China visa expediter/agency --which company??

[Peregrina651]

Having ruled out going to the consulate myself, it is time to find a service to expedite the visas we need for our China river cruise.

 

The cruise line suggests one company but they want $100 in fees for two visas. I would like to find out what my other options are before deciding what to do.

 

I have started reading here on CC to find names but many of the suggestions are a few years old. For example this post from 2006: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=7296822&postcount=37 that mentions visamailservice.com This lead me to a list of three other companies suggested by the PRChina embassy in DC. It is dated 2/2009 and already some of the links are dead, so you understand why I am hoping for current information.

 

Sticking with 2009 travelers, the question is which company did you use for processing your visa and were you happy with their service? Have you used this service before? Would you use them again?

 

If you have a website, please include the link.

 

Thanks in advance.

 

 

 

 

 

[paul929207]

We used Zeier (ZVS.COM) earlier this year for a Brazil visa. Everything went smoothely. I don't rememger their fees, but they were not cheap.

[alanmal]

I have used: www.visaexpress.net

 

I have used them twice and found them to be very helpfull.

[greatam]

Timely Visa http://www.timelyvisa.com/Home.htm

 

The guy that owns this agency is Chinese and very good. He is about 6 miles from the Consulate in Los Angeles. I have used him several times for Chinese visas. $100 fee for processing two passports is about standard.

 

Stay away from Zierer. They do not know their business, cost me a PAID FOR Princess Asia cruise by telling me they could get a multiple entry Chinese visa and then could not perform 6 weeks before the cruise. Crystal suggested I call them for an Iranian visa. They told me the ship would get the visa. WRONG again!!!

 

Don't know when you need the visa but the NYC Chinese consulate goes to Boston about once every two months to take care of Chinese passports and also issue Chinese visa's for Americans. They go to some Chinese cultural center place in Waltham. Friends who live in Taunton got visa's for the Olympics that way. Fee was $10 + Consulate fees + Fed Ex fee. Their visa's were returned about a month later. The Chinese were VERY picky about how the application was filled out. NO blank spaces, no this and no that. Would save the visa service fees but whether it is worth the hassle???? May be worth calling the NYC Consulate.

[Denverite]

We used Passports Plus in Houston, TX for our visas for our 2009 trip to China. Their web site is http://www.passportsplus.com

You can download the forms to complete from their web site. They also have fairly good instructions. Our cost for TWO multiple entry visas (for my husband and myself) was $341.00--not cheap. The consulate fee was $260, the service fee was $58, and the return FedEx fee was $23.00. It took about two weeks for processing. Passports were returned with plastic covers over the passports, which was very nice. I think the consulate fee is the same no matter where you go, but the service fee might be different, as well as the FedEx fee.

[Peregrina651]

Timely Visa http://www.timelyvisa.com/Home.htm

 

Stay away from Zierer. They do not know their business.....

 

Don't know when you need the visa but the NYC Chinese consulate goes to Boston about once every two months to take care of Chinese passports and also issue Chinese visa's for Americans. They go to some Chinese cultural center place in Waltham.

 

Greatam -- Thank you. I will check out Timely Visa and compare their rates. A couple of the companies suggested by the embassy in DC are closer to $40pp and I am waiting to see if those names come up on this thread.

 

I've seen your other posts about Zierer, so they are already on my no-go list. Fortunately, we only need a single entry visa for this trip since we never leave the Chinese mainland and there can't be much that can be messed up there (I hope).

 

Thanks for the heads about about Waltham (I'm even closer to there than Taunton is). We aren't traveling until 2010 so I have plenty of time to gather information and hear what the 2009 travelers are saying. It is never to early to start a thread.

[Peregrina651]

Here is another question: Since I live in Massachusetts, do I have to use a company that does business with the NYC consulate or can I use a company that is based anywhere in the US?

[Peregrina651]

I have used: www.visaexpress.net

 

I have used them twice and found them to be very helpfull.

 

And other who have suggested names, have you used the company for obtaining a visa for China?

[alanmal]

And other who have suggested names, have you used the company for obtaining a visa for China?

 

Yes, twice.

[greatam]

Here is another question: Since I live in Massachusetts, do I have to use a company that does business with the NYC consulate or can I use a company that is based anywhere in the US?

