A couple of Falun Gong members were peacefully protesting outside the building, while others were handing out pamphlets to passersby. Funny how there's a Truth on Falun Gong link on the Consulate General's website.
Here's me checking in at the Consulate...
In a big room with one wall lined with service windows and plenty of seating space, I took a ticket and sat down waiting to get called. The night before, I got everything ready: My passport, filled out application form, color photos, visa notification form, and both original and photocopied Alien Work Permit issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security.
There's no appointment necessary, which is swell if the wait isn't too bad. If time and money are no object, you can actually have a travel agent drop off your application and pick it up a few days later with receipt. From what I hear, travel agents charge about $10 for the service. Regular processing time is 4 business days. I chose to have my application expedited (for an extra $20), so I'll be heading back there tomorrow to pick it up.
Back in the day, there were a couple of entry choices you could select: Single Entry, Double Entries, Multiple Entries for 6, 12, and 24 Months. As far as I know, they've gotten rid of the rest except for Multiple Entries for 12 Months, even though it says otherwise on the visa application form. All application fees are $140 for US citizens, but vary for citizens of other countries. The rest of the application is pretty self-explanatory... Personal information, your reason for visiting China, health information, and contact information.
Seems the entire visa application process is akin to obtaining a drivers license. It's not hard, just tedious, frustrating, obtuse, and obscure.
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