I went to a travel agency in Binondo this afternoon to get assistance in securing a Chinese Visa. This is the same agency that I went to last 2009 when I got my 2nd Chinese Visa and to my surprise, there’s a lot of required documents needed to be submitted. Last 2009, I just brought them my passport and filled out the application form and that’s it. But now, I need to present additional documents which unfortunately I don’t have.
Here’s the list of requirements for those who have already travelled to Mainland China.
1. Personal Bank Statements for at least 3 months from date of application, Time Deposit Certificate, Original Land Title & Real Property Tax receipt or Car Registration (original and Photocopy)
2. For Conjugal Properties, investments and joint accounts, provide proof of relationship such as original NSO Birth Certificate or NSO Marriage Contract with attached receipt issued by National Statistics Office
3. Round Trip Air Ticket
4. Hotel Confirmation
5. Others
Additional Requirements for Applicants who have not yet travelled to Mainland China.
A. Unemployed (Same requirements as above and…)
1. Original and Valid NBI Certificate for Travel Abroad (Personal Copy will not be accepted)
2. Recent Income Tax Returns
B. Employed (Same requirements as above and…)
1. Certificate of Employment with Salary Details
2. Company ID
3. SSS ID/Contributions
The only document technically that I need is the Bank Certificate and Hotel Confirmation (since I already have confirmed tickets). They told me that since I want double entry for 30 days, I need to have a booking confirmation for accommodation for all of these days, which technically would be a waste of money to do so since I don’t have a fix itinerary. Alternatively, they could issue me a dummy booking confirmation for only three days which she said might be a problem because I want to secure a double entry visa for 30 days. The best option that I see is to book hostels online since they only accept 10% payment. It would defintely lessen the damage to my wallet.
The bank certificate is also a challenge since I don’t have much money on my account. The suggested amount is around P50K.
They also told me that a lot of people are getting denied lately, which was really unheard of last 2009. They told me that these new requirements took effect last June 2010. Another catch is, they won’t refund my visa processing fee if I get denied. I’m thinking to go straight to the Chinese Embassy myself but the chances might be slimmer since I’ve been unemployed for more than six months.
I’m f*cking confuse on my next step.
Will I try getting a Visa and risk getting denied because of some documents and waste some money in the process. Or will I just re-route.
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!
Reroute ka na lang. To be honest, these visa requirements are such pain in the ass–especially the bank requirements that needs to have at least “show money” on it. I wonder what the hell is DFA doing or would we put the blame on us because some of our fellow Filipinos love to do “illegal” entries in order to survive?
But this is Mainland China? What are they, United States?
last 2009, i just signed a form and that’s it… now there’s too many documentations required… sad because I love China… food is awesome and the landscape is just magical (esp southwest)…
im not sure if this is part of their reforms due to their humongous economic growth, yesterday I was watching news and they just announced that China has officially surpassed Japan (economically speaking)… they’re on the road to becoming a 2nd world country…
Just hang in there Flip! It will sort itself out eventually. Pero I have to agree with Bernie though, di sila US noh!
HOLY SHIT… that is a lot of damn crap they ask for… WOW!!!
China is not on my visit list this time around for this reason exactly. I have heard its hard to maintain a visa. I hope everything get sorted out though and you get it and are able to travel through China!!!
I remember when I got my Chinese visa. It was a long, tiring process and I got everything in the Chinese consulate. However, I had forgot to send along a self addressed stamped enevelope with all my paperwork. I actually called them up and asked them what to do. They just gave me an address to send it and eventually it got sorted out. It was worth it to see the country.
I thought US lang ang may ganyang kaartehan sa VISA processing.
I’ve been wanting to visit China rin.. since namomroblema na ako sa US VISA pati pala Chinese VISA eh problema ko na rin?.. 
Kidding aside, they should think that not all people have the same intentions when going to other countries. Others are just dreaming of seeing the beauty of the place.
I think you could still try your luck flip, take your chances..
ill try my luck Jeff… thanks for the words of encouragement…
No problem!..
i never knew they will still require so much more considering you already got 2 Chinese visas before. Bad trip talaga! Major hassle! Hope this doesn’t ruin your trip!
i’m trying to find a way bro
hope you get to update your blog once you’ve secure a visa, which i think you will! Keep the faith! I am really interested as i had a visa before and have plans of going to China again! How’s multiple?