2. After 911 and since the break out of US-Iraq War, strengthening national security has become an important goal and task of every country. Out of security concerns, the Chinese Embassy and Consulates General in United States will cease, on and from May 1st, 2003, the mail service (including express delivery) for application of Chinese visas. Applicants are required to come to the visa office for visa application. If an applicant cannot come personally, he/she may entrust a relative, friend or travel/visa agent to come to the visa office for application process.

***FAQs Regarding Visa Fee Adjustment and Ceasing of Visa Application by Mail***

1. Q: The notice says both changes are to take effect as of May 1st, 2003. Is it the postmark date or the date when the package arrives at the Consulate and the application is accepted? A: It is the date when the package arrives at the Consulate and the application is accepted. For example, if your package is postmarked Apr 29th and will not arrive at the Consulate until May 2nd, this visa application by mail will not be accepted.

2. Q: Is there a list of travel agencies or visa service companies certified by the Chinese Consulate to handle visa application, from which an applicant may make an easy selection. A: No. You can submit your application through any travel agency or visa service company you trust. However, no visa application can be dropped off by courier service. Appointment is not required for visa application.

3. Q: Where can I find information on travel agency or visa service company who can help me to apply my Chinese visa? A: The Chinese Consulate would suggest checking the Houston yellow page on line at http://yp.yahoo.com/py/ypBrowse.py?csz=Houston,TX for information on travel agency or visa service company operating in Houston. Or you may use any popular search engines, for example www.google.com, www.yahoo.com to search companies providing service in this area.

4. Q: We have a group of people traveling. Can we just send one of them to submit the visa applications for the whole group? A: Yes. However, make sure that each one fills out and signs the application form himself/herself.

5. Q: Is a written authorization required to submit visa application through a friend, relative, travel agency or visa service company? A: No. The Chinese Consulate has no such requirement. However, the application form must be filled out and signed by the applicant himself.

6. Q: After May 1st, 2003, will mail service still be available for passport extension and document authentication? A: Yes. However, rush service will not be available for any application by mail and processing time will be 7-10 working days. The Chinese Consulate would also like to bring your attention to the point that if you have both passport extension and document authentication, they must be mailed separately with separate return envelope. Please do not put both in one envelope.

7. Q: I am a Chinese citizen applying for passport extension. However the rest of my families are US citizens and they need to apply for Chinese visas. Can I put their visa applications together with my passport extension in one envelope and sent to the Consulate by mail for processing? A: No. When choosing mail service for passport extension or document authentication, visa applications can not be put into the envelope.