 

Any company, any place (can even be done overseas)

[Coastaljen]

Hey Greatam and Peregrina651... Me again....

 

Peregrina we seem to visit the same areas close to the same time. ;)

 

I am trying to figure out what visas I need for my cruise of Asia. There isn't much info at all about it on cruise critic.. or recent posts anyway.

 

I did see a post in January stating that Azamara will get Vietnam visas for a fee. I guess I can call Azamara, but you always hear horror stories of being told misinformation from cruiselines when you call. I book through an on-line agency as always, and they just state on the confirmation they are not responsible for providing information regarding required visas, etc.

 

However, I think for my trip I need a China visa. I am on the Azamara Quest leaving December 22.

 

Anyone on this thread know?????

 

I am totally confused about the entire visa idea. For Australia, I just filled something out on-line and printed it if I remember correctly.

 

It will be hard to beat the South America cruise. That was my favorite. However, I have an amazing transatlantic one in September.

[greatam]

Hey Greatam and Peregrina651... Me again....

 

Peregrina we seem to visit the same areas close to the same time. ;)

 

I am trying to figure out what visas I need for my cruise of Asia. There isn't much info at all about it on cruise critic.. or recent posts anyway.

 

I did see a post in January stating that Azamara will get Vietnam visas for a fee. I guess I can call Azamara, but you always hear horror stories of being told misinformation from cruiselines when you call. I book through an on-line agency as always, and they just state on the confirmation they are not responsible for providing information regarding required visas, etc.

 

However, I think for my trip I need a China visa. I am on the Azamara Quest leaving December 22.

 

Anyone on this thread know?????

 

I am totally confused about the entire visa idea. For Australia, I just filled something out on-line and printed it if I remember correctly.

 

It will be hard to beat the South America cruise. That was my favorite. However, I have an amazing transatlantic one in September.

 

You will need to get a Chinese visa on your own-either through the Consulate or a visa service. CHECK your itinerary-you MAY need a double entry visa. In fact, I recommend you get the double entry visa-the Consulate fee is the same and if you don't need it, you haven't lost anything. You will need your itinerary, your passport and at least one, if not two passport photos.

 

Vietnam has what they call "visa on arrival". TA's in Vietnam get mine for me-I just show up at the airport with the "pre approval" letter from the government and my visa is processed on the spot. The ship is handling visa's the same way and acting as the Vietnamese TA, getting the "pre approval" paperwork.

 

It is ironic that the cruise ships are charging $40. The Vietnamese government MANDATED fee for Vietnamese travel agents to process visa on arrival is $35.00. Knowing well how the Vietnamese government works, it appears to me they forced the cruise line to use a Vietnamese travel agent to process "visa on arrival" and the cruise line tacked on a $5.00 service fee.

 

You can also apply to the Vietnamese Consulate for a visa by mail. But it is cheaper to use the ship's service, although your ship visa is ONLY good for the time you are on the ship. Consulate issued visa's are good for 30 days and have no restrictions where you can go in Vietnam. The ship issued visa's are only good for the ports the ship visits. So IF you are planning pre or post cruise in Vietnam or Cambodia (to see Angkor Wat most likely), you need a Consulate issued visa. Enjoy-I spend a lot of time in Vietnam and Cambodia for business. I absolutely love the area (and have no great love for China).

[Coastaljen]

Thanks. I only need a single entry, but after reading what has been said about Canton (including your one description on a cc thread), I think I will probably opt to stay on the ship and not get a visa. That will be the first time I have ever missed a port... IF missing Canton is really "missing" something.

[greatam]

Thanks. I only need a single entry, but after reading what has been said about Canton (including your one description on a cc thread), I think I will probably opt to stay on the ship and not get a visa. That will be the first time I have ever missed a port... IF missing Canton is really "missing" something.

 

You MUST have a Chinese visa. No options.

 

Your ship stops in Canton/Guangzhou???? (this is the name the Chinese use). What are they thinking??? Who in their right mind would pay to see a nasty, dirty industrial city??? I am astounded the cruise ship is stopping there. But again, Azamara is docking in Klong Tooey (the slums of Bangkok-the VERY poorest of the neighborhoods).

[Coastaljen]

ARGH. OK I thought if I stayed on the ship I didn't need one because it is the only China port (besides Hong Kong).

