Yes.

For more detailed information on the process, visit the U.S. State Department’s Passport Page: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html

Here’s a guide for players and their families in the Raleigh area to obtain or renew their passports and apply for visas for China.

Step 1: Obtaining or Renewing a U.S. Passport

How to Apply for a Passport:

1. Fill Out the Form:   

- First-Time Applicants: Complete Form DS-11. You can find it online at the U.S. State Department’s website or pick one up at a local acceptance facility (listed below).   

- Renewals: If renewing a passport, complete Form DS-82.

2. Gather Required Documents:   

- Proof of U.S. Citizenship: Birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or an expired passport.   

- Proof of Identity: Valid driver’s license, military ID, or other government-issued ID.   

- Passport Photo: A recent passport-sized photo (2 x 2 inches). These can be taken at many local pharmacies, including Walgreens and CVS.

3. Submit the Application:   

- First-Time Applicants: Must apply in person at a local passport acceptance facility.     

- In Raleigh, some options include:       

- Wake County Register of Deeds Office 

Address: 300 S Salisbury St, Raleigh, NC 27601 

Phone: (919) 856-5460       

- USPS - Raleigh Main Post Office 

Address: 1 Floretta Pl, Raleigh, NC 27676

Phone: (919) 420-5230   

- Renewals: Can be done by mail if eligible (check eligibility on the State Department website).

4. Pay Fees:   

- Adults (16+ years): $130 for a passport book. There’s an additional $35 acceptance fee if applying in person.   

- Minors (Under 16): $100 for a passport book plus the $35 acceptance fee.   

- Expedited Service: Add $60 for faster processing (4-6 weeks instead of the standard 8-11 weeks).

5. Track Your Application:    - Visit the [State Department’s website](https://travel.state.gov) to track your passport status.

For more detailed information on the process, visit the Chinese Embassy's Visa Information Page: http://us.china-embassy.gov.cn/visas/

Who Needs a Visa: All U.S. citizens traveling to China must apply for a visa before departure

How to Apply for a Chinese Visa:

1. Determine the Visa Type:   

- Tourist (L) Visa: This is the most common visa for short-term stays, including participation in sports events like this cultural exchange.

2. Fill Out the Application:   

- Complete the Chinese Visa Application Form online. You can find it on the Chinese embassy or consulate's official website.   

- Be sure to select Tourist (L) Visa for a standard tourist visit.

3. Gather Required Documents:   

- Valid U.S. Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the planned stay in China.   

- Visa Application Form: Print the completed application form.   

- Recent Passport Photo: One passport-sized photo (2 x 2 inches).   

- Travel Itinerary: Provide details of your flights to and from China.   

- Invitation Letter (if required): While not always necessary for tourist visas, some sports trips may require an official invitation letter from the organization in China.

4. Submit Your Application:   

- In-Person at the Consulate: The nearest Chinese consulate for Raleigh residents is the Chinese Consulate General in Washington D.C. (as there’s no consulate in North Carolina).     

Address: 2201 Wisconsin Ave NW Suite 110, Washington, D.C. 20007     

Phone: (202) 338-6688   

- Through a Visa Agency: If visiting Washington D.C. is not convenient, you can use a third-party visa service such as Travisa or CIBT Visas, which can handle the application on your behalf.

5. Visa Processing Time:   

- Standard processing takes 4-5 business days.

- Expedited service is available for an additional fee, typically processed within 2-3 business days.

6. Visa Fees:   

- Single Entry Tourist Visa: $140 for U.S. citizens.   

- Additional Fees for Expedited Processing: Depending on the agency or consulate.