dpnce

27 minutes ago, zrdn2019 said:

You saw a direct flight from Zagreb to Florida? 😮 On what airline?

 

Regarding Turkey, I don't know what the deal is. I see international flights posted for Turkish Airlines after May 28, but then I read that Turkey plans to re-start air travel to 19 countries, and the US is NOT one of those 19 countries. So I'm thoroughly confused.

https://www.trtworld.com/turkey/turkish-airlines-plans-to-resume-limited-number-of-flights-in-june-36064

I had seen some direct flights with Turkish Airlines but I have just double checked and all of them go through Istanbul. Which is weird because like you said, the US is not part of the 19 countries where they plan to resume flights for now.

I was probably tired and my brain decided to “see” what he wanted ☹️

Apologies for the confusion, will pay attention to that next time! 

7 minutes ago, Leah88 said:

Yeah so I’m definitely traveling to Mexico in June! Getting excited right now! And booked a hotel. 

Good luck and safe travels! 

16 minutes ago, dpnce said:

Hello! 

 

For those who have been contemplating Croatia to then fly to the US, I have found some info on the website of the US Embassy in Zagreb. Apparently the entrance restriction is currently in effect through June 15 but "If you need to transit through or travel to Croatia, please send an email to the Croatian Ministry of Interior Border Police at uzg.covid@mup.hr to learn whether you are eligible to enter Croatia."

Additionally, "If you are permitted entry, any foreign nationals, including U.S. citizens, traveling to Croatia may be ordered to self-isolate or spend 14 days in official government quarantine facilities. Placement in quarantine is at the expense of the traveler."

https://hr.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information-2/

 

Saw some direct flights to Florida (and other with a layover in Istanbul) from the Zagreb airport as of beginning of June. I am going to send them an email just to check if they would allow EU nationals with valid US visas enter, stay there 14 days as per the quarantine guidelines, and then fly to the US. I will keep you posted! 

I could not edit my post earlier but as a side (and very important note), I think I will start making plans only after next week. Next week (on May 21?) is supposed to be when the EO will be revised. Within 30 days of the effective date, the EO requires that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Department of Labor review nonimmigrant programs and recommend President Trump appropriate measures to “stimulate the U.S. economy and ensure the prioritization, hiring and employment of United States workers.”   https://www.foley.com/en/insights/publications/2020/04/summary-executive-order-suspending-immigration-us

Not sure if K1 visa holders will be exempt so to be on the safe side and given the high stakes, I would rather wait for any further clarifications on this. 

Hello! 

For those who have been contemplating Croatia to then fly to the US, I have found some info on the website of the US Embassy in Zagreb. Apparently the entrance restriction is currently in effect through June 15 but "If you need to transit through or travel to Croatia, please send an email to the Croatian Ministry of Interior Border Police at uzg.covid@mup.hr to learn whether you are eligible to enter Croatia."

Additionally, "If you are permitted entry, any foreign nationals, including U.S. citizens, traveling to Croatia may be ordered to self-isolate or spend 14 days in official government quarantine facilities. Placement in quarantine is at the expense of the traveler."

https://hr.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information-2/

Saw some direct flights to Florida (and other with a layover in Istanbul) from the Zagreb airport as of beginning of June. I am going to send them an email just to check if they would allow EU nationals with valid US visas enter, stay there 14 days as per the quarantine guidelines, and then fly to the US. I will keep you posted! 

23 hours ago, zrdn2019 said:

Hi—because as of right now, the only international flight out of Croatia is a once-daily flight to Frankfurt. We were assuming that transferring planes in Frankfurt would be considered being in the Schengen area, in the eyes of the CBP agent deciding whether or not to let him into the US. 

Hello, not sure if this can help but there are some flights from Zagreb to Miami as of beginning of June (some are direct and some have layovers in Istanbul). Maybe flying to Miami and then change flights once in the US could be an option for you? 

20 hours ago, jvette said:

 

Just an FYI I read about someone else trying to go through Croatia on another thread and they were only able to find one flight which unfortunately had a layover in Frankfurt 😕 

I have seen some direct flights to Miami from Zagreb with Turkish Airlines, I guess the routes depend on the US destination? 

