OOoCon 2008 Visa Procedures

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Visa Procedures to join the 2008 Annual OpenOffice.org Conference in Beijing/China

One of the main issues for everybody willing to attend this years OOoCon in Beijing is getting the appropriate visa to enter China. The information we provide from within China will be of very general nature. From my point of view, it would be great, if those of you, who accomplish the procedures first, could provide your experience to your fellow countrymen. For this purpose I created this wiki page, where everybody is free to volunteer and add important information about Chinese visa for her/his country. Please help to fill this page.

Best regards, Peter

Common Remarks and Requirements

ATTENTION: China has brought up new visa restrictions without prior notice!

This means, you can not rely on information from travel agencies or internet sites. These sources could be obsolete from one day to another.

For example: check here (Google News)

Joerg Wuttke, president of the EU Chamber of Commerce in China,
on Thursday called the restrictions enacted ahead of August's
Olympic Games 'truly annoying' and charged that the new visa
rules were unclear and have never been published. 'Once again,
there is no transparency,' he said. (Full message)

Detailed Procedures by Country

C

Canada

Information about travel to China from the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit China. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. Canadians must also be in possession of a visa. Visas must be obtained prior to departure. The visas must be acquired in the travellers’ country of residence or from the country where they hold a working visa.

Chinese Visa application requirements can be found on the website for the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Canada. The basic requirements for touris and business Visas are:

• An original passport valid for least six months
• A complete Visa Application Form signed by the actual applicant
• A recent passport-size photo
• A hotel reservation
• Return/round trip tickets

Processing time is estimated at 4 days, and costs $50.00 CDN for a Single Entry Visa, or $75.00 CAD for a Double Entry Visa.

G

Germany

• Information given by the German Department for Foreign Affairs (Important travel and security information)
• Information given by the chinese embassy in Germany (Important visa information)
  • Passport (valid at least 6 months)
  • Visa application form Hints
  • Foto
  • For the purpose to do business or attend a meeting or conference, single or double entry are required. The original version of invitation letter from an authorized Chinese Government Department or Government-authorized Company, the two-way flight ticket, and hotel booking confirmation are required.
  • 20 € cash (+20 € for 48 hour service or +30 € for 24 hour service)
  • Application not earlier than 50 days before your trip. Allow one week processing time for your visa.
  • In your visa application you must specify your date of arrival, the duration of your stay in China and all the locations you are going to visit in their correct order.
  • You can apply at the consulate general in Berlin, Frankfurt, Hamburg or Munich, each open monday to friday from 9 to 12 am.
• Check vaccinations, consult your doctor now (Gelbfieber, Malaria, Tetanus, Diphtherie, Polio, Hepatitis A+B, Tollwut, Japanische Enzephalitis, Typhus, ...)

P

Philippines

GUIDELINES FOR CHINESE VISA

Brief Introduction to Chinese Visa

A Chinese visa is a permit issued by the Chinese visa authorities to an alien for entry into, exit from or transit through China's territory in accordance with Chinese laws. The Chinese visa authorities shall have the power to issue visas, to refuse visa applications, or to revoke visas.

China's diplomatic missions, consular offices and other resident agencies abroad authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall be the Chinese Government's agencies abroad to handle aliens' applications for Chinese visas. They also handle overseas applications for visa or entry permit to Hong Kong (SAR). Please refer to GUIDELINES FOR HONG KONG SAR VISA/ENTRY PERMIT.

Different categories of visa, such as diplomatic visa, courtesy visa, service visa, and ordinary visa, shall be issued to different aliens in accordance with the different capacities in which they visit China and also with the different categories of passport they hold. In accordance with aliens' reasons for coming to China, the ordinary visas to be issued shall be marked with the following Chinese phonetic letters: C, D, F, G, J-1, J-2, L, X and Z.

Introductions to Tourist /Family Visit Visa (L), Business Visa (F), Employment Visa (Z), Student Visa (X/F) and Transit Visa (G) continue as follows. For information of other visas, please contact China's diplomatic missions, consular offices and other resident agencies abroad authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China.

Details at http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/ce/ceph/eng/lsfw/hzqz/t171818.htm

Other Consular Service information at http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/ce/ceph/eng/lsfw/hzqz/default.htm

Embassy information at http://www.china-embassy.org.ph

U

UK

The procedure of applying China Visa is described here: How to apply China Visa in UK. The article will tell you the application procedure and what kind of documents are required for your application(depends on the Visa type you are applying for). L or F Visa might be considered for the visit.

1. L Visa: Issued to an applicant who comes to China for tourist purposes, family visiting or other personal affairs.
2. F Visa: Issued to an applicant who is invited to China for conference, research, lecture, business, scientific-technological and cultural exchanges or short-term studies or intern practice for a period of no more than six months. （Visa Notification Form is required，which is issued by the relevant department of Chinese government, companies or institutions, under the authorization of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China. Detailed information can be obtained from the Foreign Affairs Office of the relevant province, autonomous region and municipality where the inviting party resides.)

More Visa Information would be found at Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland website - Visa section.

Y

===Z===