Lskifghj

Took a nap, as i'm pretty exhausted from all this and have been barely sleeping.
 
@Ela S. @Kaatje Yes, if and when I try this journey again I will be leaving from London. I would suggest anyone leaving the UK to go there and not risk any other airport.
 
@Ja3germeister Thanks for sharing the email. I had a very similar email from the Mexican Consulate in London saying virtually the same thing that I showed to them at the airport. Didn't matter much to them. I tried my best to be let through and boarded, but when they say "no", there's not much else you can do except keep trying and keep being told "no".
 
@RD7712 Yes, absolutely 100% DO NOT GO VIA MANCHESTER AIRPORT. Do whatever it takes to get to London and depart to AMS from there.
 
@LskifghjI told/showed them my K1 visa, and explained and provided evidence that I had contacted the Mexican and US authorities who told me I can do it. Explained that I was staying at a friends apartment and provided contact information. I showed evidence of my flight out of Mexico after 15 days. I never once mentioned tourism, but that's what they were labeling the purpose of my travel no matter what I did or said to support my reasons for travel.
 
I'm certain from @Smokey Bear's story that I would have been allowed entry into Mexico if they'd have let me on. 

Greetings!
 
I wont bore you all with the details, but I am sat in an Air BnB in MC now. I flew LHR-AMS at 1030 - I was asked simple questions at luggage drop off and was told there are no resrictions in Mexico itself. Anyway - waited in Terminal 2 and had to fill out a Dutch Health form. This was moot for me as I am transitiing, but you have to fill it out. If stopping in NL thebn you hand it in. LHR - all shops bar WHSmiths are shut.
 
In NL, all shops were open (not bars), I got Mexican cash no issue. Grabbed a beer and waited.
 
Flight was very full - left on time, landed on time. Limited service on plane. You must wear a mask at all times.
You need to fill out a MX health form and immigration form (both parts).
 
Luggage was passed straight through I didnbt see it in NL.
 
At immigration, it took mayve 30 mins. Was asked if I was on vacation, I replied and said I am seeing friends. He looked at passport, stamped it, took health form, took slip off immigration form, (you keep the smaller part) and away I went.
 
Then waited for bag, took 5 mins. Scanned bags on xrays. They wanted to know why I had 2 laptops - one work one mine and said I should pay duty on the second as Mexico only allows 1 laptop imported. But he waved me on.
 
I tried to use Uber but the was no GPS, so I went ot a Taxi booth in airport, following the signbs. Booked a taxi , pre-paid and then after 10 mins was at BnB met by host and my 26 hour journey was over.
 
Happy to answer any questions - as I wait this out.
 
Thanks for reading!
 
SB
 

Ok...let me tell you what's been happening today.
 
I arrived back at Manchester airport this morning at 7:00am with all my evidence for travel being open to Mexico. I spoke with the KLM representative about what happened yesterday. They were understanding, and could see that I had the evidence to show. The person I spoke with yesterday was not there, but they said they'd contact them today about what happened, as one of the big problems was that my booking had no notes on it about refunding my ticket (like they told me it would.) They checked my booking and amended the note about the refund. I was then able to get their personal number, and couldn't do much but wait back home when they knew more from the person yesterday who wasn't there now.
 
A few hours pass, and I get a call from them saying that the reason I can't travel is this email update KLM have supposedly received from "immigration" (unspecified). I asked for a copy of this email, which they only allowed a short portion of as it's an "internal email" blah...
 
Here's what it said:
 
 
"  Dear [name]
According to immigration, they state the following:
 
·         The country is not open for tourism 
·         A select number of hotels are open for essential guest (like our crew hotels)
·         Passengers do not have enough documentation to prove the purpose of their stay in MEX

According to this message from the Mexican immigration, if there is a passenger travelling for tourism purposes they would be refused.
Your travel with KLM would be classified as tourism. This is due to you staying in Mexico for at least 14 days before continuing your journey. Hence your reason for travel would not be valid to enter Mexico.
I hope this helps. 
Kind regards
[name]   "
 
Confusion is all I feel at this point. I am literally holding the information saying the country is open for tourism. I have accommodation through a friend's personal apartment, not a hotel. I have the K1 visa and flight out of Mexico booked along with a lot evidence from consulates, embassy's etc. What on earth is going on??
 
