Chinese Travel

How Do I Apply for a Chinese Visa? the Five Most Frequently Asked Questions

salsabilahanun — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 08:08:05 +0000

Interest in travel from the U.S. to China has increased in the last decade. This is due, at least partially, to a number of factors, including the Beijing Summer Olympics and economic factors. American tourists are seeking Chinese visa applications in higher numbers. This guide will answer “How do I apply for a Chinese visa?” and four other frequently asked questions.

1) How do I apply for a Chinese Visa? This is the number one most frequently asked question. A Chinese Visa is necessary for travel to all parts of China from the United States. Applications can be obtained from most every passport processing agency in America. Chinese visa applications are also available online and from local U.S. Post Offices. Completed application forms and required documentation can be submitted in person or by mail. Application forms cannot be submitted electronically.

2) What documentation must accompany my Chinese visa application form? You must submit several documents along with your completed application form. You must send or present a valid U.S. passport. The passport’s expiry date must be greater than six months away from the date of submission. The passport must also have no fewer than two blank visa pages left. If either of these criteria cannot be met then you must apply for a new passport/passport renewal first. You must also submit a passport regulation photo, proof of planned travel to China (a trip itinerary OR a photocopy of airline tickets which shows that the trip is to take place within three months) and confirmation of hotel reservations in China.

It’s critical that all of these documents are presented. Omission of one or more will result in rejection of your china visa application. It’s also crucial that you ensure that your Chinese visa application form is filled out entirely. Don’t leave any blanks unfilled, and be sure to sign it in ink.

3) Who is required to fill out a Chinese visa application form? Every U.S. citizen/landed immigrant wishing to travel to China must submit an application. No traveler will be admitted to the country without a Chinese visa. This includes business and pleasure travelers as well as students.

4) How far in advance should I apply for a Chinese visa? You cannot apply any further in advance of your trip than three months. It is highly recommended that you apply no later than three months in advance of your intended departure date. The more time that you can allow for processing of your application the better. This will ensure that even if delays in the mail, at the application center, or at the Chinese consular occur you will still get your Chinese visa in time for your trip. If your trip is unexpected and will be taking place in less than three months, it’s possible to expedite the application process. Expediting fees will apply. Your passport processor has a schedule of these fees.

5) How long is a Chinese visa valid for? Typically a traveler can stay in China up to sixty days after entering the country. If you expect your trip to last longer, you may request a ninety-day Chinese visa. These are granted by the Chinese Consulate on a case-by-case basis. You must demonstrate the necessity of staying for more than sixty days to get this extension. However, all travelers must realize that length of stay can be granted at the discretion of the consulate. They reserve the right to restrict the validity of any stay.

“How do I apply for a Chinese visa” and other common questions can be answered by most passport processing agencies. This includes online outlets. You can also address Chinese visa questions to your local Chinese embassy.

Asia, the Best Travel Destination

salsabilahanun — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 08:57:52 +0000

If the time has come for your vacation or a holiday getaway, read this article before making your plans. There are many places of great beauty and interest to be seen in the USA and Europe. But, whether transportation, touring, theme park, or food and lodging, it is expensive. This article is written for every traveler, whether a backpacker on a budget, or a first class – five star traveler.

Travel in Asia is inexpensive and opens the door to different cultural experiences. Planning can be for a short holiday, an extended stay, or choices of laying the groundwork for the ultimate stay, retirement. Nowadays, with so many opportunities to make money using the Internet it is not out of the question to “retire” early.

Medical Tourism in Asia growing in popularity. It is high quality and affordable. Just one of International standard hospitals in Bangkok serves 400,000 international patients annually, In the USA cataract surgery for one eye runs around $8,000. At a prestigious International hospital in Thailand cataract surgery can be performed on both eyes for around $2,500. It is possible to have quality medical care, and an Asian holiday, for a fraction of the cost of the same procedure in the USA.

Let us take a tantalizing glimpse at just some of the countries.

Thailand – Land of Smiles. Often referred to as the most exotic country in Southeast Asia. A visit to the Grand Palace in Bangkok for sure. Trips to a floating market or to the Bridge on the River Kwai. From pristine beaches in the Southern Islands to the Northern mountains with its waterfalls, elephants bathing in mountain streams, and Hill Tribe villages.

India – Delhi is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world. India Gate, an imposing structure, has emerged as one of the most popular tourist spots in Delhi. The Red Fort Delhi, a masterpiece of architecture, is a popular spot. A trip to India would not be complete without a visit to Agra, famous as the site of one of the world’s most romantic, graceful and photographed buildings, the Taj Mahal.

Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos – Three small countries neighboring Thailand. Each opens a different world of exploration. Cambodia – the highlight is visiting Angkor Wat, an architectural masterpiece constructed in the jungle in the early 12th century. Vietnam – is a varied country, offering beaches, mountains and hundreds of years of history from the ancient Cham Towers to remnants from the Vietnam War. Laos – savor the crafts, culture and hospitality of Laos with a river trip, visits to ancient temples, gorgeous palaces, and traditional villages.