Will double check later if there are any changes, thank you for the information  

52 minutes ago, Deoiel said:

I got an answer from the CDC!

 

What do you guys think? The end looks pretty optimistic for us 😊🤔

The last part of the email looks a bit positive, although the rest of the email not so much. 

Thank you for sharing! At least we are more than clear about this waiver part now  

1 hour ago, geowrian said:

And leave.

Ad have flights to leave.

Oops forgot go mention that 😂 very true! 

3 hours ago, TiEy said:

I so much regret applying for the K1 visa and not the spousal visa. It is being grossly discriminated, in my opinion. God alone knows when I will see my fiance again. So frustrating.

I feel the same way, long-distance relationship is already challenging and on top of that, we have to deal with this ban.

I still believe love is stronger, we will find a way to go through these tough times! 

19 hours ago, Prizm123 said:

are you able to stay somewhere for 14 days? financially? you might be able to go via Ireland or Croatia or one of the non shengen countries?

Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area but was later added (on March 17) to the restricted countries  

Croatia sounds like a good idea, I would just need to check beforehand if France would allow me to go there, and if Croatia would allow me to enter. Thanks a lot for the suggestion Prizm123! 

10 minutes ago, geowrian said:

It's the "hail mary" type of case that lets them grant additional exclusions on a case by case basis. One can certainly request it, but it would need to be alongside something that differentiates one's case from others impacted by the category. Even then, the hard part is getting it in front of somebody with access to those individuals who can grant it.

They give no clear info on obtain additional exclusion but I guess this is part of the game. It appears to be a “hail mary” - thanks for this new term by the way - type of case just like you said.

Thank you very much for your comments!

37 minutes ago, Leah88 said:

Hi! I send an email to the embassy in Frankfurt, Germany, with that exact statement, and told them that I passed my medical and have never had or known anyone with covid 19, therefore, I feel like I should be able to travel to the US with my K1 Visa. They said that unfortunately, I am not excluded from the travel ban. I see it the exact same way, however, they don’t and they make the rules...

Hi Leah,

Thank you for your inputs. The medical exam was made before the proclamation and this one is specifically related to Covid-19 so I am afraid it is irrelevant here :(  

The provision (ix) explicitly refers to “the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Homeland Security, or their designees” and I am assuming the Consulates are not part of such “designees”. From my understanding, only those authorities may grant an exemption

2 hours ago, geowrian said:

I'm pretty sure they don't allow threatening people (at least knowingly) already.

The issue is not flights but a ban on anybody that has been in certain regions within the past 14 days.

Thank you again for your inputs geowrian!

I am curious, does this exemption in the provisions of the Schengen travel ban have ever been discussed in the forum?

If I am not mistaken, I remember someone said it would be difficult, if not impossible to obtain something from the mentioned authorities with regard to the proof of not posing such “significant risk of introducing, transmitting (...)”. 

This is confusing, and I am not sure if I interpreted this part correctly. Any guidance/further inputs would be highly appreciated:)

1 hour ago, JeanneAdil said:

As for letter to White House it would pack more power if written by the USC  

and they do get answered (in time)  / a polite letter saying "we know all are concerned with the immigration issues"  

but letters (from as many that will write does impact knowing USC are not happy / this is an election year 

USC should send them to Senator and Representative also / let them all know your feelings on the K1 issue

Apparently my fiancé’s dad is friends with the Senator, we will try to explore this option without “jeopardizing” their relationship nor our case.

Thank you Jeanne! I appreciate your help and guidance on this.

3 hours ago, Ela S. said:

Hi!! I understand people’s concern regarding Mexico’s safety because I was also hesitant at first, but I’m staying in a pretty nice area and the streets are super quiet and peaceful. Of course, I’m barely leaving the place at all. If anyone decides to go I can help with choosing the right neighborhoods as I’ve visited quite a few with the family friend I’m staying with. To my surprise, Mexico city seems safer than I thought of course, if you know what neighborhoods to be in

2 hours ago, Ela S. said:

Note that the reason I chose Mexico City was because I think the capital city has better connections to US cities but I’m sure vacation spots like Cancún can be safe too, just not sure about connections

Hi Ela!!

Thank you so much for your inputs. I tried to research a little bit but it seems like the information online is sometimes not up-to-date.

