In most countries this is painless, quick and orderly. Not here. Even with all the paperwork filled in on the flight, the correct money (US$ 20/person) and a single photo, the saga to obtain your entry visa (tourist) is a huge scrum of pot luck.
Coming down the stairs you are confronted with the January sales and milling masses being corralled into chaotic "queues" by airport staff who don't seem to understand the concept of orderly lines.
Anyway, once you scrimmage to the front and offer up your documents, you then go to the other end of the hall and assume you have to queue there too. You don't- just get within ear shot of the last official who calls out your name when he gets your passport and visa. It's all a case of as and when and even if you handed the docs in first, there is no certainty they will follow you in order.
They must employ at least a dozen pen pushers to process your application and your passport quite literally gets passed from one person to the next, who all add something important to the procedure, no doubt. Eventually, once everyone has had their input you will hear a mangled version of your name (if you're close enough- good tip, don't queue at the back, simply pile down to the front) and once you cross their palm with silver, they will release your paperwork back to you and you can clear passport control and customs.
Allow half and hour and you'll be fine- and don't get stressed, it's just a game. :o)
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