Chinese Visas Harder to Get

While the Chinese government has said it has not changed its visa policy, several sources are reporting that multiple-entry visas are not currently being issued and most likely will not be until after the Olympic Games in Beijing. Hong Kong travel agents are also reporting delays in the issuance of visas. What was once a same-day service is now taking up to four days. The website of Chinese Foreign Ministry in Hong Kong now states, "If you don't reside or work in Hong Kong permanently, you are required to apply Chinese visa from the Embassy or Consulate-General of Peoples' Republic of China in your resident country."

-- Stanley Pfrang