Confused about Visas for China

[zlato]

My TA told me yesterday that she was advised that China will not issue visas during the "busy season" until 30 days prior to the cruise or during the "off season" 90 days prior to entering China. I had hoped to begin the application process this month for the cruise in April of next year. I still am not confident about not having a full visa. I am also uncomfortable having only a 30 day window to complete the process. All this for only a two day visit to Shanghai during a 29 day cruise with only one stop in China?

[bennybear]

My TA told me yesterday that she was advised that China will not issue visas during the "busy season" until 30 days prior to the cruise or during the "off season" 90 days prior to entering China. I had hoped to begin the application process this month for the cruise in April of next year. I still am not confident about not having a full visa. I am also uncomfortable having only a 30 day window to complete the process. All this for only a two day visit to Shanghai during a 29 day cruise with only one stop in China?

Probably easier and cheaper to just do a ship's tour and not bother with the visa.

[USN59-79]

My TA told me yesterday that she was advised that China will not issue visas during the "busy season" until 30 days prior to the cruise or during the "off season" 90 days prior to entering China. I had hoped to begin the application process this month for the cruise in April of next year. I still am not confident about not having a full visa. I am also uncomfortable having only a 30 day window to complete the process. All this for only a two day visit to Shanghai during a 29 day cruise with only one stop in China?

Is this the same TA that led you to believe that two visas would cost $800? My suggestion would be to look to another source and get your ten-year visas for somewhere around $350 for both. I have been going back and forth to China for the last 25 years, first getting one year visas, then two years, and finally last year a ten year one. Having it is just one thing that I don't have to worry about on our next cruise.