I call KLM again. Eventually get through to someone and first explain the refund and guess what? Again, no notes on the booking stating a full refund. I have a recording of my phone conversation saying that I can...but anyway....I give KLM the phone number they gave me at Manchester airport and who to talk with. They call them. After a while on hold again, they confirm that I am getting a refund (it's processing, so let's wait and see how successful that is, but I got a confirmation email).
 
Ok, so hopefully that's sorted out, but what about the Mexico travel situation that they're talking about in this email? I ask about that, and the response is one gigantic confusing mess. To sum up: they say it would be the airport's policy on restricting the travel...except the airport told me to call KLM who tell me to ask the airport who tell me to ask KLM...around and around in circles I go. I try to get some form of official statement from them, which they can't do. They suggest I write to them requesting something like that...
 
This is ridiculous. Nobody has any idea what's going on at all and nobody can help me. I'm certain this mysterious email is not real. It's not truthful to the immigration laws in Mexico.
 
Moreover, I see how @Kaatje's partner had the same journey successfully? I'm happy for them, but where's the consistency of information? The only real difference I can see is Manchester Airport being brainless...but with this email from supposed "immigration" within KLM I have no idea what to think anymore.
 
Where my thinking is at now: pray that UK > US borders open soon as implied here or book another flight to Mexico some other time but 100% NOT from Manchester. Either London or finding an alternate route to Amsterdam if I can....
 
I just want to be with my fiancee, I miss her so much.

Awesome!
I guess we will find out more details soon.

Awesome!
I guess we will find out more details soon.

It's actually @Smokey Bearfrom VJ. He has trouble logging on, some password issue. Hopefully he'll be able to log on soon and report about his journey himself 🙂
 

I read it too!!! Just wondering, did I understand that last paragraph correctly - As to the U.K. there’s even talk of Americans dodging the British quarantine on arrival. With a bilateral deal to enable people to travel between the two over coming weeks. The exemption is yet to be announced however, with the quarantine measures starting on June 8.
 
would that mean, I could travel to the UK, quarantine there and fly to the US?? Or is it just me and wishful thinking?! 🙈🐥

YESSS!!! Amazing news! For him and for us. Yes if you could describe the entire process at the airport that would be much appreciated

There’s hope everyone! Europe travel ban might be lifted soon 
 
US Travel, Great News: Trump Says Europe Arrivals Soon Welcome
 
https://apple.news/Anpf7z4B7RCqOMT7ou430Lg
 
U.S. travel will soon be possible for some travelers from Europe says Donald Trump. President Trump says the U.S. plans to “open up” to travelers arriving from low-risk countries in Europe and elsewhere. This means many Europeans may soon be able to plan American vacations or business trips.
Trump’s travel ban has put a block on all travelers coming from 26 European countries as well as the U.K. and Ireland since March 13. Not just European citizens and residents, but anyone who has set foot in those places in the previous fortnight.
Speaking of the new Brazil flight ban on Wednesday, President Trump indicated the Europe travel restrictions will soon ease. At least for some arrivals. Travelers coming from countries with low Covid-19 risk profiles will be given the green light first he hinted.
“Certain announcements on countries including Europe” are to come Trump said. “Where they’re starting to make progress we’ll open it up. But only where they’re making progress ... They’re making some good progress. So are we.”
 
