‘System upgrade’? China visa suspended for foreign visitors entering Guangdong via Hong Kong
Authorities say ‘144-hour Convenient Visa’ application system is just undergoing maintenance, but observers allude to G20 security in Hangzhou
Several foreign tourist groups in the city, led by Hong Kong tour agencies, have been refused entry into Guangdong province since last week due to a “system upgrade” on the mainland visa application network, according to the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong.
The council and the Thai embassy in Beijing confirmed they have received a number of complaints against sudden suspension of the six-day convenient visa for foreign group visitors.
Joseph Tung Yao-chung, executive director of the Travel Industry Council said two local travel agencies had complained that foreign tour groups organised by them were refused entry into mainland China via ports in Guangdong province.
The tour agencies were forced to replace itineraries on the mainland with sightseeing activities in Hong Kong and Macau.
“Guangdong Tourism Bureau told us an upgrade of its visa application system was in progress ... [this involved] some network improvements,” Tung said.
“The [Guangdong authorities] had promised to resume services as soon as possible,” he added.