Job Discussion Forums

[ozzy932000]

Hello there. I'm planning a trip to China in the near future and wonder if anyone has advice on getting the tourist visa. I've looked at going to the Chinese embassy in Osaka but I wondered if there was a better way because the hours are bad and it would be a pain to get there.
Kevin

[benshi]

I did the same thing in Tokyo last year. Unfortunately, there is no other way to obtain the visa than physically going down to the embassy/consulate and standing in line. They will charge you a hefty processing fee (6000 yen, I think it was) and also you will need to leave your passport with them for about a week for processing (scary!)
But, other than the time and expense involved, it's a pretty cut and dried process.

[Apsara]

There is another way- have your travel agent apply for you. I did that back in 2000. They usually charge another hefty fee on top of the visa charge though.

[markle]

and do it quickly, I think there will be a lot of Japanese heading over as the Olympics get closer.

[Khyron]

[Apsara]

I was just looking at the website of the Chinese Embassy in Tokyo, and interestingly, the visa fee is 15,000 yen for US citizens but 4,000 yen for people from other countries. (3,000 for Japanese nationals). Quite a discrepancy.

[benshi]

That's not right; I'm a US citizen and it didn't cost 15000 last spring. Unless they've jacked up the price in the meantime. . .

[Apsara]

That's from the embassy website. Maybe it is a new thing.

[benshi]

Bummer. . .I was there for a week, and I sure wouldn't pay 15000 to go back again! It's like climbing Fujisan; glad to have done it once, but no desire to repeat the experience. . .