Flying to/from Thailand (Covid Era)
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dtaai-maai
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Re: Flying into Thailand, latest updates
^^Please confirm, pharvey, this affects my autumnal uninvited housesitting plans. I'm so looking forward to having stairs and a garden for a few months...
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pharvey
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Re: Flying into Thailand, latest updates
Oh absolutely, how could I deprive anyone of a garden or stairs......dtaai-maai wrote: ↑Thu Jun 04, 2020 3:51 pm ^^Please confirm, pharvey, this affects my autumnal uninvited housesitting plans. I'm so looking forward to having stairs and a garden for a few months...
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Re: Flying into Thailand, latest updates
Govt eyes easing of entry ban
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... -entry-ban
Priority for virus-free areas, says Somkid
The government is considering easing entry restrictions for foreign visitors possibly in the third or final quarter of this year, with priority given to those arriving from coronavirus-free areas, says Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak.
He said relaxing inbound travel restrictions is the first step in kickstarting the tourism industry, but the government has to be prudent in screening travellers and implementing an efficient tracking system to reduce the risk of a second wave of infections.
Mr Somkid said visitors from countries or areas where Covid-19 outbreaks have been contained are likely to be the first to get the green light and that he has already raised the issue with Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.
“It doesn’t have to be an entire country — we can allow visitors from towns or provinces which are free from the coronavirus. Travel restrictions will be gradually eased and foreign visitors are expected to return in the third or fourth quarter of this year,” he said.
The third quarter of the year starts next month.
According to Mr Somkid, stimulating local spending and tourism are vital to kickstarting the economic recovery, especially considering the sluggish imports at the moment.
The Finance Ministry is also considering a fresh assistance package which will be rolled out in the third quarter to coincide with the easing of travel restrictions, said Mr Somkid.
He said local tourism is picking up after the third phase of lockdown easing, but a fresh package will lure more people to travel and spend and maintain the recovery’s momentum.
“We hope the package will keep the momentum all the way to early next year. We expect the import sector to bounce back next year. But if it doesn’t, the Finance Ministry will have to figure out how to help the people,” he said.
Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam, meanwhile, signalled that the enforcement of the emergency decree, which is set to expire on June 30, could be extended.
Mr Wissanu, who oversees legal affairs, has been assigned by Gen Prayut to figure out which laws or measures can be used as an alternative to battle a second round of the outbreak.
He said extending the emergency decree is one of the options the government is considering to curb the risks of a second wave. He noted that the emergency decree enables swift action and coordination, unlike the Communicable Diseases Control Act.
Without the decree, officials assigned by the Public Health Minister under the Communicable Diseases Control Act cannot integrate their operations with military officials, he said.
According to Mr Wissanu, the decree has allowed for the smooth implementation of the government’s 14-day mandatory quarantine programme for all overseas returnees.
He said the decree enables returnees to be brought from Suvarnabhumi airport in Samut Prakan to the state quarantine facility in Chon Buri’s Sattahip district without delay.
“I can’t imagine such operations proceeding under the Communicable Diseases Control Act,” he said.
“It is possible to extend the enforcement of the emergency decree. It is also possible to extend it and remove measures such as the night curfew and allow public gatherings.”
However, Pheu Thai Party member Thossaporn Serirak insisted the government must further ease the lockdown measures and lift the emergency decree to allow people to get back to work and earn a living.
There are other legal instruments which the government can use to prevent a second wave, he insisted.
Meanwhile, the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) on Monday reported seven new cases of coronavirus.
Since all of the cases were reported in state quarantine venues, CCSA spokesman Taweesilp Visanuyothin said this meant Thailand has reported zero local transmission for two weeks.
Of the new cases, two were students who arrived from Pakistan on Saturday. Four people, including an 11-year-old student, returned from the United Arab Emirates on Friday while the others returned from the United States on Thursday.
The new cases brought the total number of infections in Thailand to 3,119, with 58 deaths. The number of discharged patients stood at 2,973 on Monday.
Dr Taweesilp also said the CCSA would cancel press briefings on Saturdays and Sundays as the number of new cases has continued to decrease and restrictions are being eased.
Starting this week, he would give briefings on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays while his assistant, Dr Panprapa Yongtrakul, would cover Tuesdays and Thursdays.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... -entry-ban
Priority for virus-free areas, says Somkid
The government is considering easing entry restrictions for foreign visitors possibly in the third or final quarter of this year, with priority given to those arriving from coronavirus-free areas, says Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak.
He said relaxing inbound travel restrictions is the first step in kickstarting the tourism industry, but the government has to be prudent in screening travellers and implementing an efficient tracking system to reduce the risk of a second wave of infections.