First unfurled for a 30 day period, then extended indefinitely, the ban has stopped hundreds of thousands of travelers in Europe from visiting America for leisure, work or family reasons. At the same it’s complicated the lives of many people who have a transatlantic existence. Though don’t necessarily have double citizenship or permanent residency.
The idea was to prevent travelers coming into the U.S. from Covid-19 hotspots. Which Europe was at the time. Now with travel restrictions across Europe tumbling to make way for summer tourism, it’s only natural the U.S. looks to easing the rules, and rekindling Europe flights.
It won’t necessarily be reciprocal. While Europe’s internal border controls are ending, there is still doubt as to whether the EU’s external borders will open to foreigners on June 15. Given the U.S. is seen as a high-risk country, some European states don’t plan to allow American tourists at the outset as they open up to tourism. Others are yet to give details.
As to the U.K. there’s even talk of Americans dodging the British quarantine on arrival. With a bilateral deal to enable people to travel between the two over coming weeks. The exemption is yet to be announced however, with the quarantine measures starting on June 8.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is preparing some domestic offices to reopen and resume non-emergency public services on or after June 4. On March 18, USCIS temporarily suspended routine in-person services at its field offices, asylum offices and application support centers (ASCs) to help slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). USCIS is following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines to protect our workforce and the public. For the latest information on the status of individual offices, check our office closures page.
 
While certain offices are temporarily closed, USCIS continues to provide limited emergency in-person services. Please call the USCIS Contact Center for assistance with emergency services.
As services begin to reopen, offices will reduce the number of appointments and interviews to ensure social distancing, allow time for cleaning and reduce waiting room occupancy. Appointment notices will contain information on safety precautions that visitors to USCIS facilities must follow.
 
If you are feeling sick, please do not go to your appointment. Follow the instructions on your appointment notice to reschedule your appointment for when you are healthy. There is no penalty for rescheduling your appointment if you are sick.
Asylum Offices
USCIS asylum offices will automatically reschedule asylum interviews that were cancelled during the temporary closures. When USCIS reschedules the interview, asylum applicants will receive a new interview notice with the new time, date and location for the interview and information about safety precautions.
 
In accordance with social distancing guidelines, and due to the length of asylum interviews, asylum offices expect to conduct video-facilitated asylum interviews, where the applicants sit in one room and the interviewing officer sits in another room. Asylum offices will use available technology, including mobile devices provided by the agency, to ensure that the officer, applicant, interpreter and representative can fully and safely participate in the interview while maintaining social distancing.
 
For affirmative asylum interviews, applicants must bring all immediate family members listed as dependents on the application and an interpreter, if the applicant does not speak English.  Additionally, a representative, witness, individual providing disability accommodations or “trusted adult” if an applicant is a minor, may attend the interview.
 
For non-detained credible or reasonable fear interviews, individuals must bring any family members listed on the interview notice. Representatives may attend credible and reasonable fear interviews but are encouraged to participate telephonically. USCIS will provide contracted, professional interpreters for credible and reasonable fear interviews.
Naturalization Ceremonies
USCIS will send notices to applicants to reschedule postponed naturalization ceremonies. The ceremonies may be shorter to limit exposure to those in attendance. Instead of playing videos during naturalization ceremonies, attendees will receive a flyer with information and links directing them to the videos on the USCIS website. Under the shortened format, all legally required portions of the ceremony will take place.
 
Attendance is limited to the naturalization candidate and individuals providing assistance to disabled persons.
Interviews and Appointments
USCIS will send notices to applicants and petitioners with previously scheduled appointments and interviews. Those attending appointments should follow the safety guidelines outlined below.
Those who had other appointments must reschedule through the USCIS Contact Center once field offices are open to the public. Please check our office closure page to see if your respective office has been reopened before calling the Contact Center.  
 
