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dpnce

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  1. Like
    dpnce reacted to opcav in Has Anyone Left Europe's Schengen Area for 14 Days to Then Enter USA?   
    My fiancé is also from France and will be in MEX if you need a contact or anything. His flight is Friday!
  2. Like
    dpnce reacted to RD7712 in Has Anyone Left Europe's Schengen Area for 14 Days to Then Enter USA?   
    For those of us flying this week to Mexico, there is a chance of a tropical storm developing in the southern region of Mexico. I suggests regularly check your flights to see if there are any cancellations.  
     

  3. Like
    dpnce reacted to ek1357 in Has Anyone Left Europe's Schengen Area for 14 Days to Then Enter USA?   
    Well that makes me feel a lot more confident that others are going on similar dates! I will be booking my flight tomorrow if we decide to go ahead with Mexico!
    Where are you flying to in the US? 
  4. Like
    dpnce got a reaction from Sego in Has Anyone Left Europe's Schengen Area for 14 Days to Then Enter USA?   
    My flight is on June 8, CDG (Paris)-AMS-MEX. If you decide to go ahead with the booking, we will probably be on the same flight to Mexico! 
  5. Like
    dpnce reacted to Lskifghj in Has Anyone Left Europe's Schengen Area for 14 Days to Then Enter USA?   
    You should be fine as it is a family reason. 
  6. Like
    dpnce reacted to RD7712 in Has Anyone Left Europe's Schengen Area for 14 Days to Then Enter USA?   
    Thank you so much! My fiancee will simply say she going to see her husband-to-be! 
  7. Like
    dpnce reacted to Sarah84 in Has Anyone Left Europe's Schengen Area for 14 Days to Then Enter USA?   
    I just booked a flight from Amsterdam to Mexico City for June 17th. I will stay there for 4 nights and fly to Cancun on the 21st 🙂 It is a refundable ticket, so if Trump lifts the travel ban, I can still cancel my flights and my hotels are refundable as well.
  8. Like
    dpnce reacted to thisguyflies in Has Anyone Left Europe's Schengen Area for 14 Days to Then Enter USA?   
    Sure, I can try, but this is the most complicated and unstable part to understand.
     
    It seems that mentioning "tourism", "visiting as a tourist", "staying in Mexico" or stating that "Mexico is open to tourism" is a red flag for them. Given what I've been told, and seeing the rumours @ohohoho mentioned; there's something floating around the immigration authorities and airlines right now about tourism being denied. There's no official statements, though and the whole thing is going off hearsay and undisclosed information. 
     
    I would suggest that you be openly vague (contradictory, I know, but allow me to explain😞
    Let's say they ask why you're traveling -Tell them you're meeting your fiancee (wife/family to be) in Mexico. That's why you're traveling. They might ask if your fiancee is Mexican, so just be honest about that and say no, they're American, but you're meeting them in Mexico to reunite. In reality, your fiancee might not have travel plans to go to Mexico, but as far as they need to know they will be. I can see this as potentially giving some ray of hope to bypass the "tourism" aspect since you're not a holidaymaker or going on a vacation. You're going for family.
     
    Please understand that I'm not an immigration lawyer and the advice i'm providing here comes from the experiences I've had the past two days. The whole thing is a gigantic mess.
  9. Like
    dpnce got a reaction from Lskifghj in Has Anyone Left Europe's Schengen Area for 14 Days to Then Enter USA?   
    Thank you so much, you are always super helpful and I had to tell you that I really appreciate it. 
  10. Like
    dpnce reacted to Smokey Bear in Has Anyone Left Europe's Schengen Area for 14 Days to Then Enter USA?   
    Depends where you stay I guess like anywhere.
    It seems a little different to what I am used to - but not that different to Spain.
    I couldn't look less Mexican at 6ft 4, grey beard and hair down past my shoulders.
    No one has given me a second look.
    I ask my BnB hosts where is safe and follow their lead.
     
    Perhaps its not for everyone. But for me, all I wanted was 14 day stay, hunker down, speak to almost no-one - leave.
  11. Like
    dpnce reacted to thisguyflies in Has Anyone Left Europe's Schengen Area for 14 Days to Then Enter USA?   
    Ok, everyone, let's try to learn something from my experience.
     
    Here's what I've deduced from what happened to me and what I advise everyone with plans on flying to Mexico does:
     
    1. Go to your countries largest, capital international airport
    It's obvious that there's a communication breakdown between the airports, check in operators and airlines. Interestingly, I found out that KLM operate out of Manchester via Stobart Air. There's evidently some chain of command confusion going on here. I'm really not sure how other UK airports operate, but London might have actual KLM staff at the airport who are more knowledgeable. If you're not in the UK, see if you can find out which company represents KLM at your airport. 
     
    2. Don't overwhelm the check-in staff with information as they might get confused
    I'd advise trying to make things simple and not pull out endless documentation when you arrive. Certainly have it ready, but only use it if you need it. You don't want to cause concern to someone who doesn't know what they're talking about. Just hope that they don't question it.
     
