Job Discussion Forums

[Zorak03]

Hi everyone. I know lately I few people have been wondering about coming on a one-way and/or having visa issues. I thought I would chime in with my recent experience. Hopefully it will help someone.
I just returned from a trip to the USA and was able to obtain a two-year multi-entry F visa (90 days each entry).
I just had to write an introduction letter from my company (I have a legal USA company) explaining my reason for coming to China (sourcing products). The requirement for a 24 month F visa are two previous F visas; copies must be supplied. Also, it seems that many Chinese Consulates WILL NOT issue a two-year visa unless you own a Chinese company, as the Houston Consulate told me. The Chinese Embassy in Washington is an easier option.
I had a one-way ticket from Birmingham, AL to Hong Kong on American Airlines. I was a bit worried that they would give me problems boarding but the lady at the checking counter didn't even ask a single question (or look for visas in my passport).
I entered Mainland China via the Hong Kong Lo Wu border. I was required to fill-out a declaration form noting any symptoms I had (none) and locations visited within the last 7 days. There was a line, and several tables with people taking the form and checking temps, before passport control.
When they saw I listed the USA on my forum, one man took my passport and ask me to follow him. He took me to a room that said "infectious disease quarantine." My heart sunk a little.. Several people were also in this room. I was made to wear a mask and a thermometer was placed under my arm. After five mins someone took the thermometer and 10 mins later (no one told me what was going on during this time) I was given my passport back with a stamped form to give to passport control and a paper telling me to call if I developed any flu symptoms in the next 7 days.
Forgive me if you see any grammar/spelling mistakes as Im still suffering from extreme jet-lag. Hopefully this helps someone or answers someone's question.

[ispeakgoodenglish]

Same thing happened to me in Luowu in the week after the May holidays. Apparently Chinese are immune to swine flu and don't have to go through the same procedure.......

[foreignDevil]