[culturalenigma]

Hi just wanted to let you all in on something you may or may not have already known.

I had 4 days to secure a visa for my boss to travel to Shanghai. Our company is conducting business with our "parent" company's Asia office. This is based in China.

There are SEVERAL different Visas. Going through the Embassy's site can be frustrating, it doesn't seem to be updated and there are many many broken links.

After being there for 3 days in a row, finally I walked away with my prize, 1 "F" Class Visa!

Just some tips to help you if you find yourself in the same predicament I did:

~There are NO shots required for travel unless you are traveling to an area affected with a certain disease.

~That being said, you should visit a doctor 4-6 weeks prior. AND be aware that with the Swine Flu issue going on, they are being very particular about who they let in right now. They have added what they call a "Declaration Form" to the visa procedure that requires you to list every state/country/province you've been in during the last 4 months.

~There are several different kinds of Visas. The basic one is an "F" Class visa. It allows for (1)One entry into China good 90 days from the date of issuance for (30)Thirty days, for example:
I receive an F Visa on 5/15/09 - it is valid for entry for the following 90 days. It is good for (30) days stay. HOWEVER, if your entry into China occurs less than (30)thirty days before the expiration, you may only stay for the length of time until it expires.
Multiple Entry Visas are exactly what they sound like. there are 2, 3, and then lenght of time Visas. 6 months, 1 year, 2 years.

You also must declare WHY you are visiting. I noticed Business people received visas with much less issue.

It is a good idea to have your forms filled out in advance. BRING YOUR PASSPORT. If you need it expedited, you MUST bring a copy of your airline ticket. The cost to expedite is $20.

You can get your boss his/her visa. They can designate you to do so.

Be patient. The clerks seem to frown on loud cell phone usage, children running around, and loud conversations. As do most of the Chinese patrons sharing the space with you.

Listen to the guard or reception person. They know the pattern. Follow it and you'll get through quickly.

Attached is the Visa Request form. It was difficult to find on the Embassy Website.