China M visa application

[John_V85]

I'm planning a trip to China in or around April to drop in on several suppliers and then potentially swing by the Canton fair on the way back. The main uncertanties so far are:

1. I suspect this will be the first of potentially a number of trips per year. Would it make sense to apply for a 2-year multi-entry visa rather than a single-entry visa? I can't find much on the differing costs or requirements for issuing.
2. Re the invitation letter, we will be meeting several suppliers (and attending the Canton fair). Would it make sense and be acceptable to simply ask one supplier to provide a letter of invitation to cover the entire perior of this initial trip?

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[MOIC]

Yes to both questions.

If you need any help with your itinerary, feel free to ask.

 

[John_V85]

Thanks for the reply.

The next step will be finding an interpreter/driver around the Wuyishan area for several days.

 

[MOIC]

Plan your whole trip and get assistance with internal travel/hotels via a knowledgeable interpreter as well as your suppliers.

Take into account that hotels during Canton fair often double or triple in price.

Do as much preparation before you go.

Wuyishan is a great sightseeing area, ensure you leave a day or two as a tourist!

 

[John_V85]

Thanks. Any recommendations on good sources of interpreters?

 

[MOIC]

We offer this service, but we are based in Guangzhou. My advice is to get interpreters that are in the cities you will be visiting, otherwise it will cost you more due to their travel expenses.

You should also ensure they are competent in both oral and written English as well as having knowledge of the products you will be dealing in.

It’s worth paying extra to someone that can also follow up your enquiries and orders to the level you require.

Feel free to ask any questions.

 

[John_V85]

Thanks. The 3 days (or partial) we will need an interpreter/driver for factory tours, perhaps broken by a weekend, are all in close proximity to Wuyishan (max 90min drive) which is where we will likely base ourselves.

Are you able to reccomend any companies/services that operate in the area?

 

[MOIC]

Not in that area, sorry. Most companies offering interpreter and driver services will be located in the big cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou & Shenzhen.

In most cases the interpreter will be separate to the car & driver.

 

[GraemeL]

I doubt you will be granted multi entry if this is your first chinese visa. Try for it but dont be suprised if rejected. They will simply approve a single entry visa without telling you, so check what you get in your passport.

An interpreter is quite different to someone who understands chinese and UK business culture.

 

[CHUKTC]

re your visa - In our experience (and we handle many business visa applications for clients) you will automatically get a 2 ear multiple visa. Re invitation letter - one should suffice provided it meets the requirements of the embassy. If you need further advice help on how its structured please let me know.
Re interpreters I agree with the comments above you would be wise to get someone who is experience in business not just a student for instance and it often works our more efficient and cost effective to have one person accompany you for your time in China. We can happily provide that for you and also arrange internal transportation and hotels. Its a service we offer for many business visitors and so we are well used to arranging it to make the most efficient use of your time there.
At the moment due to the Corona virus outbreak I am sure you are probably putting things on hold to see how things develop. I do know the Spring Canton fair is currently on hold and will probably be cancelled. But if you want more info on this do give me a call or email me [email protected]