which alternatives to get a tourist visa when acr is not valid for next 6 months?

Question

I am currently working in Korea but my alien card registration will be valid only until 31 March 2012. I am planning to go back definitetly to France via Beijing-Moscou by transsiberian train. I would like to spend 3 nights in Beijing before departing by train to Moscou. Therefore, I would like to apply for a tourist visa valid 4 days. Can I do it in the Chinese Embassy in Seoul?Thanks a lot for your helpI just posted a question about getting a tourist visa in Seoul although my ACR will expire soon (travelling with transsiberian).  I would like to know whether sending my french passeport to France could be an alternative? Could somebody else from my family process the visa for me?As an alternative, can I travel first to HK (getting a visa here in Seoul?) and process a visa there in less than 24h?Thanks a lot

Jacob · Answer

It is not an alternative for you to mail your French passport to France for your family to process the visa application in French, once the visa officer notices that there is no exit record of Korea and enter record of France, he/she will know that you still stay in Korea. Your application will be denied, it is illegal to mail passport internationally. It is a good idea for you to travel first to Hong Kong and process a visa in Hong Kong within 24 hours, please do it through China Travel Service (Hong Kong) Ltd if you want to get it within 24 hours.

Jacob · Answer

Laura, it's true that you can't apply for Chinese tourist visa in the Chinese Embassy in Seoul because your Alien Registration Card doesn't have at least 6 months remaining validity. Just go to Hong Kong to do it.

Laura · Answer

Hi again JacobThanks a lot for your very quick and helpful reply. I have contacted Hong Kong visa office, and for French passports, the visa office will only accept non-express applications. It would be very difficult for me to spend 4 more extra days in HK before going to Beijing.However, I heard that if I go to China by local ferry, I can obtain a 15 day tourist visa on board the ferry. Could you please confirm whether this info is exact?Thanks a lot in advance

Jacob · Answer

Laura, sorry, I didn't hear this news that you can obtain a 15 days tourist visa on board the ferry. As far as I know, French nationals and USA nationals are not allowed to get a visa on arrival in China.

Which alternatives to get a tourist visa when ACR is not valid for next 6 months?

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