Visiting friends and family: passport/visas

I am Elle Lay's sister, Bucky, and will be making my first trip to Wuxi in April 2013. When my sister left for Wuxi, I decided it was time for me to apply for my very first passport. There are several steps you need to take so you will be allowed into the country which include having a valid passport (with 6 months validity remaining) and a Travel Visa from the Chinese Embassy.

First step : Passport

If you already have a passport, you must have at least one blank page or it will be rejected when you apply for your Travel Visa. If you do not have one or it has expired, you will need to apply for a new one.

I found the passport application (Form DS-11) online at: http://travel.state.gov/passport/forms/ds11/ds11_842.html

If you do not have a printer you can go to the US Post Office (USPS) and pick up the form from a mail clerk.

What you will need:
1. Passport application
2. If you fill it out in pen, it must be in BLACK ink
3. Identification - Proof of citizenship (certified birth certificate for most) and primary identification (Drivers license, Government ID, old passport). If your name differs from your birth certificate take appropriate documents with you (marriage license, legal name change document)
4. You must submit it in person – it will not be accepted by mail
5. Photocopy of the ID you use - copy front & back
6. Fees - As of 3/2013 you will need $110 (they prefer cash) for the passport and $25 to pay the USPS to process the passport for you
7. Photo – photo requirements are on the DS-11.
I went to CVS Drugstore and they took my photo in less than 5 minutes for $9.99. Simply tell them you need a passport photo. If you will be doing your Travel Visa application right after your passport arrives ask for 3 copies so you won’t have to go back to do another photo. If you aren’t applying for your Travel Visa for several months, it is best to get a new updated photo when you turn it in.
8. Once you have your DS-11 completed take it your nearest US Post office. Warning: They will attach your birth certificate and marriage license to the application. You will get it back after you get your passport. They are mailed separately for security reasons. My passport took about 3 weeks to be sent to me, my birth certificate came a day later. You can check status online, the link is on the back of the form.

I had my birth certificate from 1971 but it was not the “long” form listing my parent’s names and other personal information. If you do not have the long form you will have to contact the County Courthouse to obtain a new copy (for a fee) before applying for your passport. If in doubt ask a mail clerk at the USPS and they will tell you if yours is acceptable or not.


Second step: Travel Visa

Travel Visas can be issued for single entry, double entry, or multiple entries. The price is the same regardless of how many entries you apply for. My brother in law, BG, started my Visa application for me and wrote me a checklist with what I needed to do. His list was extremely helpful and made the whole process easy. He had me apply for multiple entries so I can come and go as often as I wish until it expires in 12 months. You can turn your application in two ways. Either take it yourself to the Chinese Consulate or pay a passport & visa agency to handle it on your behalf. I decided to pay a service to do it for me instead of traveling to Los Angeles from Santa Barbara twice myself. I used Ambassador Passport & Visa Services in Los Angeles. I would definitely use them again if I have the need.

You will need:
1. Chinese Visa application. You must type in all UPPER CASE and leave no blanks. If it doesn’t apply to you type NONE.
The application is at: http://www.ambassadorpassportandvisa.com/admin/pdfs/china-visa-application.pdf
2. You will need two standard “Passport” photos. See Passport step #7 above.
3. If your passport is the first passport you have ever obtained, you need to write a letter to the Chinese Consulate (see sample letter below).
4. Photo copy of your passport
5. Copy of your flight itinerary
6. If you use Ambassador Passport & Visa you will need to complete an order form http://www.ambassadorpassportandvisa.com/pdfs/cover_letter.pdf
7. Fees - Travel Visa was $140. Ambassador’s fee is $99-$140 depending on what jurisdiction you live in. Fee schedule is on their website. I sent my Visa application and documents via FedEx Ground for $9. They do offer rush processing, the above pricing was for regular processing which took about 7 business days. For me their fee was worth every penny, I would have had to travel to the Consulate in Los Angeles once to drop it off and then go back to pick it up a few days later when it was ready.

**Sample letter for first time passport holders**

The Consulate General of The People's Republic of China
443 Shatto Place
Los Angeles, CA 90020

To Whom It May Concern:

This is the first passport (enter passport # here) that I have been issued. I do not have any expired or passports issued in another name.

Sincerely,

Your Name
Your Address
City, State, Zipcode


Signed: _______________________________ Date: _______________


Total Fees as of 3/2013

Passport $110
USPS Processing $25
Passport & Visa Photos $30
Travel Visa $140
Visa processing $99
Fed Ex to Ambassador $9
Fed Ex return to me $35

Cost for passport + visa $448

I am ready to go see what life is like in Wuxi. Perhaps the Housewives of Wuxi will let me do a little guest spot after I have spent a few weeks running around with them.

Until then zài jiàn,

Bucky