Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Trip Paperwork
Trip Paperwork Covers all documentation, carnets, customs and country requirements, how to deal with insurance etc.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 27 Jul 2012
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Rockhampton, Australia
Posts: 868
Chinese Visa in Ulaanbaatar?

Hi all

Due to Chinese travel restrictions our planned transit has to be modified.

The likely route will now be to enter Mongolia, ride to UB and apply for a new Chinese visa to enter Erenhot, then transit to Laos

Has anyone successfully managed to get a visa in UB, how long did it take, cost etc>

We are 30 days away from the start and these change in plans mean many sleepless nights, so any help would be apprecitated

On the road in Suzdal, Russia
TravellingStrom
__________________
www.travellingstrom.com
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 27 Jul 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Littleborough
Posts: 121
Hi there

We're in UB at the moment and 2 friends of ours have just applied for and been issued with Chinese visas in UB. They are entering China by train and they left this morning so I can't give you any more info than that at the moment I'm afraid - other than it is possible.

They arrive in Bejing tomorrow I think so I'll text them and ask them to look at this and pass their info on to you.

Cheers

Debz
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 27 Jul 2012
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Rockhampton, Australia
Posts: 868
Hi there and thanks for the info

If you could pass on this thread I would appreciate it, the cost and timing is the big issue but whatever info I can get will help the situation.

Just those few words you supplied will calm a few nerves

Cheers from Russia
TS


Quote:
Originally Posted by Debz View Post
Hi there

We're in UB at the moment and 2 friends of ours have just applied for and been issued with Chinese visas in UB. They are entering China by train and they left this morning so I can't give you any more info than that at the moment I'm afraid - other than it is possible.

They arrive in Bejing tomorrow I think so I'll text them and ask them to look at this and pass their info on to you.

Cheers

Debz
__________________
www.travellingstrom.com
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 27 Jul 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Littleborough
Posts: 121
Hi again

I've spoken to another traveller (2 wheels but pedal power) at Oasis and he gave me the following info:

- He is German
- 30 day Chinese visa received
- Apply for visa Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings between 9am- 12 noon
- LOI required, one photo, fill in form while there, 4-6 pages
- Time: one week
- Price: 30 Euro
- Collect in the afternoon between 4-5pm
- I think he said you need a incoming and outgoing flight reservation (I guess this can be cancelled?)
- You need a 3 night hotel reservation

I have text Belle and Nadine and asked them to reply to this as well but I hope this helps in the meantime.

Cheers

Debz
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 27 Jul 2012
Ekke's Avatar
HU CanWest Meeting Organiser
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Redwood Meadows, AB, Canada
Posts: 358
Can't be much help I'm afraid but the travel restrictions changed just as we were about to apply for the Chinese visa in Canada. At that time it became necessary to have an official invitation in order to do a tour (which is of course necessary for a private vehicle to enter). I contacted our tour operator who said that this is issued only a month before the actual tour start. So had to leave Canada prior to obtaining the visa. The tour operator said that it is no problem obtaining the visa in Ulaanbaatar. Back in Canada it was 4 business days to obtain the visa with a possibility to get express service. We're hoping it will be similar in UB.

We're in Moscow at the moment (July 27) and expect to be in UB around September 5. The tour starts on Monday, September 10, from Erlynhot. We're going to Shanghai and then taking a boat to S. Korea.

When does your tour start from Erlynhot?
__________________
Ekke Kok

'84 R100RT 141,000 km (Dad's!)
'89 R100GS 250,000 km (and ready for another continent)
'07 R1200GS Adventure 100,000 km (just finished Circumnavigating Asia)
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

www.ekke-audrey.ca
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 27 Jul 2012
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Rockhampton, Australia
Posts: 868
Well, thanks for the info

We were scheduled(and paid for) a group of 7 bikers and 1 4WD to enter from Kyrgystan into Kashgar on 28th august. The new restrictions just introduced mean nobody can enter the province of Xinjiang AND then exit into a neighboring province within China.

So, we can now enter China as before on 28/09, exit into Mongolia, head to UB and try and get 2nd China visas, then leave via erenhot and head down to Laos, our original destination. A massive delay and extra distance to travel will make it hard, plus the rough roads wont help any

It is crummy, our whole lives were planned around this China entry, now we are all scattered aroud Central Asia with our heads spinning, those that know about the change, 3 people have not reponded to emails so have no inkling what is occurring!

