CHINESE VISA FOR AMERICANS

I got my one year multiple entry China visa here in Macau in one day, just had to pay a little extra. At CTS.

Hi Okie. One day, meaning same day? Or did you have to spend one night in a hotel? Thanks.

I DHL'd my passport back to the states. Naturally it took longer, about 10 days round trip, but it actually cost less than the cost of going to HK twice for two six month multiples. I've been burnt in Macau and Hong Kong before so I've found my new method. More time but less hassle.

The same day, paid them at around 10:00AM, it was ready by 4:00PM.

any particular branch of CTS? DHL sounds like a real option, but that means you are here already on the old visa. Would they make a fuss? Anyone gotten a visa in Thailand?

The LAST WORD!

I had to go into Macau twice last week to get my visa because I could not find the right China Travel Office (CTO). These are the facts;

1. As Americans we can only get visas from the Chinese Consulate or the MAIN branch of CTO in Macau. We can not get it at the CTO in Gungbei boarder,just before the Chinese immigration, like other nationals. DO NOT go to the Chinese Consulate unless you enjoy doing slow Taichi with a Chinese bureaucrat.

2. Main office CTO is within 200 yards of the old Lisboa Casino on Avenida Do Dr. Rodrigo Rodrigues (certainly has a ring of "a hundred year of solitude"). This area is very confusing because of the road curves and bends. It is the road that runs between the OLD Lisboa and the gaudy gold NEW Lisboa. It is directly underneath the overpass. Now go toward the Macau Ferry, away from the center of town, and within a block look for the TOYOTA dealer. It is in that building. Use the side entrance on the second floor.

3. You should be there before 10AM to get a same day 4:30PM Pick up. If you cross from Gung bei than take the free LISBOA casino shuttle, just to the right of the Macau border. If you want to take the free shuttle back you need to apply for a Lisboa Casino membership card. It is simple and takes just a couple of minutes. Look for customer service on the first floor. You need to ask for a bus coupon back.

4. If you want to cross from the Wanchai crossing (no lines at immigration) remember the ferry costs 70RMB and leaves on the half hour. The last ferry back is at 4:15PM so you won't be able to take it back. From the Macau ferry terminal you are right across the street from Av. Almeida Ribeiro (take the pedestrian over cross), the main drag that will take you to the center of town and Lisboa Casino. It is a short scenic 10 minutes walk.

5. I got a one year multiple entry visa (90 days) for 1680 RMB or 1748 MP. I was able to get this because my current visa is one year multi-entry visa issued from San Francisco. Unless you have a one year visa already issued from the States, they will only grant you a six month visa.

Good Luck!