• General Information

• • Visas

    China Visas
    Almost all nationalities require a visa to visit China. Visas are not generally available on arrival.
    
    The visa application process for a Chinese visa is generally straightforward though there are times when additional information is requested. Applications are usually submitted one day and returned two days later. This does vary, and you may be able to get an urgent service on payment of a set fee.
    
    It is not necessary to use a visa service in order to obtain a China visa but, if you do not live close to your local consulate, it can be financially beneficial as well as more convenient.
    
    A tourist visa normally permits a single entry of up to 30 days and is valid for entry within 90 days of the date of issue.
    
    If you list your profession as journalist or similar on the application you may be refused a visa or required to provide additional information about your planned activities.
    
    Regulations change frequently. For the latest information it is best to contact your local Chinese Consulate in advance of your intended application.
    
    It is your responsibility to check the visa regulations for your specific case. China Journeys cannot be held responsible for failed visa applications.
    
    Hong Kong and Macau
    Hong Kong and Macau remain separate geographic entities in terms of visas. This is as a result of the handover agreements.
    
    Most travellers do not need a visa to enter Hong Kong but should be aware that a visit to Hong Kong counts as leaving mainland China. If your travel plans require you to return to mainland China after Hong Kong then you will need a double (or multiple) entry visa.
    
    If you request a double entry visa in your application you should check that this has been issued when your passport is returned.
    
    

  • Health Requirements

    Health Requirements
    There are no specific health requirements for travellers arriving in China. However, the Chinese authorities are concerned about the spread of H1N1 Avian Flu and many travellers have been quarantined on arrival if they or another passenger on their flight has shown symptoms.
    
    You can read more about this and other health issues in the Foreign and Commonwealth Travel Advice for China.
    
    Staying Healthy
    You should consult your physician before travelling to China to obtain the most recent recommendations for innoculations and other measures to keep you healthy during your journey.
    
    It is always worth showing your physician your itinerary so that they can get specific details of the places you will visit.
    
    If you do get sick or injured
    If you do get sick during your journey you should let your Journey Guide know. They will help you find a pharmacy or doctor as required. You should also contact the issuers of your travel/medical insurance to see whether you are covered and what costs you can get reimbursed. You may need receipts in a particular form.
    
    If you are involved in an accident and your Journey Guide is not available you should seek help from the emergency numbers provided or some responsible person at your location. For example, hotel staff, a police officer or similar. Do not expect local citizens to have first aid training and be wary of accepting unqualified assistance.

  • Security of your booking

    We hold an Air Travel Organiser's Licence issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (ATOL number 10236).
    
    In addition, we have arranged Tour Operator's insurance with ETI - International Travel Protection and Allianz. This insurance means your money will be refunded or you will be transported to the end point of your journey if already abroad in the unlikely event of our being unable to provide your journey due to our insolvency.
    
    You can read more about these in the Your Financial Protection section of our Booking Conditions

  • General Terms

    You must accept our Booking Conditions before we accept a booking.
    
    Within these Booking Conditions you will see clear reference to the following, and other issues.
    
    Governed by English Law
    These Booking Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with English Law; and
    
    Each party to the Booking Conditions agrees to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts as regards any claim or matter arising under them.
    
    Passing Your Personal Data
    The Booking Conditions also require you to agree that we may pass Personal Information relating to you on to third parties connected with the operation of the specific journey that you have booked. This information will not be used for any other purpose, nor will it be passed on by them to other parties except under the same terms.
    
    Images and Writing
    We reserve the right to use any:
    
        - likeness or image of you secured or taken on any of our journeys; or
        - text or writing produced by you but submitted to us and relating to one of our journeys
    
    without charge
    
    and in all forms of media
    
    for promotional or marketing purposes including, without limitation, promotional materials, information materials provided to agents and the internet.

  • Accommodation Standards

    Star ratings
    The international star rating system is always a hard one to figure out and in China the criteria that are used for qualification do not necessarily mirror western expectations. For instance, a large lobby is a requirement - though this space need not be utilised for any obvious benefit to guests.
    
    Generally, a 3-star rated hotel is comfortable enough for most travellers but only at 4 and 5-star hotels can you expect to find a decent level of English and the full range of services. There are, of course, exceptions either way - with some 3-star and lower rated hotels shaming those that charge far more.
    
    

  • Your Journey Guide

    We say that you are escorted by a Guide throughout your China Journey. It is important to clarify what we mean by this.
    
    The guides we use are qualified as National Tour Guides. They are therefore competent and professional. We also try to select guides with personality to make your journey more enjoyable. We take account of all feedback in this respect.
    
    Your guide is in charge of group management and as such will make arrangements for the group in accordance with the itinerary. He/she will take account of any special requests but timings and inclusions are first and foremost those that deliver the itinerary as specified. Only an emergency can take priority over these.
    
    Your guide is on duty 24/7 throughout the tour but requests in free time and especially out of regular hours should be kept for serious issues only.
    
    You will be provided with emergency contact numbers which are also on duty 24/7 and you may call these if necessary and if you cannot contact your guide.
  
  
  
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• Current Comments

  2 comments so far (post your own)

  Hi Pieter
  
  Thank you for pointing that out. Good guides do make all the difference and we work hard with ours to ensure that they deliver.
  
  Punctuality from the group is one of the most important points. It is a courtesy to the group as a whole - but moreso to the guide who should be providing interest not chasing.
  
  Guides enjoy interaction and therefore a group that ask lots of questions find that they get more out of the trip. These need not stick to the site/activity in hand. You are encoraged to ask about life in China more generally. Please don't get too personal.
  
  Of course, if the group think a really great job then it is nice to get together and arrange a tip. This is best presented in a red envelope in a semi-formal presentation with everyone present.
  
  Sometimes one or more individuals may present their own tip for special assistance received.

  Posted by China Journeys on Sun 4 Mar, 2012

  Good Journey Guides are essential but often unrewarded.How can group action support the Guide in making the holiday more memorable?

  Posted by Pieter on Sat 3 Mar, 2012

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