 

I am really paying a lot for this cruise.. thinking that the ports are great. I thought the itinerary was far superior to Ocean Princess.. maybe I am wrong... Reading your last post makes me think I am nuts. Two ports seem to be worthless.

 

That.. and I am totally confused about hotels again. :( I saw The Quincy..pricey but includes all meals (if meals are expensive in Singapore.. can't imagine), limo from airport, free wi-fi, etc. Maybe it isn't that bad of rate with all included. .. not sure for proximity to everything it is that good.

 

I was set on the Hotel Re.. It is 80usd cheaper with agoda.com, but tripadvisor really, really had mixed reviews of that particular website so I am nervous to book it there ..but the savings is unreal.

 

For some reason this is the hardest cruise I have tried to plan. Maybe because our roll call is pretty much comatose, and I am traveling solo. If I didn't have the air already booked, I would probably cancel it and do something easier....

 

With the price of the Azamara solo, I hope this is a wonderful cruise...... South America and New Zealand/Australia were my favorites.

 

Maybe I should rethink and do the Ocean Princess.. Do those cities look better? They have very short times in port. Oh.. and the headache of rebooking the flights and then I am going to have to look for hotels elsewhere because I won't be flying into Sinagpore.

 

I think this cruise will be the death of me. :)

[greatam]

Coastaljen,

 

Which cruise are you on?? The one with three stops in Vietnam and stops in Halong Bay looks interesting. The one that actually spends 3 nights in Bangkok and goes to Haiphong, NOT Halong-not so much. And Sihanoukville-a joke and a LOOOONG way to Angkor Wat.

 

As you know, I spend a lot of time in Asia, South America and now the Middle East for business. I am in a lot of the crappy crappy areas around the ports just due to the nature of my business. I personally would NOT spend three days docked in Bangkok at that port-it is the commercial port in the crappiest part of town. I don't know how they are getting people to the port entrance-it is a LOOOONG walk.

 

Isn't there a cruise that goes from Bangkok to Beijing??? You could fly into Bangkok and see the sights and stay in a hotel. Singapore is NOT particularly interesting, IMHO. Only been there twice and once was only for a very short time. Doesn't feel like the rest of Asia-too clean, too conformist, just tooooo.

 

IF you took the time and didn't focus specifically on the cruise, you could see Angkor Wat, see some of the area around Bangkok (Kanchanburi is really really neat-spend the night on a floating raft on the River Kwai, see the Bridge over the River Kwai, go elephant riding, go to Tiger Temple, go up and down the river for a party). THEN get on the cruise through Vietnam and end up in China (someplace other than Canton).

 

I really think you would enjoy yourself more and actually see something AWAY from the port stops.

 

My help is freely offered if you want to plan this trip (which I will assume is going to be pretty expensive). I travel solo (female) all the time in the area.

[Coastaljen]

Dec 22- Singapore

Dec 23 - Singapore

Dec 26, 27, 28, - Bangkok (Klong Toey)

Dec 30, 31 - Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Jan 2, 3, - Danang, Vietnam

Jan 4, 5, - Hanoi (Halong Bay), Vietnam

Jan 7, -Canton, China

Jan 8, 9, - Hong Kong

 

I actually booked a ticket so I would have three additional days in Singapore because I read good things. I had a list a mile long to do there (zoo, Jurong Bird Park, Botanical gardens, Little India, Chinatown, Clarke Quay), but maybe it isn't as great as I read.

 

Awhile back some private tour guides I contacted in Bangkok (and I always do private tours) told me that I could easily go on a private tour to the Tiger Temple, the floating market at Damnoen Saduak, and other areas I listed that I wanted to see from that port in Bangkok. They didn't say anything about it being difficult.

 

Now I am really confused. The six days in Vietnam (with the possibility to go to Hoi Ann) were part of the appeal. However, I thought Singapore and Bangkok looked amazing too.

 

What are your thoughts on the itinerary? I always go solo. The only reason this one is so expensive is due to the Azamara l8 night holiday cruise. However, I thought spending overnights in ports would be beneficial to see more.

