entering china thru HK

Posted by jjeary (466 days ago)

Quick question. Do I absolutely need to show the authorities in HK that I have a return ticket? HK is just a transit stop for my itinerary as I want to apply for a visit visa there to China then take a train to GZ. My travel agant told me to check cos I only bought a one-wayer.

(I am based in Guangzhou)

Posted by TC (466 days ago)

If you're not returning it's difficult to have a return ticket. i think the HK authorities are more interested in your leaving again rather than the direction in which you head. However, they would still see a risk given that you have no guarantee of actually getting the China visa. I don't think you will have too much of a problem but you might have some extra conditions imposed on you (not sure what exactly they could be, but if I was them I's be thinking that it sounds like a good story someone might give who is intending to overstay in HK). But thinking ahead, if you are applying for a visitor visa to CN then you'll be leaving there also - presumably on a return ticket to HK (don't even think of trying to enter CN on a visitor visa without a return ticket), and then won't you face the same problem when you re-enter HK?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by philiprobert (466 days ago)

I have entered China many many times through Lowu as well as via ferries up the Pearl River. I have never been asked for a 'return ticket'. and yes, I was always on a tourist visa.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by douglaskoh (466 days ago)

I guess it is a question where are you from. You should check with someone from your own country only. They have different policy for different country/region.

(I am based in Guangzhou)

Posted by Meiguoren (464 days ago)

??? I've never, ever been asked for proof of a return ticket! But DK is right, there's a definite possibility that your nationality may affect this.

(I am based in Guangzhou)

Posted by jjeary (464 days ago)

I'm Phili. What reputation does the Filipino nationality hold in HK? Let me guess - housemaids and domestic labour?

Ah, the burden of ethnicity. In any case, I reckon it wouldn't be too much of a problem if I explained my intentions of crossing to China from Lowu. I've never been to China or Hong Kong, and I'm only following immigration instructions from an email a friend sent me!

Thank you all for your replies, they are greatly appreciated.

(I am based in Guangzhou)

Posted by green (464 days ago)

Not all, but yes many Filipino's are domestics here. Our helper entered China via Lowu from HK and had no trouble at all. Got her visa right at the border. It's actually much easier for her than for me as I'm American. Shouldn't be too hard.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by douglaskoh (464 days ago)

Green,

I think you have missed the question. There is no restriction entering China with just a visa (no air ticket). The question is can he enter Hong Kong without a return ticket. If Hong Kong immigration requires certain nationality to produce a return ticket, I don't think the excuse that he or she is going to China will work.

(I am based in Guangzhou)

Posted by english speaking travel agent (462 days ago)

My colleagues put our thoughts together, and our advice is to have a one year valid HKG - Manila ticket. Because it is a rule of thumb that you need to provide proof of (a) return ticket or (b) an onward journey ticket, for any country you are entering as a visitor.

Also, I doubt that Phillippines Immigration will allow you to board the aircraft with a one way ticket.

Good luck to you

(I am based in Hong Kong)