Nepal – Adventure, travel, trekking, birding, wildlife, and cultural & overland Safaris. Take an air flight along the Himalayas and view magnificent Mount Everest. Nearby, discover the serene beauty of Tibet, the country which inspired the Dalai Lama. .

Indonesia – Jakarta, the capital city of the world’s fourth most-populous nation. Bali is Indonesia’s main holiday destination. Flores is a pretty lush green island with forests, palm and banana trees, rice fields and many volcanoes. Highlights are the three small offshore islands of “Gillis” that invite snorkeling, diving and relaxing. For hikers, a climb to the top of the volcano Rijani.

Philippines – An island nation comprising over 7,000 islands in the western Pacific Ocean.

Manila, the bustling capital has powerful reminders of the country’s past, along with attractive parks, fine museums, and exhilarating nightlife. The Ifugao Rice Terraces

are a testimony to the early technological advancement of the Ifugao people. Take a jeepney ride to the market. Be brave, try balut, a Philippine delicacy. Go diving in the Visayas.

Singapore – Shopping on famous Orchard Road, the dream of every woman. The Night Safari at Singapore Zoo is fabulous. Chinatown, a little glitzy, but you can buy all the souvenirs you want there. Interestingly, one of Singapore’s most beautiful Hindu temples is smack dab in the middle of Chinatown. Decide if a Singapore Sling is worth the hype in the Long Bar at Raffles Hotel. There’s more to Singapore than urban glitz, like rambling in the rain forest of Bukit Timah Nature Reserve.

Japan – Tokyo is the capital city and home of the Imperial Residence and Emperor’s Palace. Select a popular destination or region in Japan and explore its attractions. Ride the Bullet Train to the magnificent city of Kyoto. Visit Hiroshima and the Peace Memorial Park. Castles, temples, gardens, the list of top destinations in Japan is too long for this article..

Taiwan – Taipei, the country’s booming, vibrant capital remains steeped in Chinese, Japanese and native Taiwanese cultures. Some of its most impressive sights include the Grand Hotel, topped by the largest Classical Chinese roof in the world, the Shihlin Night Market, the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial with the National Theater and Concert Hall located directly across from each other on the grounds. A popular day trip is Tailuge (Taroko Gorge), considered one of the natural wonders of the world.

Hong Kong – the Pearl of East and jewel of The Orient. Nathan Road is lined with shops, restaurants, nightspots and cheap places to stay. If you’re in Hong Kong with the little ones, they’ll probably appreciate Ocean Park (aquarium), Water World (swimming pools and water slides), and of course Disneyland. If you’re in Hong Kong for more than a few days, then there’s plenty of outlying islands to discover.

It is often said that for the traveler that has seen it all and done it all, there is still Katmandu, Nepal. And, that too is in Asia!

If you do not visit Asia, you will be missing not only a paradise of affordable travel, but the chance to see an alternative living location. For retirees, it is luxury living for pennies, not just getting by on their pension. Asia, a paradise experience is waiting for you.

Travel by Ukraine

salsabilahanun — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 08:36:04 +0000

Ukraine

Travel by Ukraine

The Ukraine

Ukraine is the second largest country in Europe, after Russia. The country is rather flat and includes the autonomous region of Crimea in the south.

Most of the Crimean Tatars were forcibly moved to Central Asia in 1944 to suppress their nationalist intentions.

Ukrainian

The official language of Ukraine is Ukrainian; one of the three East Slavic languages, closely related to Russian and Belorussian.

Early Ukrainian History

Tatar Mongols invaded the area in the 13th century but the western Ukrainian principality of Galicia, founded in the 12th century, suffered less from the Mongol invasion.

Annexed by Poland in the 14th century, although the Ukrainian Cossacks allied themselves with Russia.

The partitions of Poland saw much of the land handed over to Russia in 1667, while Galicia became a part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire from 1772 to 1919.

The Cave monastery, Perchersky, was founded in the early 11th century and is one of the most sacred buildings of the Russian Orthodox church.

The ruins of the Golden Gate also date from the same period and was once the main entrance to the city.

Kiev was the centre of the Rus principality in the 11th and 12th centuries AD, and it is still known as the Mother of Russian Cities.

From London travel to Ukraine by train…

Kiev, Ukraine. Easy to get there by train!

It’s easy to travel by train from London to Ukraine. It’s also safe, comfortable, affordable and (unlike yet another flight) an adventure. Eurostar and German Railways link London with Berlin, then there are daily sleeper trains from Berlin and Warsaw to Kiev. There’s even direct sleeping-cars several times each week from Berlin to Odessa and Simferopol in the Crimea. This page will tell you train times, approximate fares, and how to book.

Travel by Ukraine