[greatam]

Dec 22- Singapore

Dec 23 - Singapore

Dec 26, 27, 28, - Bangkok (Klong Toey)

Dec 30, 31 - Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Jan 2, 3, - Danang, Vietnam

Jan 4, 5, - Hanoi (Halong Bay), Vietnam

Jan 7, -Canton, China

Jan 8, 9, - Hong Kong

 

I actually booked a ticket so I would have three additional days in Singapore because I read good things. I had a list a mile long to do there (zoo, Jurong Bird Park, Botanical gardens, Little India, Chinatown, Clarke Quay), but maybe it isn't as great as I read.

 

Awhile back some private tour guides I contacted in Bangkok (and I always do private tours) told me that I could easily go on a private tour to the Tiger Temple, the floating market at Damnoen Saduak, and other areas I listed that I wanted to see from that port in Bangkok. They didn't say anything about it being difficult.

 

Now I am really confused. The six days in Vietnam (with the possibility to go to Hoi Ann) were part of the appeal. However, I thought Singapore and Bangkok looked amazing too.

 

What are your thoughts on the itinerary? I always go solo. The only reason this one is so expensive is due to the Azamara l8 night holiday cruise. However, I thought spending overnights in ports would be beneficial to see more.

 

I'm sorry, but I just would not spend 3 days in Klong Toey port. And a day trip to the floating market and Tiger Temple is just not the same as spending a night or two on the river, with the local people. A day trip is not difficult, but you are 100 km or so from Tiger Temple and Kanchanaburi, so about 4-6 hours are just transport times. PLUS you are very close and are going to miss Angkor Wat (less than an hour plane ride from Bangkok). Can't do it all on a three day port stop.

 

Here are is an article about the area around Klong Toey port and also info from an NGO that operates in the area. Expect lots of hookers and bars. Child porn and child prostitution are rife in the area (lots of merchant marine to cater to).

 

http://insearchofbangkok.blogsome.com/2005/07/07/journey-into-klong-toey-slum/

 

http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/3593

 

Your cruise, but I think you are spending a lot of money and not getting much bang for your dollars.

[kathy16]

Hello- I am booked on the Oceania Bangkok- Beijing cruise Mar 2010- the cruise 1st night is in Bangkok. Should I go early to see Angkor Wat before getting on the cruise. If so, what would be the best way to do that, and how much time should I allow? I also want to see some of Bangkok- and I only have a few extra days to work with, since the cruise is already 24 days, and it is not that easy to get any more time off from work.

Do I need a visa for Thailand or Cambodia? I understand I need a double entry visa for China, but do I need someone to vouch for me for China visa.

Thanks,

Kathy

[greatam]

Hello- I am booked on the Oceania Bangkok- Beijing cruise Mar 2010- the cruise 1st night is in Bangkok. Should I go early to see Angkor Wat before getting on the cruise. If so, what would be the best way to do that, and how much time should I allow? I also want to see some of Bangkok- and I only have a few extra days to work with, since the cruise is already 24 days, and it is not that easy to get any more time off from work.

Do I need a visa for Thailand or Cambodia? I understand I need a double entry visa for China, but do I need someone to vouch for me for China visa.

Thanks,

Kathy

 

IF you want to see Angkor Wat, you need to go early. Fly Bangkok Airlines out of Bangkok RT to Siem Reap. Find a hotel-I personally recommend the FCC. I love the place. They will pick you up at the airport and provide a guide for a tour if you want it. Two days should be enough to see most everything. Actually, VERY easy to arrange yourself.

 

http://www.bangkokair.com/travel_tools/index.php?lang=en

http://www.fcccambodia.com/angkor/

 

Need a visa for Cambodia-can be purchased at the airport. You need a passport photo, so get extras someplace (ALWAYS carry extras). If you are an American citizen, no visa for Thailand. No need to vouch for Chinese tourist double entry visa-just for multiple (more than 2) entry business visas.

 

Ship should provide group visa for Vietnam.

 

Enjoy!!!

[mexico8]

IF you want to see Angkor Wat, you need to go early. Fly Bangkok Airlines out of Bangkok RT to Siem Reap. Find a hotel-I personally recommend the FCC. I love the place. They will pick you up at the airport and provide a guide for a tour if you want it. Two days should be enough to see most everything. Actually, VERY easy to arrange yourself.

