I have been putting off getting my Chinese visa for the last few weeks. I’m not entirely sure why, but I just haven’t felt like doing it until now. So today, trying as hard as I can to get absolutely no work done, I decided to check out the website of the Chinese consulate in Houston and get the latest visa application materials. It was then that I ran into this lovely little note:
After 911 and since the break out of US-Iraq War, strengthening national security has become an important goal and task of every country. Out of security concerns, the Chinese Embassy and Consulates General in United States will cease, on and from May 1st, 2003, the mail service (including express delivery) for application of Chinese visas. Applicants are required to come to the visa office for visa application. If an applicant cannot come personally, he/she may entrust a relative, friend or travel/visa agent to come to the visa office for application process.
What the fuck? Like, do they want people to come and visit their country? Short of flying to Houston, my only option is going through a travel agency and having them get my visa for me … for a price. It seems ridiculous to be forced to pay someone to do exactly what I did myself just two years ago.
This is obviously not a security-related move if they are letting people use travel agencies. All I’m doing is sending the materials to the travel agency, and then they’re sending it to the embassy on my behalf – the travel agency isn’t making sure that I’m really who I say I am either. Now, if they made everyone come to the consulate in-person then it would serve some sort of security purpose, but they’re not.
My guess is that this is a reciprocal pain-in-the-ass resulting from the United States’ more difficult visa application process. I know that they do that for pricing (visas cost Americans a lot of money because American visas cost foreigners a lot of money), so it is not inconceivable that they reciprocate inconvenience as well.
Update: Now that I’m a little less angry and more informed, I’ve found a seemingly-reputable travel agent, China Travel Service in Los Angeles, that will process the visa for $70 total. That’s only $20 more than the Chinese government charges, and seems reasonable. Still sucks, but it doesn’t suck quite as bad as I thought it would.
JOHN. I will be in Orlando from July 31 to August 3rd. Will you still be there? If so, break out the paper towels (or at least the beer). Sorry to hear about you getting screwed by a visa. That could not have been comfortable. SHAWN
Left by Spider Monkey on July 3rd, 2003
it’s same for Chinese to go other countries
do you want other people to come to your country??
you are asking people to travel to your country, but you dont give visa??
then what the fuck is it???
Left by julia on October 19th, 2004