Job Discussion Forums

[vancanman]

Anyone know if this is a big deal? I lived 3 years in China having just left 4 months ago. I'd renew the passport close to expiry, ideally.

In Googling this topic I am getting conflicting information. Some sites say you need only 3 months. Others 6 months.

For HK some are saying return ticket is ok. Others 6 months.

Anyone had recent experience on this?

Appreciate your feedback.

[Steppenwolf]

The P.S.B. and the Chinese consular service will strictly abide by their rule to not issue you with any visa or resident's permit if your passport has less than 6 months to go!

[vancanman]

Is there a website where this is clearly stated? Hate to nitpick, but I really hate the idea a 5 year passport is good for only 4.5 years or even less in some cases.

I am prepared to enter HK and check at some travel agents to see if I can get the China visa with less than 6 mos validity. If not I would get the new passport in HK. Anyone know if the Canadian Consulate offers express service?

[tw]

See www.beijing.gc.ca/beijing/en/navmain/consular/passport/index.htm

[nolefan]

have you checked if you could get an extension of your passport instead of a full replacement? Should be quicker.

[tazmania]

I also thought you had to have 6 months left in your passport beyond the expiry of the visa, so I got a new passport issued a few months ago.

However, I have just had a new 6 month extension to my RP put into my old passport that expires in July, the RP runs until one day before the expiry date in my passport.

The PSB here told me this is fine and normal procedure in Jilin Province. Actually when I showed them my new passport they almost threw a fit, saying all sorts of crap about foreigners not being allowed 2 passports and that If I showed this to the guy at the airport they would confiscate it!

Anyway, regardless of the 'laws', I now have a new RP!