Originally Posted by MyDearMiles

If you are traveling to a country that requires visa and you receive email or link from Delta for VisaCenter.com service, beware. This company has extremely diceptive business practices that I have just experienced. Read every line on the "Visa Application Requirements" page and the Visa Center "ORDER FORM" that is generated after you have completed the application form.

I am traveling to China (Beijing) and followed the link provided by Delta to VisaCenter.com to apply for visa. It said 20% discount for Delta SkyMile customers plus 1K miles. VisaCenter.com site listed their Standard Service fee (8 or more days) as $40 and Rush Surcharge (4-7 days) as $43 and Emergency Surcharge (1-3 days) as $86. There is a $25 charge if you use the overnight shipping label they provide and another $25 when they return your passport/visa (or $5 handling if you use your own shipping label and another $5 if you provide a return shipping label). Also, there is an autimatically added insurance charge of $18. If you complete the application form and decide not to proceed/cancel you will be charged $50. The page indicates that your credit card will not be charged until they return your passport/visa, beware because you might be shocked at the charges, I was.

I mailed my passport and accompanying paperwork on Dec. 7 by overnight delivery to VisaCenter.com using my own shipping label and I enclosed a return shipping label. I indicated that I would like to have it back by Dec. 17 and that my travel date is Dec. 23, 2010. I received my passport and China visa on Dec. 17 and a credit card charge receipt for $318.

I called VisaCenter.com to get a breakdown of the $318 charge. They are:
Consular fee - $144.90 (multiple entry valid for 1 year)
VisaCenter Stanard Service fee - $40
Handling fee (for using my own overnight label) - $5
Insurance - $18
Emergency Surcharge - $86
Overnight return shipping -$25

I questioned the Emergency Surcharge ($86) since clearly this was not a 1-3 day order, I questioned the shipping charge ($25) since I provided a return shipping label and the insurance ($18) since I did not request it and the package was being shipped via overnight delivery. The $40 was their standard service fee, so where's the 20% discount? But, I did not question it.

For the surcharge they said they'll review it but that it was less than 8 business days. I asked why they did not notify me before the surcharge, they said their charges were clearly posted on their site. For the shipping they said my label did not indicate next day air. For the insurance they said it is automatic unless you check a box on the order form to decline coverage. Note that this order form is generated after you've completed the visa application form.

The credit card charge has posted on my account. BEWARE!