Can someone please tell me how to go about to obtain my Chinese visa? I go to the consulate website and they give you the application form but then it says you can not mail them the application and the passport. The Houston consulate is the one that pertains to my state Florida. They reference agents but I don't know who these are or how to reach them. Please help as I plan to leave in late August or early September

I have used with good results

www.mychinavisa.com

Aloha!

Thank you. Are they trustworthy with your passport?

I went to NYC to the Chinese Consulate.
Waited a few hours, then had it the same day. Extra bucks but well worth it in a crunch.
Be confident in the place hawaiiantraveler mentioned. They mention it because they DID have a good experience.

If they weren't I would not have recommended them.

Aloha!

Thank you!

I used the same company, mychinavisa.com They got me a longer multiple entry visa which I had requested last year through another company. That other company got me only a standard six-month, single entry.

Hi: we are getting our chinese visa from ZIERER VISA SERVICE, www.zvs.com
Very efficient & reliable, don't know if the costs are comparable to others.
Hope this helps.

How far in advance do you recommend we request our visa? I've heard horror stories about some people getting them too far in advance and the dates are wrong because you must enter within 30 days from the date issued. A little confused on this issue.

We leave 9/19/07. Your experiences?

Thanks, Pat

Chinese visas are now valid for 6 months -- that is, you must enter China within 6 months of the visa's issuance.

Also, they will stop issuing $50 single-entry and $75 dual-entry visas in the US for US citizens. (Not sure about non-US citizens in the US, or US citizens elsewhere). Minimum charge will be $100 for 6-month multiple entry.

Starting August 1, 2007.

We've used www.passportsplus.
You can load an application and mail it- very reliable. Be sure to insure and get tracking numbers.

Thanks - I'll go revisit the Chinese Consulate website, which I confess has been awhile since my last visit. Didn't realize things were changing on the visa and now that I'm gearing up I'll take another look.