Job Discussion Forums

Stuart_H · Joined: 04 Jun 2005 Posts: 9

I hate to add to all of the visa posts here, but I'm sure everyone knows how hard it is to get any info from the Chinese embassy. My question is, if I decided to enter under an L-Visa, what kind of plane ticket do I need to get? I've heard that to enter China with an L-Visa you need to have proof that you're leaving, such as a return ticket. Would it be possible to enter with a one way ticket or an open ended ticket?

tw · Joined: 04 Jun 2005 Posts: 3898

I have been told by former co-workers that when they went to China with a one-way/open ticket and the ticket was not inspected by immigration at the destination's airport.

Having said that, you should note that (1) more and more provinces now prohibit "upgrading" L visa to Z visa or at least would require the FT leaving China first and (2) some if not many airlines will refuse to let you board the plane at the airport if you have a tourist visa and no return ticket.

clomper · Joined: 07 Oct 2003 Posts: 251 Location: Beijing

It depends on which city you're planning to enter. If it's Shenzen via Hong Kong or Guangzhou via Hong Kong.. they don't mind someone with an L visa to enter those cities if you arrived via train or bus and no return ticket whatsoever.. Smile

Though if you enter Hong Kong with a one way ticket, they will ask when are you leaving.

Claudine

WYSIWYG · Posted: Tue Jun 21, 2005 2:34 am Post subject:

When I went through customs in Shanghai, the guy took the slip, stamped my passport and waved me through. He never even said a single word to me. I had more fun with the US Customs (grilled for 10 minutes) when I returned to the States. I certainly wouldn't bank on my experience though.

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

I have never heard of Chinese Immigration asking foreign passport holders to show them their plane tickets. They couldn't care less whether you have onward transport arranged or not.

One reason might be that they can not be trusted to decipher a plane ticket in the first place (many don't know English - believe it or not!).

But the main reason is that CHina is not well-organised enough to have such professional Immigration staff. They do know how to spot a visa overstayer, though.

The visa type you have is totally irrelevant.

cujobytes · Posted: Tue Jun 21, 2005 3:44 am Post subject: >

WYSIWYG · Posted: Tue Jun 21, 2005 4:14 am Post subject: Re: >

WYSIWYG · Posted: Tue Jun 21, 2005 4:15 am Post subject: Re: >

zzzzz....double post