Hi, Have just discovered that Chinese Visas are only valid for UK citizens for 3 months from date of issue.Has anyone bought one in a neighbouring country without problems ?

I assume they don't have to be bought in your country of citizenship ? Thanks any information would be greafully received !

Three months is the maximum a simple tourist visa will be valid for. More often then not, the visa is only valid for one month, typically with the visit commencing within 60 days of purchase.

There is usually no difficulty in obtaining visas for China in any country passed through en route, and the length of validity of the visa depends on the country chosen, what the staff had for lunch, phases of the moon, and other unknown factors. There are a few places where a tourist visa for entry overland will be denied, however, such as Kyrgyzstan and Nepal, unless there's other supporting paperwork.

Your best chance is in Hong Kong, where tourist visas are almost always three months without the option (although U.S. citizens have been having some difficulties of late).

Peter N-H
http://list3.xianzai.com/mailman/listinfo/oriental-list