 

http://www.bangkokair.com/travel_tools/index.php?lang=en

http://www.fcccambodia.com/angkor/

 

Need a visa for Cambodia-can be purchased at the airport. You need a passport photo, so get extras someplace (ALWAYS carry extras). If you are an American citizen, no visa for Thailand. No need to vouch for Chinese tourist double entry visa-just for multiple (more than 2) entry business visas.

 

Ship should provide group visa for Vietnam.

 

Enjoy!!!

Thank you for all the information you have provided. It sure isn't easy to get info on the ship getting group Visa's. It seems Holland America are telling passengers to get their own Visa for Vietnam and Cambodia and China. I know I have to get my own for China but I'm worried about the other places. You say to get the Visa for Cambodia at the airport but we will be on the ship when we arrive in Cambodia so what can we do? I sure don't want to be unable to get off the ship because of a Visa problem.

 

Wendy

[chrispb]

It really isn't worth going to Angkor Wat just for 1 day. The airfares are not cheap and it would take half a day to go by bus. You need a good 3/4 days if you are keen to see the temples - the area is vast. Cambodia is a fabulous country and worthy of more than a quick visit.

 

I'm also trying to find out if HAL will sort our Vietnam visas. It appears from some blogs I've been reading that the ship obtains them but don't really want to risk it. It's a pain having to get one for China where we have 3 stops but apparently we can't get a multi-entry unless we have previously been to China so are taking a chance with a double entry and keeping our fingers crossed.

[greatam]

It really isn't worth going to Angkor Wat just for 1 day. The airfares are not cheap and it would take half a day to go by bus. You need a good 3/4 days if you are keen to see the temples - the area is vast. Cambodia is a fabulous country and worthy of more than a quick visit.

 

ONLY if you are into temples. I was bored out of my mind in 6 hours. First trip-INSISTED the guide find something else for me to do. Elephant farm and hot air balloon ride OVER the temples was much more to my liking, so not everyone needs three or 4 days. A day for Angkor Wat is MORE than sufficient unless you are REALLY into temples.

 

Now I own a hotel in Phnom Penh. I love Cambodia (other than the wacky, corrupt government). There is a lot more than Angkor Wat IF you have the time. But IF you only have a day or two, at least you have seen more than 90% of the people in the world.

 

 

I'm also trying to find out if HAL will sort our Vietnam visas. It appears from some blogs I've been reading that the ship obtains them but don't really want to risk it. It's a pain having to get one for China where we have 3 stops but apparently we can't get a multi-entry unless we have previously been to China so are taking a chance with a double entry and keeping our fingers crossed.

 

I have no knowledge about getting a multi entry visa for a non USA citizen. But for USA citizens, since the Olympics, it is now much easier to get a multi entry visa. NO need to have family or a business letter to get a multi entry visa. Costs more, but that is the ONLY requirement. HAL will get visa's for Vietnam-that is the agreement with the Vietnamese government. Cambodia-non-USA citizen-I have NO idea.

[chrispb]

As much as I love Siem Reap, I wouldn't bother travelling there if I had no interest in seeing the temples. I believe the ship stops at Snookyville? A day on the beach or even to Phnom Penh would be a great way to spend a day. Love the central market there too.:)

 

Thanks for the info on Vietnam but I'd feel happier if HAL assured us that they would, indeed, obtain the visas.

[mexico8]

As much as I love Siem Reap, I wouldn't bother travelling there if I had no interest in seeing the temples. I believe the ship stops at Snookyville? A day on the beach or even to Phnom Penh would be a great way to spend a day. Love the central market there too.:)

 

Thanks for the info on Vietnam but I'd feel happier if HAL assured us that they would, indeed, obtain the visas.

My husband spoke to our internet TA and HAL today and they both say that HAL will obtain the Visa for Vietnam and Cambodia. The cost for the Vietnam Visa is going to be more through the ship so we will get our own here in Ottawa.

 

For Cambodia they don't know the price but it will be easier to let HAL get it because there is no office in Canada and we don't want to mail our passports to Washington.

 

For China we will get our own Visa's and there is a Chinese Embassy very close to our place. We have been to China before so hopefully we can get the multiple entry visa.

 

We have been advised to check with our TA or HAL in a few weeks to make sure the information does not change so we will do that.