Any Experience With Kunming, China?

[climb512]

The first time I went to Kun Ming in Feb 2006, the consul was extremely helpful and I got a double entry visa with the least hassle I've ever experienced at a Thai consulate.

The next time, in August 2006, I asked for the same and was told no way no how, single entry only...I was surprised at this but now I see it was the beginning of all the changes we've been reading about recently. Other than the strictness, they were very friendly and when I mentioned my Thai wife they actually suggested that I come back "next time" and apply for the marriage visa, as though that would solve all my problems. How I wish I had had all the paperwork ready at that time.

I intend to go back on Oct 23rd, and I would like to know if anyone has had any (good or bad) experiences there in the past week or so, since the "big changes" came down the pike.

I will be applying for an O visa for the first time, based on my recent marriage to my Thai girlfriend of 2 years....that is, if I can get the proof of the 40k/month thing sorted out. That's another story I won't bore you with. Anyway, assuming all is well on that front, does anyone have any applicable very recent experience to share with me?

Mostly, I'm looking to know if Kun Ming is a good/bad bet or if I should try another embassy (really hoping I don't have to return to the states).

[aussiestyle1983]

Oct 23 is a Thai holiday, King Chula day i think. I was going to Singapore that time and i found ouy they will be closed for the 23rd and the 24th, October. But they will be open from wed-fri, 25-27. Im pretty sure all thai embassies are closed for Thai holidays, so I would ring them and check if i was you to make sure you will have enough time to get your visa. ring them first!!! they will tell you the dates they will be closed.

[lopburi3]

Consulates observe both local and national holidays so will be closed on the 23rd I am sure.

You should not need information about pay to obtain a single entry non immigrant O visa. Normal requirement is your marriage certificate, copy of wife ID card and perhaps copy of her home register. Believe several people has also been asked for a short letter from wife that she wants your visit to help prove you are still together but that has been the exception. The income will be required 60-80 days after you return and go to immigration to extend your stay on a yearly basis.

[thaihome]

Would recommend you try to contact consulate via e-mail. My experience in China with Guangzhou consulate is the Chinese working there are about the rudest, least helpful b*tches working any consulate in the world I have ever seen. If I had not exchanged e-mail with the consular officer prior to going I would not have ever even got an application.

TH

[climb512]

Thank you both for the information. Now I guess I'll have to go early, or stay an extra few days longer in Kun Ming. Very useful to know this beforehand, much appreciated.

And thanks Lopburi3, I think I have a handle on what I'm doing now (finally!), but I have one question about the house registration: We don't own a house here, we rent. My wife has no such thing as a house registration ...maybe her folks do, but will I need this? Can I bring my lease from the house I rent? I didn't read about this requirement on the consulate website and I don't understand what they want this for (not that that matters, I know), or if there is another way to satisfy that requirement.

[lopburi3]

It is the blue book for a home that has her listed and will probably be her mothers. All you need is a copy and your wife should have a copy as it is still sometimes (in the past almost always) required with the ID card for official purposes. But a specific Consulate may not require - but I would advise having it just in case. This is ID proof rather than proof you have a house so a lease would not fit.

[climb512]

Hmmm, I've spoken with my wife about this and the house reg may be a problem (turns out her parents no longer own their house). How about my wifes passport? Other ID of hers? Is it just an ID issue? Regardless, I plan on taking every scrap of paper I can dig up.

Thanks

[lopburi3]

Every Thai is on a house register as it is the basic building block for ID card issue. They do not have to own a house to be on the register as living there and they may still be on there parents or other family member.

Yes, I would take passport as that will help if there is any question. Believe some have also been asked for passport but that is not something every Thai has so it can not be a requirement.

[climb512]

Ok, sorted out, thanks for all the help. I hope I can give something useful back to this board in time.

[gavstah]

Ok, sorted out, thanks for all the help. I hope I can give something useful back to this board in time.

Just to reiterate, for the non-immigrant O visa based on marriage, you need the following:

- Copy of wife's ID card

- Copy of marriage certificate

- Your passport

- Passport photo - 2x4 cm.

You do not need to show income / bank balance to apply for this visa. That only comes when you apply for an extension to this visa.