Correspondent service:

1 Visa application (limited to correspondents in Hong Kong):

a Types of visas

*J-2 visa for coverage in mainland China on a temporary basis

*F visa for short trips to the mainland, either for study or lecture,etc. purposes

*G visa for transit in China

*L visa for traveling, family visiting or other activities for private purposes in China

b Documents required

For J-2 and F visas, the followings are required:

*Application letter issued by the employer, in which the timing, venue, topic, purpose and the interviewee should be stated as well as the background of and contact information of the applicant.

*Invitation letter issued by the receiving institution, in which the timing, venue and the information about correspondents invited and their contact information should be stated. If more than one institution will be visited on a single trip, all the invitation letters and coverage schedules are required.

* A visa copy of the applicant

*Resume of the applicant, in which the natural well-being, the study and working experiences and the awards, if any, of tthe applicant received, should be stated.

For G visa, the followings are required?

* Application letter issued by the employer, in which the timing, venue, topic, the interviewee as well as the basic information, contact information and the coverage schedule of the applicant, should be stated.

* Valid visa and invitation letter from the receiving country or region

* Round trip tickets or single trip ticket

For L visa, usually no document requirement

c Application procedures

* Fax the required documents to the Press and Public Relations Department of the Commissioner?s Office 5 working days in advance (Fax number: 852-21066153). If further information is required, the Press and Public Relations Department will contact the applicant.

* The Press and Public Relations Department will notify the applicant on the approval of the application

* The applicant is expected to go to the Consular Department of the Commissioner?s Office with his passport and a 2-inch size photo (web link)

Consular Department address:

Business Hours: Monday to Friday (except public holidays in Hong Kong)

Morning: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.,

Afternoon: 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Consultation hotline: 852-34132300 (computer) 852-34132424(staff)

Also:

1) Correspondents who want to make trips to the mainland can directly contact the local foreign affairs offices and follow the instructions and procedures of the offices.

2) Correspondents who want to cover major conferences and other functions on the mainland are required to produce the invitation letter, or contact directly with the sponsors to submit the application.

3) Correspondent who want to apply travel visas are kindly requested to notify the Press and Public Relations Department of the Commissioner?s Office 2 working days in advance, either by writing or by phone.

4) Contact number: 852-21066164, 852-21066169

Fax: 852-21066153