Mr Somkid said visitors from countries or areas where Covid-19 outbreaks have been contained are likely to be the first to get the green light and that he has already raised the issue with Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.
“It doesn’t have to be an entire country — we can allow visitors from towns or provinces which are free from the coronavirus. Travel restrictions will be gradually eased and foreign visitors are expected to return in the third or fourth quarter of this year,” he said.
The third quarter of the year starts next month.
According to Mr Somkid, stimulating local spending and tourism are vital to kickstarting the economic recovery, especially considering the sluggish imports at the moment.
The Finance Ministry is also considering a fresh assistance package which will be rolled out in the third quarter to coincide with the easing of travel restrictions, said Mr Somkid.
He said local tourism is picking up after the third phase of lockdown easing, but a fresh package will lure more people to travel and spend and maintain the recovery’s momentum.
“We hope the package will keep the momentum all the way to early next year. We expect the import sector to bounce back next year. But if it doesn’t, the Finance Ministry will have to figure out how to help the people,” he said.
Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam, meanwhile, signalled that the enforcement of the emergency decree, which is set to expire on June 30, could be extended.
Mr Wissanu, who oversees legal affairs, has been assigned by Gen Prayut to figure out which laws or measures can be used as an alternative to battle a second round of the outbreak.
He said extending the emergency decree is one of the options the government is considering to curb the risks of a second wave. He noted that the emergency decree enables swift action and coordination, unlike the Communicable Diseases Control Act.
Without the decree, officials assigned by the Public Health Minister under the Communicable Diseases Control Act cannot integrate their operations with military officials, he said.
According to Mr Wissanu, the decree has allowed for the smooth implementation of the government’s 14-day mandatory quarantine programme for all overseas returnees.
He said the decree enables returnees to be brought from Suvarnabhumi airport in Samut Prakan to the state quarantine facility in Chon Buri’s Sattahip district without delay.
“I can’t imagine such operations proceeding under the Communicable Diseases Control Act,” he said.
“It is possible to extend the enforcement of the emergency decree. It is also possible to extend it and remove measures such as the night curfew and allow public gatherings.”
However, Pheu Thai Party member Thossaporn Serirak insisted the government must further ease the lockdown measures and lift the emergency decree to allow people to get back to work and earn a living.
There are other legal instruments which the government can use to prevent a second wave, he insisted.
Meanwhile, the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) on Monday reported seven new cases of coronavirus.
Since all of the cases were reported in state quarantine venues, CCSA spokesman Taweesilp Visanuyothin said this meant Thailand has reported zero local transmission for two weeks.
Of the new cases, two were students who arrived from Pakistan on Saturday. Four people, including an 11-year-old student, returned from the United Arab Emirates on Friday while the others returned from the United States on Thursday.
The new cases brought the total number of infections in Thailand to 3,119, with 58 deaths. The number of discharged patients stood at 2,973 on Monday.
Dr Taweesilp also said the CCSA would cancel press briefings on Saturdays and Sundays as the number of new cases has continued to decrease and restrictions are being eased.
Starting this week, he would give briefings on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays while his assistant, Dr Panprapa Yongtrakul, would cover Tuesdays and Thursdays.
May you be in heaven half an hour before the devil know`s you`re dead!
Re: Flying into Thailand, latest updates
TAT outlines the realities of Covid-19 travel
https://www.bangkokpost.com/travel/1933 ... l#cxrecs_s
The Tourism Authority of Thailand has formulated a strategy to support domestic tourism first and learn from the experience, as it eases into the challenge of bringing back international travellers.
In a TAT 'backgrounder' feature posted on its website last week the government agency said it had identified basic truths one of them being that the tourism industry will now remain under disease control measures until a vaccine is developed to prevent this disease.
"This will affect and change all behaviour and patterns of traditional travel and tourism activities starting with the aviation experience," TAT says.
Only the fittest travel
Only the strongest will travel as tourists will focus more on their health and safety. The so-call 'new normal' which in fact is highly abnormal for Thai tourism will concentrate on travelling less maintaining smaller gatherings and avoiding crowds. This is the antithesis of what has made Thai tourism the success it is today. Mass tourism, festivals, large scale events, a massive nightlife entertainment industry with all of its health social risks are the hallmark that gave the country 39.8 million tourists last year. This year the country will be lucky to attract a third of that total.
All markets, both mainstream and niche markets, will be evaluated for opportunities. However, Thailand's tourism industry is highly dependent on international arrivals, and ultimately, it will be consumers who decide if and when they feel comfortable enough to travel overseas.
