All the 'horror' stories are true - which is a good argument to pay a travel agent the $50 to get it done for you. At least that's what I do back stateside. I've gone to Vietnam consulate (so so), China embassy (quite efficient) and Spain embassy (to get my son a student visa) - the latter experience cost me 4+ hours, a hike to the post office to get a prepaid express envelope, etc. etc.