2. Passports and Visas

              

China. The word itself invokes many images in the mind. Some of these images are clear while others are shrouded in mystery. It is this mystery that brings most westerners to China. From the ancient Great Wall to the modern metropolis that is Shanghai, China offers westerners glimpses into the past and future of world events. 

From the attempts to keep out the Mongol hordes of the north to the profound induction of World Trade Organization to amazing build up toward the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China's role on the world stage has always been full-sized and spectacular.

For these reasons and more I decided to go to China and explore this vivid nation.

The first step in a trip to China is deciding where you're going and what you want to do there when you arrive. In my case, I've decided to travel to and stay in Beijing, the seat of political power in China. I'll be studying the Mandarin language as well as attending cultural classes at the Beijing Language and Culture University.

After deciding where one wants to go and why, the necessary documentation needs to be gotten. To travel to China an American citizen needs a valid Passport and a Visa as issued by a Chinese Consulate office. 

Passports are issued by the US Department of State. You can find the appropriate phone numbers in the blue pages of the White Pages phone book. You can also find information and download application forms online at http://travel.state.gov/passport_services.html.

In addition to filling out the application forms, you need to supply a copy of your birth certificate and a passport photo. Passport photos are offered by a surprising amount of common stores and shops from neighborhood convenient stores to department store portrait studios.

Once you have a passport, you'll need to apply for a Chinese Visa. You can either visit one of the Chinese Consulates in the U.S. or mail the application forms to the nearest office. Being from St. Louis, I sought the service of the Chicago Consulate office. Application forms are available online at http://www.chinaconsulatechicago.org/English/index.html. At this site you will find the answer to most any question you may have on the subject of Visas.

The general categories of visas for individuals are Business (F Visa), Tourist (L Visa), Student (X Visa) and Work (Z Visa). While there are others, these are the most common. The names of these visas are self-explanatory. The Business and Tourist Visas have 30-day limits on them while the Student and Work durations are determined and arranged by the school or employer respectively. 

Since my classes won't begin until July I applied for a tourist visa with the knowledge that the Beijing Language and Culture University would assist in converting my Tourist Visa to a Student visa once admitted to the school.

Extensions are available as well and can be arranged in China at a Consulate office. However, you are allowed only one 30 day extension within China. Though I have heard of exceptions to this rule, I wouldn't count on more than one extension per visit. 

Those who are traveling extensively throughout China often cross into Hong Kong to get a new 30 day visa, then come back to the mainland to continue their travels for another 30 days, Though Hong Kong is now considered part of China, it is held as a separate Special Economic Zone complete with separate visa processes.

Once you've secured a passport and visa you're well on your way to the Middle Kingdom.

Next week I'll discuss and describe the actual travel arrangements and flight to Beijing.

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