On Friday, I set off on one necessary trip preparation item. I trekked out to Manhattan’s far west side to pay a visit to the Consulate of the People’s Republic of China. My visa application filled out and ready to go, I entered the cavernous marble building at the corner of 12th Avenue and 42nd Street, to find an airport security-style checkpoint. The guards instructed me to place my bag and coat through the x-ray and walk through the metal detector (but shoes could stay on).
The organization was highly organized. 10 windows existed on the lower level for visa services, but most individuals were Chinese nationals seeking information. There was no wait submit my application, though there was some confusion as the correct line, as the Visa line was roped off. My application was taken and I was told to return on Wednesday, today.
When I arrived this afternoon, I again passed through the security checkpoint, but I actually set off the metal detector, as did the woman behind me. The imposing looking African American men who manned the checkpoint didn’t give a whit and waved us on.
Pick-up was a quick, two-step process. First was a window where you exchanged your pick-up slip for a number and were then directed to one of two windows, where you handed in your number and form of payment and were immediately handed your passport and receipt.
As for me, I was somewhat disappointed to see that I didn’t get exactly what I had asked for. U.S. citizens, unlike citizens of any other nation, are charged the exact same price for a Chinese visa, despite which type of visa you apply for (US$130). I figure’d I’d try and get my money’s worth, so I asked for one year of validity with multiple entries. Instead I got seven months of validity and two entries. Also surprising, I was given a maximum 60 days stay rather than 30 days.
Finally, this excitedly leaves me with a mere 5 blank visa pages in my passport. I will definitely be getting at least 2 additional visas (possibly more) during my upcoming trip, which means I will definitely have to get additional pages added to my passport upon my return! This has been a goal I have always wanted to achieve! Best of all, I will achieve it with 5 years of validity remaining on my passport!