Visitors are limited to the applicant, one representative, one family member and one individual providing disability accommodations. The applicant should arrange to have their interpreter available by phone. 
Application Support Centers
USCIS will automatically reschedule any necessary ASC appointments that were cancelled due to the temporary office closure. Individuals will receive a new appointment letter in the mail with specific safety requirements. Individuals who appear at a date or time other than what is listed on the ASC appointment notice may encounter significant processing delays, except for military members. 
Guidelines for Entering USCIS Facilities
Visitors may not enter a USCIS facility if they: Have any symptoms of COVID-19, including cough, fever or difficulty breathing; Have been in close contact with anyone known or suspected to have COVID-19 in the last 14 days; or Have been individually directed to self-quarantine or self-isolate by a health care provider or public health official within the last 14 days. Visitors may not enter the facility more than 15 minutes prior to their appointment (30 minutes for naturalization ceremonies). Hand sanitizer will be provided for visitors at entry points.  Members of the public must wear facial coverings that cover both the mouth and nose when entering facilities. Visitors may be directed to briefly remove their face covering to confirm identity or take their photograph. There will be markings and physical barriers in the facility; visitors should pay close attention to these signs to ensure they follow social distancing guidelines. Individuals are encouraged to bring their own black or blue ink pens.
  More information on visiting USCIS facilities can be found at uscis.gov/visitorpolicy.
Please also visit uscis.gov/coronavirus for updates.

About 4 more hours before he lands.

what kind of...no, you know what? I'm very used to the world being this incompetent by now. I hope the one Mexican dude that knew javascript in 2005 got paid well when he made this website.
 
Here's the image for anyone else looking:
 

I'm right there with you. My fiance's k-1 expires June 21. I've accepted the reality that it's going to expire, and my worry now has shifted to what we will have to go through to get a new one issued to him. I have no idea what to expect.

That's why I decided to do the Mexico way. I'm just so worried Trump will put some more 'stop the immigration' measures in place like he did with the Executive order and maybe make a visa re-issue not possible.... And maybe nothing like that will happen, but with this president you just can't tell.....😟

To travel with a checked bag is to talk with the check in staff. Avoid talking to these people at all cost. Nothing to check in? Boarding card printed? Health forms printed, filled out and signed? You'll likely go straight through to security.
 
Worst case scenario: security tells you to go talk with the check in people first, but if you have everything ready there's no need.
 
The reason I played by the rules was that I expected some form of approval or screening at check in. Nope. Avoid, avoid, avoid! Just go to security with your carry on and be prepared to be questioned at the gate. 

UPDATE
 
I spoke with KLM on the phone like they recommended I should do when I got rejected at check in (their hold music is awful, was on hold for about 40 min). They informed me that I was put down as a "no show" and no notes were made on my booking despite the fact that I specifically asking if they could do that, which they said they did....sooooo yeah nice one KLM....
 
I traveled back to the airport just now to see if anyone could help me. After dodging a disgusting guy spitting next to my car (yes, seriously), I managed to speak with somebody at a check in desk (not KLM).
 
After talking with them about my situation, I'm going back again tomorrow morning to see if I can:
1: Get them to fix my booking status from today to give me a chance for a refund
2: Get confirmation from them that I can fly to mexico...go Giga-Karen mode and speak to Mr KLM himself if I must.
3: Try to get them to change my booking to the next flight to Mexico (this Saturday).
 
To anyone reading my posts who have had their nerves skyrocket; here is my advice unto you if you're worried:
 
PACK LIGHT
Make sure you meet KLM's 12kg allowance and size restrictions (or whatever your airline is). Don't have any checked bags.
 
CHECK IN ONLINE, PRINT OUT YOUR BOARDING CARD
This was my big mistake...I believe I could have bypassed talking to the check in people and gone straight through security, as I had my boarding card printed already. I would have definitely been questioned at the gate or elsewhere, but I think it's a risk worth taking to avoid the uninformed check in staff.  It's a little risky, but you'll be closer to your goal.
 
PRINT OUT AND FILL OUT THE HEALTH FORM
Download it here print out for each flight you're taking if connecting. This is for KLM only, but you might be able to find something similar for other airlines.
 
IF THEY TELL YOU THAT YOU CAN'T FLY....JUST REMEMBER KLM (KAREN LIVES MATTER) AND ASK TO SPEAK TO THE MANAGER
No guarantees, but don't accept what they say. If they've already spoken to them on the phone, demand to speak to the manager in person.
 
GATHER ALL THE EVIDENCE AND DOCUMENTATION YOU CAN PROVING THAT YOU CAN TRAVEL
Didn't help me out much, but it's worth having.
 
