Shortsighted in any case - this is not in the interest of US citizens travelling abroad for tourism or business.

Since the dollar sucks, isn't the increase a wash for some? I'm glad I just applied for my Brazil visa before they match the increase.

I don't think the PRC will be pleased if ROC is included in there.

Does Chile require interviews during this process?

This will result in other countries reciprocating.

No, at least not in my case (twice, most recently Jan. 2007) or that of anyone who was close enough ahead of me to notice. You go to a separate window before inbound passport inspection. They take the money, stamp your passport and staple a small slip of paper to the stamp. If you don't have the cash, or presumably if your cash doesn't meet their standard for "no dirty bills," they escort you to an ATM that dispenses dollars. (I don't know what they do if you don't have an ATM card, or yours doesn't work for any reason.) Then you join the regular immigration line.

It's very businesslike and applies to citizens of any country that charges Chileans for visas. Besides the U.S., the list includes Canada and Australia; there may be others. The amount in each case is what that country charges Chileans, and is payable in that country's currency.

It's exactly what the PRC did. When I went two years ago I know they didn't charge $100.00. It was around $50.00.

To my surprise when I applied for a Chinese visa in HKG, I was told it was $100.00.

In regards to the ROC being on the visa waiver list, I'm very surprised about that. Probably why the USA is and still won't be on the approved places to visit for Chinese citizens (just to use an as excuse).

Yep -- I always have to laugh when I read the fee structure in the Chinese Embassy to Japan: three categories:

• Japanese
• Foreigner
• American

With "American" being the highest, and Japanese tourists not requiring a visa.

HTB.

CNN.com has a pretty large article about a recent agreement to promote US tourism in China.

http://www.cnn.com/2007/TRAVEL/12/12...ref=newssearch

Said the visa refusal rate was about 20% for applicants. Honestly, I can see why. I know there are a lot of Chinese who have serious money; they won't have any problems getting visas.

I'm not sure where the above poster got that list of countries that may be added to the VWP. I only saw South Korea as one, their visa refusal rate is 3.5%

Ouch.. we're looking to go to West Africa next year; 7 countries and all require a reciprocity visa. $1k right there

You can say that again. If you've ever been to HKG, you should see the Louis Vuitton store over by Ocean Terminal. There is a long queue made up of mostly mainland Chinese and they shop!!!!

A friend of mine who works for HSBC would tell me stories about how they'd come down to HKG and buy condos and pay it all upfront in cash.

I see. Seems more or less like what China does except they don't take you to an ATM dispensing dollar machine when they don't like your cash.

As of August 2007, China now has two fee structures...for most countries, it's a sliding scale for a one visit, two visit, or multiple visit visa. For the US, it's $100 fee for any of visas.

Be careful when traveling as an American to countries whose citizens are required a visa to travel to the US. Those who got denied their visa are even more motivated to get their money back from Americans... so watch out.

Joking aside, this stinks. As if the US wasn't hostile enough towards foreign visitors.

It's pretty crazy... That's why those new casinos in Macau have luxury shopping malls akin to what Casesar's Palace and the LV Wynn have, to try and capitalize on that.

In respect to Chinese visas, it used to be $75 for 2 entries. Now it's $100 but multiple entry. That's an enhancement to be, and welcome paying $25 more for that.

Brazil is the same way, I got a 5-year visa, as do most people who apply, I don't mind that, whether its tit-for-tat or not.