Korean Job Discussion Forums

[skim234]

Hi Folks,

I just booked a trip for Beijing from Dec 24-27. Anyone know if I need to do paperwork prior to leaving Korea? FYI, I'm an F4 visa holder from the US.

Thanks!

[rocket_scientist]

Absolutely. The China consulate does not like to give visas to Americans, esp the long term,multi entry type so start ASAP. Some people even go to Hong Kong, to get the visa. They seem to be more aggree-able there. they do crap like "x" out the visa you want and write in the shortest and most expensive classification.

I'd use the travel agent service instead.

[skim234]

[rocket_scientist]

Yes, they will charge you a fee but its worth it. You are still a customer, which means ka-ching, which means they like you. They will go to the embassy for you. The fee is reasonable.

[tzechuk]

You can't just go to the Chinese Embassy in Seoul to get your visa done by yourself. They stopped that over a year ago. You have to go through a travel agent.

Normally they charge 10,000 to 15,000 won on top of the visa fee as service charge.

If you go to the Embassy directly, you still end up having to go to one of the local travel agents to have them do it for you. I did this for my daughter last year before she got her Chinese pass card. When I got there, one of the Chinese folks there asked me what I wanted - luckily I speak Mandarin and they explained to me the process.

It is true that it is easier and quicker to go to Hong Kong and get a visa there - you can get one in a couple of hours (so I am told).

So anyway, bottom line is - you cannot do it yourself anymore. Go to a travel agent and ask them to do it for you. They will know exactly what you need to get the visa.

[skim234]

I appreciate the help! I just love the extra American tax they like to levy upon me.

[jmuns]

yeah you should write a letter to your congressman and thank them for taxing the chinese so much. as americans we pay higher prices all over the world for visas because we charge everyone so much to visit there.

you can get one in hong kong in one day, but you have to be there when they open and have your forms turned in before a certain time in the morning, before they go to lunch for sure, and then you can pick it up after 3pm that day, at least you could two years ago. otherwise you can turn in your paperwork and pick it up the next day after like 10 or 11. the hong kong visa didnt play any games with us, and allowed us to get single, multiple, and double entries. same price so you might as well get a multiple if you can.

[madtownhustl]

I'm planning on going to the great wall in february for 3 days. anyone know of a good travel agent near Seoul?

[runthegauntlet]

[runthegauntlet]

[madtownhustl]

[tzechuk]