Good luck
 
 

I checked the Mexican immigration, embassy, consulate websites and didn’t see that info. They all still say tourists can travel to Mexico without restrictions and they’re about to open back up. This is strange. Last weekend they did extend land border restrictions though. Maybe the folks you spoke with have no clue. 

I checked the Mexican immigration, embassy, consulate websites and didn’t see that info. They all still say tourists can travel to Mexico without restrictions and they’re about to open back up. This is strange. Last weekend they did extend land border restrictions though. Maybe the folks you spoke with have no clue. 

I checked the Mexican immigration, embassy, consulate websites and didn’t see that info. They all still say tourists can travel to Mexico without restrictions and they’re about to open back up. This is strange. Last weekend they did extend land border restrictions though. Maybe the folks you spoke with have no clue. 

I think what I'm going to do now is wait and try this again end of July / start of August and try to accumulate some (even more) impressive, official looking documentation saying it's good. My visa expires 2nd Sept, so I have time on my side for now.
 
I'm disappointed, but at least I can say I tried.

Possibly, but I doubt it. I was checked in, had a seat reserved and arrived very early.
 
The main lines they told me were:
"They had an update from Mexico immigration over the weekend not allowing any non-essential travel"
"There's been too many people sent back from Mexico already"
"The K1 visa doesn't convince the Mexican authorities of anything"

Hi, everyone. I've been monitoring this thread very closely for quite some time and want to share some vital new information on the Mexico travel route that people with a K1 visa are considering.
 
As I type this, I am literally just back from the airport.
 
Long story short: KLM DIDN'T ALLOW ME TO BOARD THE FLIGHT. My planned route was Manchester (UK) > AMS > MEX and after trying my best and talking with them for around 1hr 30min, they didn't allow me through.
 
Here's what I experienced at check in:
I arrived super early, as I guessed something like this would happen; needing a discussion.
I explained what my plans were. I showed them the K1 visa in my passport and two emails I received from the Mexican consulate in the UK saying I can travel and an email from CBP (bit of a copy paste job from them...).
I had a flight booked from Mexico to the US for 12th June (to Oakland, CA), which I showed them the conformation for.
The lady at check-in was very nice about it, but was talking with her colleagues about the validity of my travel. They weren't sure what was allowed, despite me explaining the situation.
They called up Amsterdam airport to talk with somebody who handles immigration for KLM and explained the situation.
THIS IS THE IMPORTANT PART: OVER THE WEEKEND, THEY HAD AN UPDATE FROM THE MEXICAN IMMIGRATION AUTHORITY ON WHAT CONSTITUTES AS NON-ESSENTIAL TRAVEL. ACCORDING TO THEM, THIS UPDAT STATED THAT STAYING IN MEXICO FOR THE 14 DAY PERIOD BEFORE TRAVELING TO THE USA IS NOT ALLOWED AND NOT CONSIDERED ESSENTIAL.
Sadly, this option doesn't seem like a possibility anymore.
They really tried to help me. They sent a photo of my K1 to Amsterdam and even suggested a direct flight to the USA might work...but another call to KLM immigration in Amsterdam told us that this wasn't enough for entry either.
 
So, I'm back where I started. I can at least say that I tried. My visa expires in 2nd Sept, so my best hope is for flights to resume before then. Past that, hopefully a re-issuance is successful.
 
I understand that this might be frustrating for those with things booked like I did, but I hope it can help somebody out.
 
Attached is proof of my tickets [PERSONAL INFO REDACTED] if you needed to see that I'm very serious about this.
 
My boarding pass from MAN > AMS > MEX

 
My flight confirmation from MEX > USA

 
My email from the Mexico consulate

 
My email from CBP

 
(Oh, and consider my username ironic now...I made it a few days ago hoping the provide an update from journey to Mexico.)
 
Good luck, everyone.
 

I will book the hotel in Cancun tomorrow do you already know where you are staying?

That's great! You mentioned before that it works for ESTAs, too. Would you know anyone that did that?

I have the same exact dates planned !!!! So cool we’re are you staying in Cancun?