China Travel Forum

[Rick]

I have looked on the internet and can't seem to find the answer to this question. I have just downloaded the Visa application form and one of the questions that is required to be filled in asks for: "Names, Address and Phone no. of Inviting Organization or Person in China".

Does this mean that I need to book a tour through some Chinese organization or be going there to work or have family or friends that live in China to let me get the required tourist visa? Because to me the word Inviting in this instance would mean for some person or some company to offer me to come to visit them or work for them in the country and by the wording they use it sounds like without fulfilling that criteria for the visa I would not be able to get the Visa.

I guess with that wording if you were to be pedantic where it says "or person in China" well you could say that the person that is the receptionist at the hostel/hotel that I stay at could be the person to give the name, address etc in China. But the way all the wording for that question sounds it does not appear that it means that. So if there is someone who can tell me if China is like Russia in relation to getting a Visa in you needing to be invited by a local to get a visa, or what that question is exactly referring to then I'd appreciate your reply.

Thanks in advance for any help you can give.

[Dirk]

The Chinse visa application form is a historical document from the days when you had to be a communist OR an idiot OR had relatives in China to visit the Middle Kingdom.

In Dec 2004, I applied for my Chinese visa in Perth and provided NO names, addresses and phone numbers of "Inviting Organization or Persons in China".
I did provide an itinerary. I paid AUD30 and was issued a single entry visa within four days.

I entered China via Ping Xian-Nanning in Jan 2005 and was not asked to purchase any FECs, nor proof of funds nor a plane/train/bus ticket out of China. In fact getting into China was easier than getting into the US. It was so easy that for a momemnt I wondered if I were really in the People Republic of China. There were no signs of a communist state.

Back to the point. If you are an Australian citizen, just complete your visa application as best as you can and pay the fees. You are almost certain to get a visa.

Good luck.