Visa Application

Question

Our trip will be for 16 nights in China and so we will need to have Visas.

I have started the application (long !) and they are asking for details of accommodation - which has not been finalised at this point, although the main bones of the trip are in place.

We have not finalised to precise details of our itinerary.

Is is OK to complete the form with "TBC" or to put in likely accommodation ? The trip is planned for late May and so I do not want to stress about leaving time short to get the visa.

Thanks

Answer

When applying for a Chinese visa, it is common for applicants to be asked to provide accommodation details for the duration of their stay. While you may not have finalized all bookings, there are ways to handle this without delaying your application or providing inaccurate information.

Here are some practical suggestions:

Use Tentative Accommodation: You can list the hotels or hostels you are likely to stay at, even if the bookings are not yet confirmed. Many applicants provide planned accommodations with expected check-in/check-out dates. It is acceptable as long as the information is realistic.
Booking Confirmations: If possible, make provisional bookings that are refundable. This provides supporting documents for the visa application without committing financially.
TBC Entries: Writing "TBC" for accommodations is generally not recommended, as the Chinese visa application often requires specific addresses and contact information. Lack of details may result in additional queries or delays.

Additional tips for smooth processing:

Provide a clear itinerary with the cities you plan to visit, even if precise dates or accommodations are not finalized. This shows a coherent travel plan.
If using a travel agency or visa service, they can advise on the best way to fill out forms with incomplete information.
Ensure your passport, flight details, and any other required documents are ready to avoid last-minute delays.

In summary, it is best to provide likely or tentative accommodation rather than leaving entries as "TBC." Using realistic plans and refundable bookings will help ensure that your visa application proceeds smoothly and on time for your late May trip.