I am a Polish citizen living in Zurich (on a B permit) and I would like to go to China in January, for tourist purposes. The ticket combination I am considering takes me into Shanghai and out of Hong Kong. My questions are as follows:
- Do I need to apply for the two visas in advance? From what I have read so far, I think I need a China visa but (as an EU citizen) I can get a visa for HK when I enter.
- I was planning to buy a ticket online, and I think all I would get is an e-ticket. Would this be good enough for inclusion in a Chinese visa application?
- Do I really need a letter of invitation? I do not have friends in China, so I'd have to get an agency to help -- does that mean I need to book a tour through one?