    3. Do not mention"tourism" ever to anyone. Explain that you're meeting your fiancee in Mexico (even if they don't have a flight booked)
    If you put an emphasis on this, and crucially use the word "family" (unfortunate grey area with being a fiancee), you might stand a better chance to not be lumped in as a "tourist".
     
    4. Try to bypass talking to check in staff if at all possible
    If you can travel with only carry on (12kg with KLM, small bag) and don't check any baggage, print out your boarding card and print out and complete the health form, you'll can probably skip talking to check in staff and go through security. You're very likely to encounter questions at the gate (perhaps by the same staff at check in), but this at least brings you one step closer to boarding.
    Note: This is speculation on my part. I spoke with somebody at the airport who told me I would be able to do this, but use your own discretion and do what you feel is best if you think you really need to talk with them at the check in desk.
     
    5. Get lucky and don't be unlucky
    From what I've gathered from my experience and reading what happened with other users experiences on here, there's really zero guarantee anything is going to work. I know we're all sick of our lives being put in the hands of fate like this, but this is a roll of the dice depending on the people you speak to who are the only ones who can allow you to do this. The system is in shattered pieces and we sadly have to rely on luck.
     
    I truly believe if you follow these steps, you stand the best chance of this working out for you.  All else I an offer is some good luck and my appreciation for the help.
     
    INFORMATION RESOURCE:
    Image link to the Mexican Embassy Message on travel - source: https://embamex.sre.gob.mx/alemania/index.php/de/
     
    Mexico US Embassy Travel Fact Sheet (first Q&A answer):
    https://mx.usembassy.gov/travel-restrictions-fact-sheet/
     
    Image link: Consulate Email via @Ja3germeister
     
    The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Interactive Coronavirus Travel Regulations Map showing open air boarders in Mexico
     
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     
    (I'm going to post this as it's own thread for visibility) 
     
  12. Thanks
    dpnce reacted to Smokey Bear in Has Anyone Left Europe's Schengen Area for 14 Days to Then Enter USA?   
    Why are you going? (UK Airport)
    Why are you here (Mexico Airport)
     
    That was it.
    Really.
    Kept answers shirt and sweet - to the point if they wanted more info I had it.
  13. Like
    dpnce reacted to Lskifghj in Has Anyone Left Europe's Schengen Area for 14 Days to Then Enter USA?   
    I mean dont say tourism if it is not. Be honest and don’t be too vague. Tell them about your true intentions to be reunited with family and that you’re in Mexico to self isolate. If you say all this but also say tourism they might misunderstand that it is tourism (language barrier). Say family reasons because that is what it really is. You’re not in Mexico for fun, the real reason is your fiancé. 
  14. Sad
    dpnce reacted to thisguyflies in Has Anyone Left Europe's Schengen Area for 14 Days to Then Enter USA?   
    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. 
  15. Thanks
    dpnce reacted to Smokey Bear in Has Anyone Left Europe's Schengen Area for 14 Days to Then Enter USA?   
    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
     
  16. Haha
    dpnce reacted to Kaatje in Has Anyone Left Europe's Schengen Area for 14 Days to Then Enter USA?   
    He's not my partner but another VJ member 🙃😄
    He flew from London so it looks like Manchester was being difficult for no reason and now KLM is trying to justify their actions? I agree with Ela, you should try London, they only asked @Smokey Bear1 question and he was good to go.
     
  17. Sad
    dpnce reacted to thisguyflies in Has Anyone Left Europe's Schengen Area for 14 Days to Then Enter USA?   
    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.
  18. Like
    dpnce reacted to Captain Ewok in USCIS Preparing to Resume Public Services on June 4th   
    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.
  19. Like
    dpnce reacted to Kaatje in Has Anyone Left Europe's Schengen Area for 14 Days to Then Enter USA?   
    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 🙂
     
  20. Like
    dpnce reacted to Lskifghj in Has Anyone Left Europe's Schengen Area for 14 Days to Then Enter USA?   
    Awesome!
    I guess we will find out more details soon.
  21. Like
    dpnce reacted to Ja3germeister in Has Anyone Left Europe's Schengen Area for 14 Days to Then Enter USA?   
    YESSS!!! Amazing news! For him and for us. Yes if you could describe the entire process at the airport that would be much appreciated
  22. Like
    dpnce reacted to Kaatje in Has Anyone Left Europe's Schengen Area for 14 Days to Then Enter USA?   
    Yes! He's at the airbnb he booked in Mexico City. When I get more details I'll post it here.
  23. Haha
    dpnce reacted to thisguyflies in Has Anyone Left Europe's Schengen Area for 14 Days to Then Enter USA?   
    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:
     

  24. Like
    dpnce reacted to Kaatje in Has Anyone Left Europe's Schengen Area for 14 Days to Then Enter USA?   
    About 4 more hours before he lands.
  25. Like
    dpnce reacted to HRQX in Has Anyone Left Europe's Schengen Area for 14 Days to Then Enter USA?   
    https://embamex.sre.gob.mx/alemania/index.php/de/ There is a slideshow of 4 pictures; it's the third picture.
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