Getting to the Olympic Games: The Visa Way
16/05/2008 by Charlotte Norman
The countdown to the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing is quickly approaching, and with tickets now on sale, thousands of people are planning their visit and subsequently their visas in order to experience the historical accolade offered by the Games.
Recent figures have shown that Beijing should expect an influx of an estimated half million visitors, 10,500 international athletes and 18,000 journalists.
Much has been documented regarding heightened security surrounding the Games, leaving many hopeful visitors feeling uncertain of the correct visa procedures to embark on. High security alerts have arisen amid fears of disruption by protesting activists who disapprove of the Chinese Governments treatment of Tibet.
With some events being held outside of Beijing, visitors will need to ensure that they have sufficient permission for traveling around the area. At present there are 3 events being run elsewhere, Football which is being hosted by Qinhuangdao, Shanghai, Shenyang and Tianjin, Equestrian which is happening in Hong Kong and Sailing occurring in Qingdao.
The Chinese Government have advised that once you know the dates of your trip you will need to obtain what is known as a Tourist/ Family visit (L) visa. It is recommended that this is done via a visa application to the Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country. This is instead of foreigners applying in Hong Kong, which has been the general practice in the past.
Traveling on a tourist visa is acceptable for any international visitor planning to travel to China for the Olympic Games. In a recent press meeting a Senior Immigration Official for China stated that the embassies and consulates were "Operating on the principles of warm service, strict control, simple procedures and fast service" for all visa applicants.
Aside from the visa application form, potential visitors will require a validity period of a minimum of 6 months on their passports as well as a recent passport photograph. In addition to these, personal interviews may be required of some as part of the visa application process.
Deborah Tang from Global Visas says "As long as people follow the correct procedures of obtaining a tourist visa and apply allowing plenty of time for processing, then they should be able to enjoy the magic of the Games."
This situation is slightly different for persons holding an OIAC personalised card. Issued for all games, the card is granted to persons whom are attending the games on the basis of participation - such as athletes - or in a working presence.
Persons whom hold a valid Olympic Identity and Accreditation Cards (OIAC) will not be required to obtain a visa. This is in keeping with the usual Olympic procedures followed by previous hosts. Card holders will instead be allowed to enter China without a visa one month before and leave during the four weeks following the Games.
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