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Q: Is it okay to just have photocopies of my passport on me?
I know we've been talking about this for a bit, and I'm only now starting to carry all my documents on me, and to be honest I feel uncomfortable about it. Anyone who follows the news will know most foreigners are carrying their passports on them.
Does anyone know if it's okay to have the photocopies and not the originals with me?
It will depend on where in China you live. Some locations will be satisfied with a photocopy of your passport and visa, plus other documents required. Others (like Guangzhou for example) want the original. If you have a copy only you will be taken to Police Station until somebody shows up with the original of the required documents.
I always carry them with me (originals). I bought a belly money belt, and use it under my shirt. To avoid getting them damaged, I do place them inside a zip lock plastic bag and into money belt. No pickpocket can get to them, so I do comply with the law.
It would be a safer bet to carry your passport at all times during the next few months.
People are weird, keep the copies on you. According to the embassy of Sweden you don't need the originals.
HappyExPat:
Yes, Chinese Officials will love to hear that from a Sweeden. Embassies in China and elsewhere, out of courtesy to their host, do not "tell" their nationals what to do and not to do, they just "advise".
What do Sweden know this is China, A friend of mine was stopped only had copies they took him in took all his details then he had 24 hours to produce all the originals
Be careful till this cools down don't give them an edge or let them have more power they are enjoying this because they are finding more illegals than they thought
fredrikappelgren:
Ah well, I have been asked three times for my passport and just showed copies. One time I directed the to the embassy of Sweden and after one call they let me go.
So yes, the embassy of Sweden seems to be right in this case.
Fellows :
Please, listen to me. Then do as you please. But I see no sense in discussing this issue every week. And always hear the same arguments for not following the existing Law in China, mainly that the passport could be stolen from you.
So, let's look at it in detail.
What are the passport requirements in China ?
Passports must be valid for at least one month from your fixed departure date from China for a single entry, 12 months for a double entry or six month multiple entry, and 18 months for a 12 month multiple-entry visa.
Foreign nationals must carry their passports at all times as police carry out random spot checks; these are more frequent around times of heightened security such as sporting events. (Please note it says passport, not a copy of your passport).
Why the insistence of the original and not a copy of it?
Because in today's day and age, with so many computers and software packages available, you can scan your passport, modify it as you may please, and print a new copy. So, you must present the original. And it is not only China, most all countries have same laws in their books, even good USA.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF I DO NOT HAVE THE ORIGINALS WITH ME?.
If you get a Chinese Official in a good mood and sympathetic attitude, he will accept your copy of the documents, maybe request you drop by later to PSB or local Police Station with the originals.
If you get a Chinese Official doing his/her work by the book, trying hard to impress boss and gain recognition as a good agent, he/she will detain you, take you to jail, and start deportation procedures or whatever applies in your case. Only way to stop this will be for another person to go to where you have the originals stored and bring them to you. You may (or may not) have to pay a fine for not having them with you.
One thing should be clear, you will be detained (in Jail). You can not go and get the originals, they will not take you to get the originals, you will need to find a third party to do it for you.
WHAT ARE THE REAL RISKS OF MY PASSPORT BEING STOLEN IN CHINA ?
Unfortunately, the risks could be high. But do not panic, stop and think. Pickpockets will either steal things from your pocket, or grab your bag and run with it. So, do not carry passports and valuables in your pockets or bags. At almost any airport , and in many places in Internet, money belts are sold for less than $ 15.00 US dollars. One particular type I use, it is canvas white, maybe around 5 to 6 inches by 10 to 12 inches long. Big enough to carry passport, other required documents and currency. One model is used under the shirt or blouse, tied around belly. Another hangs from your neck under the shirt also. And if you place passport and documents inside a zip lock bag, they will be protected from sweat and/or rain.
Hopefully, you have all the facts. Now do as you please. But if you choose not to carry it, even now when there is a crackdown going on, do not cry wolf afterwards.
I met a man with a full copy of his passport, scanned and color print.
When you get on the train, check in a hotel , passport will be checked first, so copies will take you some troubles.
jerry
Pamoua, I am just as uncomfortable at having to carry my passport around as you are, especially since I actually had my passport stolen a few years back and it cause endless bellyaches.
Unfortunately, though, you really do need to carry the original around with you. I'd say even more so at the moment. A policeman with a chip on his shoulder can cause endless hassles for you if he feels like it and you don't have your passport with you when he stops you. They're not all rule-nazis - I got stopped one day when we'd just popped out for lunch leaving the passport at the office, and got a verbal warning - but I really don't think it's worth the risk.
