Shanghai, China travel

[Torete 121]

Good afternoon,

1/ Does anyone know if citizens of the Philippines are required to secure a visa prior to travel or is one issued in Shanghai at the airport?

2/ Anyone have any suggestions for reasonably priced ($50-$100) hotels close to the airport in Shanghai?

Thank you.

[sweet cakes 326]

Good afternoon,

1/ Does anyone know if citizens of the Philippines are required to secure a visa prior to travel or is one issued in Shanghai at the airport?

2/ Anyone have any suggestions for reasonably priced ($50-$100) hotels close to the airport in Shanghai?

Thank you.

Yes, Filipinos need a visa to go to China (Except for HK and Macau). You can check the Chinese Embassy in PH for the requirements.

My then-fiance (now-husband) and I also went to Shanghai for a tour 2 years ago, but I won't recommend our hotel because it's not near any tourist spot and a little pricey too. Try looking for Shanghai hotels in Agoda, maybe you'd find something within your budget.

Don't forget to try the "Xiao long bao" when you get there!

Edited May 7, 2014 by sweet cakes

[Torete 121]

Thanks Sweet Cakes, I'll let the family know a visa is required. Also, I just now perused the Chinese Embassy website and it's pretty clear.

Having said that, did YOU submit your application in person or have someone else do it for you? My family lives on Mindanao so it would be advantageous if they could have a family friend submit it. Their website says: "An applicant may submit his or her visa applicaation in person or entrust someone (immediate family member/household staff/co-worker) or a travel agency to submit on his or her behalf." So I'm wondering if we could entrust this friend to sumbit it or whether the people they mention are the only ones that can?

If you know, and the above is possible, may a signed copy of the application be faxed to said friend and they'll submit on my family's behalf? The website also said, "You MAY BE REQUIRED to go to the Chinse Embassy for an interview if the visa officer deems it necessary."

Yes thanks, we'll research a little more regards lodging/hotels, perhaps others will have some input on their experiences with particular hotels?

Thank you.

[sweet cakes 326]

Thanks Sweet Cakes, I'll let the family know a visa is required. Also, I just now perused the Chinese Embassy website and it's pretty clear.

Having said that, did YOU submit your application in person or have someone else do it for you? My family lives on Mindanao so it would be advantageous if they could have a family friend submit it. Their website says: "An applicant may submit his or her visa applicaation in person or entrust someone (immediate family member/household staff/co-worker) or a travel agency to submit on his or her behalf." So I'm wondering if we could entrust this friend to sumbit it or whether the people they mention are the only ones that can?

If you know, and the above is possible, may a signed copy of the application be faxed to said friend and they'll submit on my family's behalf? The website also said, "You MAY BE REQUIRED to go to the Chinse Embassy for an interview if the visa officer deems it necessary."

Yes thanks, we'll research a little more regards lodging/hotels, perhaps others will have some input on their experiences with particular hotels?

Thank you.

I submitted my Chinese visa application myself, as my office was very close to the Chinese embassy, so it was convenient for me.

When I was there, I did see a lot of travel agency messengers holding applications in bulk. There is a dedicated counter for multiple visa applications. Seems like it is a common thing there.

I can recommend you one of the travel agents I used in one of my travels: http://www.scorpiotravel.com/contact.html

Have an enjoyable vacation with your family!

Edited May 7, 2014 by sweet cakes

[Torete 121]

Thanks SC. The family lives on Mindanao and it would be another cost incurred. Unfortunately I won't be traveling with them. It was good that you were so close to the embassy and able to drop it off. Would you think it reasonable to mail the application to the travel agency you referenced and have them submit it at the embassy on our behalf? Thank you for the travel agency recommendation, I'll have the family call or email the travel agency you recommended. I lieu of that, and at this time, do you know if they'll accept a signed and faxed copy of the application at the embassy?

Edited May 7, 2014 by Torete

[Torete 121]

PS, reason I'm asking these questions and asking for input is that they're attempting to "establish" a travel history for the next time they apply for a B1/B2 visa. It's not an attempt to circumvent the process, rather it is for them to establish a pattern of comformance to other countries visa requirements which in turn may show the CO that they have complied in the past and perhaps issue one in the future. Thanks again.

[sweet cakes 326]

Thanks SC. The family lives on Mindanao and I unfortunately won't be traveling with them. It was good that you were so close to the embassy and able to drop it off. Would you think it reasonable to mail the application to the travel agency you referenced and have them submit it at the embassy on our behalf? Thank you for the travel agency recommendation. I'll have them call or email the travel agency you recommended but in lieu of that at this time, do you know if they'll accept a signed and faxed copy of the application at the embassy?

Not sure about scanned copies of signed application forms. I suggest that somebody from your family talk to the travel agency first, so they can give you a list of what is needed. They will have to mail their passports too, and most requirements like the bank statement have to be all originals, so might as well mail a signed form with that.

[Torete 121]

Not sure about scanned copies of signed application forms. I suggest that somebody from your family talk to the travel agency first, so they can give you a list of what is needed. They will have to mail their passports too, and most requirements like the bank statement have to be all originals, so might as well mail a signed form with that.

[Torete 121]

Yes SC, I'll have the family contact the travel agency and inquire further, thank you. Oh? I didn't see on the Chinese Embassy website that they'll have to send/submit their actual passport along with the application. That's uncomfortable and I'm not all too sure safe. But, if that's what they're requiring, I guess the family will have to.

[sweet cakes 326]

Yes SC, I'll have the family contact the travel agency and inquire further, thank you. Oh? I didn't see on the Chinese Embassy website that they'll have to send/submit their actual passport along with the application. That's uncomfortable and I'm not all too sure safe. But, if that's what they're requiring, I guess the family will have to.

Yep, a passport is very much required when one is applying for a visa. That's why you have to be very careful with the travel agency that you deal with. They have to be a established company. I have dealt with the agent I suggested to you, so I can safely vouch for them.

There are also a lot of others, maybe your kids can ask their friends for suggestions too. Or maybe there is a travel agency in your family's city that has an office in Manila.

[Torete 121]

Yep, a passport is very much required when one is applying for a visa. That's why you have to be very careful with the travel agency that you deal with. They have to be a established company. I have dealt with the agent I suggested to you, so I can safely vouch for them.

There are also a lot of others, maybe your kids can ask their friends for suggestions too. Or maybe there is a travel agency in your family's city that has an office in Manila.

Thanks SC for your input...it's appreciated. It's a very good suggestion regards a local travel agency in their city having an office in Manila. As you pointed out, they'll need to be careful especially since it's their passport. It's good that you have personal experience with the agency you pointed out...referrals are important.

[sweet cakes 326]

Thanks SC for your input...it's appreciated. It's a very good suggestion regards a local travel agency in their city having an office in Manila. As you pointed out, they'll need to be careful especially since it's their passport. It's good that you have personal experience with the agency you pointed out...referrals are important.

No sweat! Hope everything aligns for your family's visa!