visa information

[clay dube]

The Chinese consulate in LA has information on tourist visas to China:
http://losangeles.china-consulate.org/eng/visa/chinavisa/t27605.htm

I have attached (as a pdf) a copy of the visa form. You can take this completed form along with the $50 fee to the Chinese consulates in Los Angeles or San Francisco to get your visa.

Notes for questions:
12 - tourist visit
13 - Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, Luoyang, Suzhou
16 - 14 days (under 1st entry)
17 - regular
18 - various tourist sites

We do not require a visa to enter Japan.

[clay dube]

It wasn't long ago that getting photos for passports and visas took time and about $15/two prints. Now Costco offers them for $5.40. I'm sure other retailers are doing the same. Go get that passport!

[Anonymous]

I was wondering if anyone from the Bay Area wanted to make the trek up to SF together to take care of our visas? If we were able to juggle organizing our schedules, I think it would be fun. Also, how long of a process should it be? For instance, should I mentally prepare to stand in line for a few hours or does the whole shabang go relatively fast? I would love to take care of it soon.

Nicole

[Anonymous]

I would like friends to make the trek to the LA consulate. Any interest? I am wondering if we maybe could do it after school, so we don't have to take a sick day. I am off at 2:00 everyday. I will try and check on their hours.

[Anonymous]

I found out the Chinese Consulate in LA is open 9-3 Monday through Friday. It is located at 443 Shatto Place, LA, 90020. You can find it on mapquest.com, but the website has a great little map that should be sufficient. The office is on the 3rd floor.Tracy and I are very lucky, we both have a 6th prep, and the Principal will allow us to have a 5th period sub, so we can go down at 12:20 p.m. someday to get the visa. Lucky us! He was so tickled we made it, he has traveled in East Asia before.
Passport and Visa Office: 213-807-8006
[email protected]
Even this little bit of research is starting to make it so real! It's really going to happen.! Do I sound excited or what!!!

[Anonymous]

The material I read from Clay's link on visas says that a visa to China is good for only three months. Since we are leaving in more than 3 months, I would say that we need to wait a month or so before applying for the visa. We want a visa good for the duration of our trip, too.
Courtney Lockwood

[clay dube]

Hi Folks,
Courtney is correct - don't set the clock ticking just yet. They'll give you a visa valid to enter China within the next three months. Please wait until after the orientation to get the visa. It is a two day operation, but individuals don't need to be present to request or receive the visa.

What we'll do is have everyone bring the following to the orientation:

-- valid passport (must be valid through September and must have at least 2 blank pages for the visa and endorsements)
-- the completed form,
-- one visa photo,
-- $50 cash for the fee

We'll take the materials to the consulate after the orientation and pick them up a week later. For the Northern CA folks, we'll mail you the passport; for the Southern CA folks, we'll return yours to you at the airport prior to departure.

Of course, you are welcome to handle this on your own by going to the consulate. You'll certainly enjoy the look of the visa, complete with the Tiananmen seal.

[Anonymous]

I checked with the Southern California Consulate a week ago, unfortunately I posted it under the Northern California section. The Consulate is only open 9-3 Monday through Friday, not on the weekends. Did I get incorrect information?

[Anonymous]

Darlene,

Thanks for the good information. Sounds like you are in L.A.? I will check out the website to get more info. Ana

[Anonymous]

For those of you who are members of AAA, you can get your photos taken quickly for $8.00 plus tax. Tracy Sprague also tells me that you can get them reasonably done at COSCO also.

[Anonymous]

Is there anyway that Linda could make 2 copies of our passport and visa, so that we could put them in our suitcases? SInce you have them, and we won't see you until the airport?
My girlfriend bought me a passport holder you wear around your neck under your clothes. WIll try it unless it gets to hot.

[Anonymous]

Ok, so my rush passport just arrived with my updated (looks more like the new me) photo and I'm ready to get that visa! Now the problem is that the consolate is only open 9-3. Work. Every day. 8-3. There's a problem. Do we have to be present to drop them off, meaning could I have someone else bring it or mail it? Cause I can't miss work unless it's an emergency (principal's orders).

Also, my new passport has a totally new number. I hope this isn't going to screw up ticket info, etc. Ugh.

I'm just knowing that all is sorted out, settled, and taken care of already. And so it is!

Peace and Blessings!

[Anonymous]

Kyle, It's good to still have you on board.

Ana

[Anonymous]

Has anyone heard when we will get our final itinerary?

[Anonymous]

I have been wondering the same thing. They must be working out the details.

[Author]

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