Tips for a smooth Consular Visit

Please make sure you have read our hours of operation and have taken note of Chinese and American holidays before planning your visit.

Come early.  Our busiest time is 10:30 to 11:30 AM, and 2:30 to 3:30 PM. Lines are long and we recommend that you come early since all customers are served on a first-come first-served basis.

For passport applicants:  Complete (but don’t sign) passport applications and bring copies in addition to the originals (such as passports, children’s birth certificates) ahead of time – this considerably shortens your visit.

For passport applicants:  Pay special attention to passport photographs.  We will ask you to get other photos if they don’t meet State Department’s requirements. 

For passport and additional visa page applicants:  Please remember to fill in your social security number.  This is required by law. 

For minor (below age 16) passport applicants: Parents - please remember to bring your child’s original birth certificate when applying for a new or replacement passport.

For notary clients:  Please make sure you have read your document(s) to be notarized and know the contents.  Do not sign your document, but make sure that all other blanks are filled in before coming to the Consulate.

For notary clients: If your signature must be notarized and witnessed, you must bring witnesses and their IDs with you.

Please remember:  The fewer items you bring to the Consulate General (i.e. backpacks, suitcases, shopping bags, cameras, laptops, cellphones, etc.), the more quickly the security check will be for everyone.