I saw that you booked a hotel with your fiancé; did you know before flying that this one was open or did you book it once in Mexico? Are those around the airport among the “right” ones? Some of them seem to be expensive but if it’s worth it, “when it comes to love you don’t count the cost”...!

I am very excited for you and like I said, will be closely following your adventures 😀

4 hours ago, michel007 said:

No idea about the real restrictions in France, but the air traffic is not closed. You have regular flights from Paris to USA.

Thank you Michel, 

Air traffic is indeed not closed, only the Schengen travel ban is preventing us from flying to the US

2 hours ago, Deoiel said:

Hello!

 

Same situation here. I was supposed to move out in march from France, resigned and left my appartment... Only to get stuck because of the travel ban!

 

I sent an email to the White House but also to Mr. Azar, the Secretary of HHS and another email to the CDC, hoping that maybe they would consider allowing some non-threatening people in the USA...

 

So far I got no answer! I'm considering moving for 15 days in another country exempt from the travel ban but Mexico sounds scary plus my fiancé is against that idea. 

 

Eventually Canada if they decide to reopen their borders with Europe by the end of May... 🇨🇦

 

My visa expires at the end of July so we'll have to take a decision before that!

 

Let's start a petition 👀

Thank you Deoiel, “glad” to see we are in the same boat. 

Canada is indeed a good option, but only provided they open their borders soon. 

That’s not a bad idea! Do you think a petition could work? 

8 minutes ago, sl1pstream said:

I feel like it's going to be at least a few more months before anything reopens. September, maybe. Not before the end of the year if countries follow Australia's example.

 

I don't think contacting the White House, or any other government organization, is going to do much. A quick Google search on Stephen Miller and Immigration will end that hope real quick.

 

Thank you sl1pstream! 

I also feel like September is a “maybe” and as days pass, that it is not likely to happen before the beginning of next year for the US. 

Contacting the White House was one of the only remaining things we could do for now - after all, if you don’t try, you’ll never know? - although I am definitely familiar with the name of the Mister you just mentioned! He is one of the reasons why I am not currently being such optimistic.

Sounds like @geowrian’ suggestion is my best option

2 minutes ago, geowrian said:

Gotcha. Yeah, travel elsewhere is certainly an option if you can find somewhere that both isn't banned (or likely to be so soon) and has reliable flights in/out (likely the bigger issue).

Good luck!

Definitely hoping some regions will ease their entry restrictions by the end of May/beginning of June...! Thank you:)

7 minutes ago, geowrian said:

Any way you can travel to a non-banned region for 14+ days? Then you can go to the US fine.

Hey geowrian,

Definitely thought Mexico, just like Ms. Ela S., since French citizens are banned from most of the countries! 

Thought also about the French caribbean islands but entry is very limited over there (for family-related or business reasons) 

Hi everyone!

I have been visiting the forum for the last couple of months, closely monitoring the topics about any (good) ones regarding K-1 visas holders. 

From my end, I received my K-1 visa mi-March but like many others, I am currently stuck in France due to the travel ban over the Schengen area. No need to say this is very heartbreaking, especially when the last time my fiancé and I could see each other was last December. 

Since I initially planned to reunite with him end of April, I had resigned from my job position accordingly. As a result, I am now unemployed, far away from my family who lives in French overseas territories, and I am assuming you know how stressful the situation is.

I do not want to be pessimistic, and at the same time, I feel like it does not seem like the Schengen travel ban will be lifted anytime soon. I think we can agree that one of the worst things currently is to feel/be powerless? 

I have dropped an email to the White House (via their website contact form), letting them know about my current situation while being aware of the ins and outs/what is at stake, and hoping they could reconsider K-1 visa holders entry in regards to the travel ban. I am aware there is an ongoing petition on the forum for K-1 visa holders but this one is only regarding the EO, doesn’t it? 

I do not count on any reply from the WH, I just hope they would at least have a look at my email... 😞

I would be curious if any of you have also thought about doing this? 

In the meantime, I will be closely following Ms. Ela S. adventures as I am definitely contemplating the same option, before the expiration date of my visa. 

Stay safe, take care and hopefully we will be able to see our loved ones soon...!