But, we do what we can, our tour company is being a bit reticent about helping out, but I have just sent them some proposals that if they pull their finger out could mean we stick to original plan

Anyway, 5 days in UB sounds like no fun at all and will blow our time schedules out of the water, but it may be all we are left with

Cheers
TS
__________________
www.travellingstrom.com
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 29 Jul 2012
Nadsicles's Avatar
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: London
Posts: 30
Hi! It's Belle and Nads.
Everything Debz wrote is correct.
Our LOI we got from the hotel we booked for 3 nights.
You do need your ingoing and outgoing travel arrangements.
DONT GIVE ORIGINAL PAPERWORK, AS THEY DONT RETURN IT!!
To pay for the visa, they give you a reciept, which you then have to take to the GOLOMT bank and pay it there in US dollars. You then take the reciept back when you pick the passport up.
They have a rush service that is advertised but not available. Strange.
The door to get the visa is around the side through a thick steel door.
Make sure you get there early as the line can be very long with students and backpackers.
Good luck and I hope all goes well.
By the way you don't have to be stuck in UB that whole time, there is plenty to see in Mong, so take full advantage!!
Belle and Nads
__________________
enyatopbox.blogspot.com
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 29 Jul 2012
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Rockhampton, Australia
Posts: 868
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nadsicles View Post
Hi! It's Belle and Nads.
Everything Debz wrote is correct.
Our LOI we got from the hotel we booked for 3 nights.
You do need your ingoing and outgoing travel arrangements.
DONT GIVE ORIGINAL PAPERWORK, AS THEY DONT RETURN IT!!
To pay for the visa, they give you a reciept, which you then have to take to the GOLOMT bank and pay it there in US dollars. You then take the reciept back when you pick the passport up.
They have a rush service that is advertised but not available. Strange.
The door to get the visa is around the side through a thick steel door.
Make sure you get there early as the line can be very long with students and backpackers.
Good luck and I hope all goes well.
By the way you don't have to be stuck in UB that whole time, there is plenty to see in Mong, so take full advantage!!
Belle and Nads
Thanks for your reply, this is helpful

A couple of ? though

1. They have a rush service that is advertised but not available. Strange. -- Um, so do they have a rush service, is it worth my while to ask for it, I am confused by your statement

2. How much did you pay, was it a 60 day visa?

Cheers from Samara, Russia Federation
TS


edit ** ignore 2, I just reread the above posts cheers
__________________
www.travellingstrom.com
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 30 Jul 2012
Nadsicles's Avatar
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: London
Posts: 30
Well no harm in asking as you might get somebody helpful, but don't bank on it and dont expect any comprehensible reason if you don't get - it is Chinese officialdom at its best. It seems to be one of those annoying things specially dreamed up for travellers in a hurry.

Go into the Embassy by the side door as described, then on the table you'll find the forms. Sometimes it is a two page form ( form something 'a') but sometimes its a three page form (with something 'b' attached) You need this one for applications outside your home country. They are quite straightforward. Just make sure you have copies of everything you need plus a passport photo. The staff are not helpful and won't listen to any pleading or requests. The nearest Golomt Bank is in Sukhbataar Square, just down from the Embassy.
__________________
enyatopbox.blogspot.com
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 31 Jul 2012
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Rockhampton, Australia
Posts: 868
Hmm, sounds like they graduated from Border Guard school eh!

Thanks for the tips

Cheers
TS



Quote:
Originally Posted by Nadsicles View Post
Well no harm in asking as you might get somebody helpful, but don't bank on it and dont expect any comprehensible reason if you don't get - it is Chinese officialdom at its best. It seems to be one of those annoying things specially dreamed up for travellers in a hurry.

Go into the Embassy by the side door as described, then on the table you'll find the forms. Sometimes it is a two page form ( form something 'a') but sometimes its a three page form (with something 'b' attached) You need this one for applications outside your home country. They are quite straightforward. Just make sure you have copies of everything you need plus a passport photo. The staff are not helpful and won't listen to any pleading or requests. The nearest Golomt Bank is in Sukhbataar Square, just down from the Embassy.
__________________
www.travellingstrom.com
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 17 Aug 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Utrecht, Netherlands
Posts: 147
Hi!


This thread brings some hope it is possible to pass the bureaucratic hurddle to get into China! However, I still have some questions.
  1. Does the information of Debz only refers to travellers with bicycles? What about motorbikers?
  2. Do I understand well that you don't need a guide?
  3. Do I understand well that you don't need to travel in a group?
Thanks for answering my questions!
__________________
Voorbij de horizon / beyond the horizon: www.wonderfultravels.nl
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 19 Aug 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: NFA
Posts: 222
No, not quite - Debz was only talking about how to get a visa for China, not the means of transport. If you want to ride a motorbike in China, you still need a guide, and the group thing is usually to keep costs down because otherwise it is mega expensive.
Bicycles are OK though - you can do what you like there.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Caucasus and Central Asia - visa and border crossing info crash Northern and Central Asia 19 4 Mar 2013 17:22
China L 'Tourist' Visa for UK National John Laverick Trip Paperwork 0 21 May 2012 16:53
West Africa visas - 2011 experience africano sub-Saharan Africa 12 7 Apr 2012 14:39
Kazakh and Chinese visa sazamataz Trip Paperwork 1 21 Mar 2012 05:57
russian visa (again :-( ) sazamataz Trip Paperwork 3 10 Mar 2012 19:43

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 09:57.