be allowed to board your place.

What does it take to get an “L” visa? You will need the following:

  • One completed Chinese visa application
  • Your US passport
  • One  passport photo

If your plane leaves within the seven days, you can include a copy of your itinerary to expedite your visa. Using a visa expediting company like RushMyTravelVisa makes the process quick and efficient-we’ll help you with your application and deliver your paperwork to the appropriate visa or consulate for the fastest possible processing.

Apply for your expedited Chinese visa today!

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China Visa Requirements To See the Terracotta Army of the 1st Qin Emperor

Saturday, April 17th, 2010

This week’s featured UNESCO World Heritage Site is the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor of China. Qin Shi Huang took the title of emperor in 221 BC, and fought to subjugate and unify most of what today is modern-day China.

The Qin Dynasty did not last long after Qin Shi Huang’s death-the next 2 rulers were inept and the dynasty was replaced by what would become the Han Dynasty in 206 BC.

However, before the dynasty collapsed, the kingdom spared no expense to send its first emperor into the next life in style.  Qin Shi Huang was buried in an elaborate tomb accompanied by what is estimated to be over 8,000 larger-than-life terracotta soldiers, acrobats and musicians, along with assorted calvary horses and horse-drawn chariots.

Other than the Terracotta Army’s size and scope, the most amazing thing about it is the attention to detail.  No two soldiers are alike-they all have individual features and facial expressions.

The mausoleum is located 30-35 kilometers east of Xian City. Although much of the mausoleum has yet to be excavated, there are still interesting exhibits open to the public.

However, you do need a  China visa to visit.  If you are visiting China as a tourist, you need an “L” visa.  What does it take to get an “L” visa? You will need the following:

  • One completed Chinese visa application
  • Your US passport
  • One  passport photo

If your plane leaves in the seven days, you should also include a copy of your travel itinerary to expedite your visa.

China visa regulations require you to get your visa before you leave the US-it is simply not possible to get a tourist visa on arrival.  RushMyTravelVisa can help guide you through the process of getting a China visa, as well as any other visas you may need for your trip.

We’ll take a look at your itinerary and research visa regulations for each country to ensure you don’t get caught by surprise. Then, we’ll walk you through the application process,  helping you avoid common mistakes that could hold up your visa application.

Finally, we submit your application to the appropriate embassy or consulate for the fastest possible processing.

Apply for your China visa today!

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Chinese Visas for the 2010 Shanghai World Expo

Saturday, March 13th, 2010

From May 1st to October 31st, 2010, China is hosting the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai, taking part in a tradition that goes all the way back to 1851, when the first World’s Fair was held in London, England. This year’s World Expo is expected to be the biggest yet, as organizers prepare to welcome  approximately 70 million visitors.

This year’s theme is “Better City, Better Life” and representatives from at least 231 countries and international organizations will show off innovative urban design and planning techniques, as well as environmentally-friendly technologies.

About 5 percent of the visitors to the Expo are expected to come from outside China. According to AllHeadlineNews.com, China has instructed embassies and consulates to use an “easy process” for approving Chinese visas for foreign visitors while the expo is going on.

You do still need to apply for your visa in advance, however. If you try to enter China without a visa, the airline probably won’t let you on the plane.  Even if they do let you on the plane, China will send you right back to the US at your own expense. There is no way to apply for a visa upon arrival.

Chinese tourists need a tourism visa, also referred to as a “L” visa. Here are the documents you need to get a Chinese L  visa:

  • A completed Chinese visa application
  • Your US passport
  • One  passport photo

If your plane leaves in the seven days, you should also include a copy of your travel itinerary to expedite your visa.

RushMyTravelVisa.com can make applying for a Chinese visa much easier. We review your travel plans to make sure that you have the appropriate visas for every country you’ll be stopping in. Then, we help you collect all of the necessary documents, providing clear instructions and a helpful checklist, reducing the likelihood of common mistakes that could delay issuance of your visa. Finally, we deliver your application to the appropriate embassy or consulate for the fastest processing possible.

Apply for your Chinese visa today!

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