day trip to China from Hong Kong visa query? please

Hi we have British passports and have just booked to go to Hong Kong from 14 Dec to 30 Dec. Our travel agent is willing to throw in for free a day trip to China (organised tour) but visas aren%26#39;t included.

Does anyone know how far in advance you can arrange them? I know it means going up to London to the embassy. Their helpline is only open from 2-4pm each day and I can%26#39;t get through.

Any guidance most welcome.

thank you

day trip to China from Hong Kong visa query? please

You can arrange them in HK as well.

day trip to China from Hong Kong visa query? please

Do you know any details on how to do this in Hong Kong or where I can find out. It would be easier to be honest.

thank you for your post

If you go to the Hong Kong airport website (http://www.hongkongairport.com/eng/index2.jsp) there is info on getting visas for China. It does mention that it takes about 5 hours but they say it is the best way to do it.

I obtained the Visa by taking my passport, and a photo to China Star Travel Service (in a laneway at TST off Nathan Road - sign on Nathan Road) and it took 24 hours to obtain.

I would do this again this time except I will arrive in HK the night before the day I want to use it.

It is likely your hotel can organise this for you too - why dont you send them an email?

If you are travelling on an organised day tour to any of the popular destinations of Guangzhou, Shenzhen or Zhongshan, you will most likely travel under a group visa, therefore no need to get your own visa. One of the advantages of an organised tour!!

Once you have the name of the company operating your tour, ask them direct (email) about the group visa.

Maybe you can get a group visa. Will be cheaper.

Otherwise, I use this agency:

www.fbt-chinavisa.com.hk/

Although visas in Hong Kong now take a minimum of 2 days.

I always find it much easier to get my visa in HK rather than going through the hassle and expense of going to London. Personally I use CTS who have numerous branches throughout HK and it%26#39;s a quick and easy process although I%26#39;m sure the agency recommended by Drumbrake is good too. There%26#39;s a list of CTS branches here;

www.ctshk.com/english/aboutus/local.htm

or you can get one from the Chinese Consulate in Wan Chai but may have to queue;

fmcoprc.gov.hk/eng/zgqz/bgfwxx/default.htm

It does indeed appear that as from today you can no longer get a visa in HK in less than 2 days. The ';standard'; service is 3 days. My experience with using CTS is that it takes about 10 mins to submit the application and 5 mins to pick up when it%26#39;s ready.

Sorry, ';Rush service'; is 2 days. ';Express service'; is 3 days and ';standard service'; is 4 days.

This agency www.fbt-chinavisa.com.hk/ still say they can do a visa in one day - if you get them your passport before 9am, they will return it after 630pm.