Consulate General of the USA, Hong Kong and Macau

Visited for visa processing. The consulate is conveniently located on a hill, about 10-15 minute walk from nearby hotels. The process is well-organized: outdoor document check, then indoor queues with efficient processing at multiple windows. Lines move quickly - staff process documents efficiently without long waits. My interview was lengthy due to my complex case. The officer asked many detailed questions I hadn't prepared for, including personal details I'd forgotten (like my wedding date!). Despite my poor memory, the interviewing officer was professional and genuinely tried to understand me as a person - a refreshing human approach compared to experiences at other consulates. I was asked to submit additional documents and worried about delays, but received notification quickly that my passport was ready for pickup with visa approved. The consulate even acknowledged my time constraints in their correspondence. Yes, it's expensive to travel here, and I had previous meeting cancellations that cost me money, but the professional and humane treatment makes it worthwhile. The staff here work efficiently and treat applicants with respect. Sincere thanks to my interviewing officer and all consulate staff for their professionalism and understanding.

Insulting security staff like the other reviews mentioned. Not to be biased but they seemed fine with Westerners. I understood that this is not the Oriental hotel but I think everyone deserves to be treated with professionalism and a courteous manner as the poster says inside the waiting area. The officers are all fine. Waiting time and how they scan your belongings was understandable but the attitude and manner of the security staff?!? Especially the short-haired lady who provided the basket she speaks to me as if I'm trash. You work for government security doesn't mean that you have the right to treat people this way.

The new arrangement of providing passport and related service DIRECTLY (at the consulate general) is very welcoming. Had a wonderful experience. Super fast service, polite officers, very clear communication and no extra cost. In fact photocopy (I had 1 page to copy) was provided free of charge. Compliments to the entire team of the consulate general of india in Hong Kong. Little things go a long way. Make us feel proud to be an Indian.

I had a pretty different experience compared to some people who posted a review, for me the security staff and administrators was very helpful and nice. I didn’t get to queue at all outside nor when I was getting my documents check before entering. But the consulate officer was pretty rude and paranoid .. not to try to get anyone anxious here but that was the most uncomfortable and challenging interview I have had (even worse than most jobs / school interviews) their attitude definitely doesn’t help and no matter how well you prepared, I still get send back for more waiting for “administrative processing” … So really not a great experience for me , the two stars were for the helpful staffs / security guards outside

DO NOT bring any extra backpacks or luggages. Just bring your paperworks in a small plastic envelope. Friendly and professional security staff. I spent less than 30 minutes queuing up, getting into the consulate and finally got my visa approved.

You’ll need to empty everything before going into the embassy. If you’re carrying a bag that is larger than an A4 size, the security guards will ask you to empty everything from your bag. They expect you to bring NOTHING but documents only before entering. The process of emptying in front of the securities is quite stressful and embarrassing I would say :). They give you a tiny box to carrying around after security checks. Surprisingly, long umbrella is allowed to store outside. They give you a tag and you’re able to pick it up after the interview. The interview was super fast if you’re applying for the student visa. Be prepared and good luck!

5 to 7 minutes uphill climb from Central MTR. THE SERVICE Is FAST. You are NOT allowed to carry any bag in there larger than A4 size. A4 size mazimum. No water, no laptop, no cameras etc. You may find a florist shop right opposite to the consulate building, where the old couple sell flowers, and you may request them to keep your bag there. In return, pick up your bag and buy some flowers or a plant. This is purely working on trust.. So better don't carry any valuables to the consulate during your visit. Visa assisting staff are kind, and will guide you as you move in. There is passport photo service inside. Charges $50 for few pieces. If you are lucky, you will get through the queue in less than 1.5 hrs. You don't need too many documents too. Just get all that is asked to during the application. If visa is approved, you will be said upfront by the officer interviewing you. Good luck.!

I went there with my 73 year old parents for Visa interview. I know I cannot get in. But the people at the door asked me to take my parents' backpack (not oversized) and rush them inside. They left an important document in the bag and no one allow me (I am US citizen with my passport on my hands) or help me to give them back the documents. Then asked me to just wait outside on a busy street because they have no waiting area or whatsoever. People there are extremely unfriendly and unhelpful.

