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I'm asking on behalf of my friend. We're both studying abroad in Hong Kong but I'm only staying for one semester (under 180 days) whereas my friend is staying for a full year (over 180 days).
She is required to apply for an HKID within 30 days of her arrival in HK. She's been here only 2 weeks so far and has booked an appointment to apply for an HKID. I've heard that the actual process can take up to 6 weeks.
The only problem is that we were planning to go to China (Shenzhen) in two weeks. Some questions:
1. Does she need an HKID to apply for a Chinese entry visa since she is in HK for more than 180 days? Does Hong Kong give out temporary HKIDs during the processing period? I know the MTR does that with student octopus cards.
2. During the HKID processing time, do they keep your passport for the entire time? It seems ludicrous that you would be without a passport for up to 6 weeks...
3. Say hypothetically she is allowed to apply for a Chinese visa without her HKID (ie they overlook it and just let her apply). Would she get turned away at the Shenzhen border for not having an HKID?
I didn't leave my passport for HKID I kept it and had a bit of paper with a version of the card, I just went back to collect the real card..... If my memory is correct.
I never applied for China Visa before HKID as having that made it easier.
I also went to Shenzhen a lot without my HKID if I'd forgotten it. It was just a pain because you have to queue at immigration and they stamp your passport.... with the card you sail through and no stamps..... well at least in the HK side.....
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