7 August: Get to Kyrgyzstan consulate in Almaty at 12:45, left it a bit late I know, but sign says 'Receipt of Documents 10:00 - 13:00' so should be OK. Security guard says it's closed; lunchtime. Point to sign and the time, no difference, they are all at lunch. Try to get him to at least confirm I can drop off docs this afternoon, even though sign says 'Collection of document 15:00 - 16:00'. Yes will be ok.Back at 15:00, bit of a queue and get in after maybe 30 minutes. 'Come back tomorrow, visa requests only in morning, can't do it this afternoon'; 'But I was here this morning before 1300', I explain, 'No, tomorrow morning'; 'But I was here before 1300, you closed early, why can't I just drop these off now?; 'Come back tomorrow' is the continuous reply. Not wanting to endanger my chances of getting the visa later, I slope off and then have a rant once I am outside of the gates !
9 August: Arrive at 11:30ish today, 5 people ahead of me, takes less than 10 minutes to get in and less than a minute once I am inside. But have to wait until 15 August to collect !
15 August: No queue, no waiting, 40 dollars and I have my visa :-)
Time to Process: 6 days (incl weekend), slow.
Total Time Spent: About 1 hour plus lots of travel time there and back.
Price: $ 40
Summary: Another success and an easy, painless process if you get there at the right time.
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