If you're in HK and need consular assistance this is obviously your only option. It's conveniently located a short walk from Admiralty. If you Uber or take a taxi they will drop you off across the street. Security is worse than TSA. No liquids and no cell phones. They will confiscate your phone and give you a claim check. Inside is basically like a prison. The staff composed of locals and Americans is behind plexiglass. Windows have bars. Anything remotely complicated you will first be assisted by locals who will then work on your issue before sending you to Americans who will complete whatever you need done. The workers are fairly efficient and friendly.

First of all, God Bless America - let freedom ring! Second, we needed to take care of formalities for our newborn son- getting his US passport and social security number. As with any US government agency, one must exercise patience and make sure they have all their ducks in a row (fill out the forms in its entirety; provide all the correct documents for evidence) to ensure that the appointment goes smoothly. Even though our appointment fell on a rainy morning in the middle of a typhoon, being a US citizen has its perks- we get a shorter line at the entrance (compared to the visa line for non-citizens) and our service was processed indoors. Security is very high here (you know how we Americans are about national security) and you can't bring your mobile phone inside the Consulate. You'll have to leave it at the entrance with a guard and pick it up on your way out. Checking in was quite simple; you pay for your service then wait for your name to be called at one of the windows. The staff was very nice and sympathetic to us (bringing your fussy newborn in a carrier in pouring down rain is no easy feat!) and highlighted anything missing in our application that we needed to fill out. Meeting with the consul went smoothly as well; he gave us no problems, took our oath that we filled out the forms truthfully, and gave us all the information we needed for the next steps. The passport processing time for our case was quoted at 3-4 weeks, while social security is 3-4 months. Son, you're well on your way to becoming an official US citizen... enjoy that global taxation! ;)

I love the efficiency. I made my appointment on line, got one within 3 days. Forgot my appointment confirmation, they said no worry as I was in line outside the consulate gates. They found my name and I went my way as a US citizen, parted with my phone, for my passport renewal. The check in process was smooth and fast. The wait, however, to go through my passport renewal was LONGGGG. So, bring reading material. There's no CNN to watch, no technology to play with, nothing but crying babies and monotony. I had my passport renewed before a holiday, and they got it done and ready within 3 days post holiday, so about 1 week. I didn't pay for the expedited service. Thumbs up. I'd go back there for additional visa pages. ps - I heard them interviewing a new citizen's parents (baby born in the States). Cute process. Parents are waiting to be permanent residents but the baby was already ahead of the game. Last, I have NO IDEA why Yelp categorized this as IT support ?!

I have heard that Consulate General of the US can be a pain in the arse. But my experience was complete the opposite. As long as you read all the rules, you are okay. First, no walk-in. You have to make online appointment for any purpose. Most of the people come for the US travel/working visa, and it shouldn't be hard for you to find the relevant information on their website and apply for a time slot. If you have all the documents ready, and have paid all the fee, you should be completely fine. Print and bring your appointment confirmation, and the security guard will let you in. Don't start a drama with the guard like some of the Mainland Chinese did. Again, rules are rules. They make it easier with the security (and probably helps improving the efficiency) by having some of the counters outside of the actual building. Some may complain about the weather, but that's just non-sense, as it's relatively quick, compared with almost ANY other queue applying for a visa. If it went well, you can then proceed to the interview with the consular officer inside the building. No phone, weapons, nor other dangerous goods. That was another queue there, again some complained about the time, but the staff patiently explained to them that it's the holiday and people tended to apply the visa at the very last minute. Anyway, during the time I waited for my turn, I observed how it went other people. Some took considerably longer time, some couldn't even speak English. Well, to my surprise, the consular officers were pretty fluent in Mandarin! That earned the respects from me (and stood up the whole time they were at the counter too, no seating). So yeah, it was my turn and I expected to have like a dozen questions coming to me and I might not even get approved for the visa. But I got two questions, and my visa was approved right away. Well, guess I didn't look like I was going to move to the US any soon. But hey, whoever in the US could hit me up from now on!