Visa Changes

I received this today. Whenever the government starts tampering with visa policy, it is generally in reaction to some perceived slight from the US. Most likely in this case trade issues. It happens frequently and is a real headache.

The Entry and Exit Administration Bureau of the Ministry of Public Security has tightened its regulations pertaining to the issuance, renewal and alteration of visas. The changes took effect July 2007. For the foreseeable future, it will no longer be possible to change tourist (L) and exchange (F) -type visas to other types. Many applications that formerly could be handled by a representative now must be completed in person by the applicant. Additionally, express visa service is no longer available. Enforcement has tightened of entry and exit violations, with recent reports of police, school administrators and hotel staff checking to ensure that foreigners have not overstayed their visas.

Please be advised that current regulations state that the penalty for overstaying a visa is 500 RMB per day of overstay, not to exceed 5000 RMB and/or detention. The period of detention can range from 5-30 days depending on the severity of the violation. Detention may be longer than 30 days in the case that the authorities believe that the foreigner was involved in criminal activity. The Embassy is aware of several recent detentions of American citizens relating to visa overstays and violating the terms of their visas (i.e. working while on a visitor?s visa).

Upon my arrival in 2005, we were struggling with new regulations passed by Beijing that Shanghai had no desire to follow. Beijing required that I leave China to obtain a Z visa. Shanghai wouldn't approve a Z visa for someone in my position, but required an F. Different departments of the government couldn't agree, therefore nothing moved forward. Very typical.