Quest for the elusive China Visa

When I was submitting documents to the police about the incident, I suddenly realized that I was only allowed to stay in Taiwan for 30 days! If I overstay, I will be fined and will have to obtain a tourist visa everytime I visit. I nervously glanced at the calendar. I had 2 days left.

Within 1 hour, I had to decide where to go. I finally bought a ticket to Hong Kong - cheap flights, free lodging, and I can also get my China pass.

Then I realized that I left my HK ID in the states! Feiona accidently put it in the important documents box and left it at Mike's place. I had her fed-ex the ID to Hong Kong, and I entered as an American visitor.

That's where all the troubles began. First few days were fine - I ate my favorite Shrimp Egg Pomelo Skin, stayed at Geoff's place for the first night and went drinking with Grace and her friend.

I finally recieved my HK ID on monday, and I set out on what became a quest to obtain the elusive China pass. First of all, they told me that I had to get an HK passport first. That would take about 2 weeks, then after I get that, another 2 weeks to get my China Pass. Furthermore, they told me that if I applied for a HK passport, I would be giving up my rights as an American citizen while in China territory. I didn't like the sound of that, so I headed to China Travel to get a visitor visa instead.

I went to the first one in Central, and they told me that it would take 2 days to get an express visa. So I changed my flight, and went back. Then they told me that since I entered with an American passport, I could not use my HK ID and I was only eligible for a half-year visa, which costs the same as the 3 year visa. The lady told me that I could go to the immigration office to change my status as a visitor to resident.

So I took the train to the immigration office. There, they told me that they do not handle such requests, and suggested me to go to another China Travel. So off I went again, only to be told the same thing. They even suggested that I take a quick trip to Macau and re-enter as a HK citizen.

Having no choice, I walked towards the ferry and in the corner of my eye I spotted another China Travel. I was pretty frustrated at that point and I went inside just to complain. Before I even started, the guy at the counter calmly replied, "Oh, you want a 3 year visa? No problem! I'll do it for you right away!"

Dumbfounded, I made sure it was a real China Travel store, paid, and left. Two days later - I had my 3 year visa in hand!