Job Discussion Forums

[procrastinator]

Can anyone recommend a reputable travel/visa agency in the New York City area? I've been putting off getting my visa for China and now it looks like I'm not going to have time to make the trip myself. I'm wary of entrusting my passport and personal information to a random agency found on the internet -- all suggestions/advice appreciated.

Thanks in advance for your help!

[myesl]

I just used http://www.itseasypassport.com/index.htm
I get my passport back from them tomorrow. So far they've been very helpful. I even called them on Friday to confirm I got my Z visa (I did!). They will do things as quick as can be done, for a fee

One thing I was unclear of and almost messed up is that there regular fee is $55, but if you want same day, it's $85. The return FedEx charges are on their form, depending on what you need. They even called me because USPS didn't deliver my stuff to them until 11:50am, so they said they would have to go to the consulate the following day (consulate closes at 2:30pm). They asked if I wanted Saturday delivery (FedEx charges a little extra).

They were recommended to me by Liberty Travel (a chain of travel agents).

They have a toll free number and what not.

One other point of confusion is that while you can put their service on your Visa card or use a money order, you must make out a separate money order for the consulate. This got even more confusing because It's Easy had never done a Z visa before, they always do tourist and business visas, and while they said the consulate always takes money orders, I called the consulate twice (before then) and talked to two different people who said they don't take money orders. I ended up sending It's Easy a blank money order. I'm too trusting, I know.

[NateM]

If you're in NYC why can't you just make the trip to the NY Consulate yourself? That would seem to be quite a bit cheaper and easier, and given how close you are, I don't see how you're saving yourself all that much time going through an agency.

If you have to go through a service, though, I'd recommend http://www.visarite.com. They were quick and efficient, and I even called them several times to ask for clarifications and they were more than happy to answer my questions.

[Kurochan]

I'd say do it yourself, if you're in the New York area. I had to apply from Buffalo, though, so I used Visarite. I think they have some sort of "in" with the embassy. I had no problems with them, and they have various levels of expedited service.

[procrastinator]

Thanks for the advice!

Actually not in the NYC area, but wanted recommendations for agencies that covered the NYC consulate. Looks like a friend from college will be in NY next week though so he's going to take the forms in. <sigh of relief!>

[myesl]

I was going to use visrite, but they only take American Express, not Visa, as far as I could see.