Complications

As things get tighter in China, obtaining a Chinese visa is harder.  In the past, you needed a copy of your passport, an extra passport photo, a four page form which gives your address, occupation, level of education, the names of  relatives, a letter of invitation, and a consulate fee of about 200 bucks.  Now, however, you also need a detailed itinerary, describing your projected movements in China, along with addresses, emails and phone numbers of those who will know where you are. The inviting institution must validate this document with an ostentatious looking stamp.

The university had already bought our air tickets when we learned this. After reassuring my Dean and Chair that I had it under control, I held my breath and contacted the primary place we will visit, Shandong Institute of Commerce and Technology,  Fortunately, they knew how to do up this paperwork, and we've been told the visas will arrive shortly.

Note: The images in this blogpost are examples, only.  Didn't want to expose our actual documents.