BEIJING (AFP) - The United States and China have agreed to a reciprocal visa arrangement with both sides offering 12-month multiple-entry business and tourist visas.
The long-awaited move will greatly facilitate travel between the two countries, the embassy said in a statement.
US embassies and consulates "will begin issuing to otherwise qualified Chinese citizens, who wish to visit the United States temporarily for business or pleasure, visas that are valid for 12 months and multiple entries," the embassy said.
Americans would enjoy the same privileges on visits to China, it added.
Diplomatic notes on the agreement were exchanged by the two sides in December. The agreement goes into effect on January 15.
"The embassy believes this mutual extension of visa reciprocity will be a significant benefit to frequent travelers between China and the United States," the statement said.
"The longer validity of visas means these frequent travelers will not have to renew their visas so frequently, saving time and money and making travel more convenient."
Both sides reserved the right to limit the issuance and validity of the visas on a case by case basis, it said.
Following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, the US implemented higher visa requirements which made it much more difficult for Chinese businesspeople, students and tourists to travel to the United States.
China reciprocated with increased restrictions on travel by Americans.
Among the most vocally opposed to the tougher visa requirements were US businesspeople, who complained of difficulties in getting their Chinese business partners and associates into the US and their US-based people into China.
Am I the only other one who sees a problem with multiple entry visas in light of 911 ?
Not just 9/11, but look at the HUGE throngs of illegals it will bring. One year visa my arse -- they'll stay forever. There is a reason why alot of people want to come here, and there is a reason why alot of European countries have placed strict (very strict) limits on immigration -- their economy can't handle it.
But not here................ we're going to battle the E.U. by having everyone from every turd world country camp in your living room.
Plus, doesn't it make the "patriot act" seem like more of a piece of **** than we knew it was????
If enough of them come over here them maybe they won't be sending all of our jobs over there.. We can thank all the present and past polititions who wanted this NAFDA crap for all of this. Bush Is the first president to face the full effects of it.
Personally ,
it wouldn't hurt my feelings a bit if we just stopped immigration and sealed the borders period . We have more than enough citizens now as it is . I hear Canada has plenty of room ...
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Kevin Haendiges
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Funny that we and the Chinese can travel back and forth at will, yet it's still nearly impossible to enter Cuba legally. I oppose this decision based on security and immigration issues. China's ultimate goal is control of the world. The first step will be war against Taiwan, and we're going to get caught in the middle. Cozying up to a past/present/future enemy is not something I think we should be doing.
Aught ,
as soon as you can convince corporate America to choose principle over profit you'll be able to sleep again . There is little functional reason in the age of teleconferencing for any business to send a rep overseas anymore , so this is a total smokescreen . Good luck ...
__________________
Kevin Haendiges
NAHC Life Member
NRA Member
Wildlife Forever Member
GOA Member
Buckmasters Member
http://hunting-indiana.com
Personally ,
it wouldn't hurt my feelings a bit if we just stopped immigration and sealed the borders period . We have more than enough citizens now as it is . I hear Canada has plenty of room ...
Personally ,
it wouldn't hurt my feelings a bit if we just stopped immigration and sealed the borders period . We have more than enough citizens now as it is . I hear Canada has plenty of room ...
it wouldn't hurt my feelings a bit if we just stopped immigration and sealed the borders period
Yesterday on the local news they said they arrested 3 illegals in milwaukee that were in a car that hit a Catholic Priest -- guy is going to lose his leg.
Then they said that they IMMEDIATELY RELEASED TWO OF THE GUYS THAT WEREN'T DRIVING, and the driver will probably be charged with hit and run.
295 Million + 1 Billion is what ?
. We can thank all the present and past polititions who wanted this NAFDA crap for all of this. Bush Is the first president to face the full effects of it.
