Multiple entry visa better to apply in Hong Kong or Macau

Question

I'm currently in China for ten days (visa free transit) visiting my girlfriend who lives here. This is the fourth time I've done this in the last two months, and it's a lot of effort having to depart for Hong Kong or Macau everytime before coming back. What I really want to get is a multiple entry two year visa.

Could someone recommend whether I'd have a better chance of receiving this if I apply at the Visa centre in Hong Kong, or Macau? I've been told the centre in Hong Kong rarely issues multiple entry visas for non HK residents, not sure about Macau but was hoping someone might have some experience with this. Going back to apply from my home country (Britain) isn't an option right now

Answer

Applying for a multiple-entry Chinese visa while already in China on a short-term or visa-free stay can be tricky. Both Hong Kong and Macau have Chinese visa application centers that accept applications from foreign nationals, but the rules and approval likelihoods differ depending on your residency status and travel history.

Based on general experience and reports from travelers:

Hong Kong: The Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) in Hong Kong accepts applications from most foreign nationals. However, for non-Hong Kong residents, especially those who are only visiting on a short-term stay, the issuance of multiple-entry long-term visas (like two-year multiple-entry tourist visas) is relatively rare. Applicants with strong travel history to China or clear reasons for frequent visits may have better chances, but success is not guaranteed.
Macau: The Chinese visa office in Macau is generally considered more flexible with multiple-entry visas for short-term visitors from abroad. Some travelers report slightly higher approval rates for multiple-entry visas when applying in Macau, especially if they can demonstrate frequent travel or strong ties to China. However, this also depends heavily on your passport type, travel history, and the discretion of the consular officer.

Other points to consider:

You must provide proof of your previous trips to China and a justification for requesting multiple entries. Frequent, short visits can help demonstrate this, but overdoing visa-free transits may raise questions.
Both locations may require in-person submission and biometrics, so you need to plan for a few hours and potential wait times.
Supporting documents like hotel bookings, a letter of invitation from your girlfriend, or proof of your ties to your home country can improve your chances.
Fees and processing times are similar, usually a few working days for standard processing, but expedited options may exist.

In summary, if your goal is a two-year multiple-entry tourist visa while already in China, Macau may offer slightly better chances than Hong Kong for non-residents. However, approvals are still discretionary, and there is no guarantee. Preparing a strong application with travel history and clear reasons for multiple entries is essential.

Finally, consider the option of applying from your home country in the UK when possible in the future, as approval rates and visa durations are generally higher there for long-term multiple-entry visas.

Multiple entry visa better to apply in Hong Kong or Macau

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