PYA Passport information for the China tour, 2008.

THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT, TIMELY INFORMATION!

1. Please submit 2 very clear color passport copies (of the open passport pages with your picture and personal information) in excellent condition, on 2 separate 8-1/2 X 11 white sheets of paper. Each sheet can contain only one passport copy. These details are very important! Do not bend, fold, or staple the sheets together. Please submit these to PYO (at rehearsals, in the CHINA TOUR MAILBOX, or personally, or by mail in a big flat, unbent 8-1/2 X 11 size envelope.) Do this as soon as possible. Hint: Copy shops have color copiers, or if you have a good scanner, scan the passport and print it on your color printer! If this is not done right, it will delay the acquisition of your visa!

2. A valid passport is necessary for this tour. Please check to be sure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your anticipated return to the USA.
--If your passport expires before Nov. 26, 2008, you need to renew it NOW.
--Airline tickets will not be secured without a valid passport number.

New Passports and Passport Renewal

Be forewarned that processing is taking longer than usual. Start the process as soon as possible, and avoid expedite fees, which you will need to pay if you wait too long.

You will not be allowed to board you plane without a valid passport.
New passports (first-time applicants) must be applied for in person.
Renewals may be done in person, or by mail.
Go to a Post Office for passport applications.
Passport pictures are available at lots of photo and copy shops, or at the AAA if you are a member.

Visa Requirement for US Citizens

MCI will obtain the necessary group Visa for all members holding US Passports. Our Visas are granted on a group basis, meaning the group manager will be in possession of a "visa-ed manifest" listing names, occupations, and nationalities. An stamped visa will not appear in your passport.

Visa Requirement for Non-US Citizens

Non-US citizens may have Visa requirements. You need to check with the Embassy or Consulate of China (San Francisco is closest) to see what is needed. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE INDIVIDUAL TO OBTAIN THE NECESSARY TRAVEL DOCUMENTS!
Please submit 2 copies of your Visa, if required, with your passport copies as soon as possible
Info on line: www.travisa.com. Click on "Visas" tab at the top of the page, and click on "for non-US citizens - click here" link. Select the country you are visiting, and your citizenship.

WARNING!

The passport Agency is backlogged by 10-12 weeks! If you need a passport, or need to renew your passport, please do so immediately. China is very strict about needing these documents at least 120 days prior to your departure!

PYO NEEDS YOUR PASSPORT DOCUMENTATION NO LATER THAN JANUARY 14, 2008.