i am a south african citizen living in france (with a titre de sejour).

Question

I am a South African citizen living in France (with a titre de sejour). I am moving to Hong Kong and then Shanghai, intending to stay at least 6 months. I am not working. Do I need separate visas for China and Hong Kong, or just one visa? When I went to the Chinese embassy in Paris they gave me the application form, which is for Peoples Republic of China.I know I get 30 days without visa in Hong Kong but I will probably stay there 3 months, then Shanghai. I would like to be able to travel to the mainland from day 1 though.

Mr.Jacques · Answer

If you want to stay in Hong Kong for more than 30 days, you also need Hong Kong Visa Application Form, you shall apply for Hong Kong visa and China visa together. I can't understand this sentence I would like to be able to travel to the mainland from day 1 though

Mr.Garth · Answer

Thank you for the reply. What I meant was that I want to visit mainland China during the first 3 months that I am staying in Hong Kong.I applied at the Chinese Embassy in Paris today. Interestingly they said that there was a 3-4 week turnaround time for a Hong Kong visa, whereas the Chinese visa takes 5 days. Since I leave soon, I have applied for the Chinese visa now and will apply for a Hong Kong visa (to extend beyond 30 days) when I am there. Any comments on how to do this?

Mr.JOHNNASH · Answer

Visitors are not normally permitted to change the visa type (or move from a non-visa situation to obtaining one) after arriving in Hong Kong, however, you can go to Shenzhen when the 30 days stay duration in Hong KOng expires, then return to Hong Kong for another 30 days stay duration for your new entry to Hong Kong.

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