Medical insurance
Visitors to Thailand will need to have a fit-to-fly medical certificate and medical insurance cover that includes Covid-19 valued at $100,000.
The number of tourists has to be limited to avoid congestion. Once arriving in Thailand, tourists will be required to undergo a Covid-19 rapid test screening process for reconfirmation, and then depart to a sealed area resort location, most likely islands, without making any stops. The swab tests are not 100% reliable and require a long waiting time for processing between six to 12 hours that might not be practical for airports to manage.
While staying in Thailand, tourists are required to install and use a tracking application on their smartphone for the safety and protection of travelling in and out of sealed areas. The entire focus will be on high-end international tourists who can afford to take out expensive medical insurance cover and are prepared to be transported in a bubble to a beach resort experience.
Financial support will need to be extended to airlines and tour operators to use in public relations or for tourism marketing campaigns.
Outbound travel tax
TAT talks about collecting a tax from outbound Thai tourists to support domestic tourism while also exempting the visa application fees at embassies or consulates, including visa-on-arrival application fees. This would require a compensation budget for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Immigration Bureau.
published : 11 Jun 2020 at 16:34
writer: TTR WEEKLY
https://www.bangkokpost.com/travel/1933 ... l#cxrecs_s
The Tourism Authority of Thailand has formulated a strategy to support domestic tourism first and learn from the experience, as it eases into the challenge of bringing back international travellers.
In a TAT 'backgrounder' feature posted on its website last week the government agency said it had identified basic truths one of them being that the tourism industry will now remain under disease control measures until a vaccine is developed to prevent this disease.
"This will affect and change all behaviour and patterns of traditional travel and tourism activities starting with the aviation experience," TAT says.
Only the fittest travel
Only the strongest will travel as tourists will focus more on their health and safety. The so-call 'new normal' which in fact is highly abnormal for Thai tourism will concentrate on travelling less maintaining smaller gatherings and avoiding crowds. This is the antithesis of what has made Thai tourism the success it is today. Mass tourism, festivals, large scale events, a massive nightlife entertainment industry with all of its health social risks are the hallmark that gave the country 39.8 million tourists last year. This year the country will be lucky to attract a third of that total.
All markets, both mainstream and niche markets, will be evaluated for opportunities. However, Thailand's tourism industry is highly dependent on international arrivals, and ultimately, it will be consumers who decide if and when they feel comfortable enough to travel overseas.
Medical insurance
Visitors to Thailand will need to have a fit-to-fly medical certificate and medical insurance cover that includes Covid-19 valued at $100,000.
The number of tourists has to be limited to avoid congestion. Once arriving in Thailand, tourists will be required to undergo a Covid-19 rapid test screening process for reconfirmation, and then depart to a sealed area resort location, most likely islands, without making any stops. The swab tests are not 100% reliable and require a long waiting time for processing between six to 12 hours that might not be practical for airports to manage.
While staying in Thailand, tourists are required to install and use a tracking application on their smartphone for the safety and protection of travelling in and out of sealed areas. The entire focus will be on high-end international tourists who can afford to take out expensive medical insurance cover and are prepared to be transported in a bubble to a beach resort experience.
Financial support will need to be extended to airlines and tour operators to use in public relations or for tourism marketing campaigns.
Outbound travel tax
TAT talks about collecting a tax from outbound Thai tourists to support domestic tourism while also exempting the visa application fees at embassies or consulates, including visa-on-arrival application fees. This would require a compensation budget for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Immigration Bureau.
published : 11 Jun 2020 at 16:34
writer: TTR WEEKLY
May you be in heaven half an hour before the devil know`s you`re dead!
Re: Flying into Thailand, latest updates
Sounds like a prison experience rather than a holiday!
Talk is cheap
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Dannie Boy
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Re: Flying into Thailand, latest updates
This is an extract of a UK based company regarding travel insurance
Given the FCO’s position on foreign travel, right now you will struggle to find any insurer willing to offer you a travel insurance policy at all.
But once travel in some form is possible again, what will those policies look like?
The Association of British Insurers, the trade body which represents the industry, told loveMONEY that insurers will look to extend cover again where they can, when they can.
But a spokesperson cautioned: “Many insurers have changed their wording in light of the virus being a pandemic, this is because it is now a “known” entity and travel insurance is designed to cover for the unexpected.
"This will only cover new policies taken out and is a temporary position that insurers will continue to review. The Covid-19 exclusions in place will vary from insurer to insurer but you will still be covered for other medical emergencies.”
In other words, even once travel is more widely available again, and insurers start selling policies more broadly, you may struggle to find an insurer that will cover you for anything Covid-related.
Given the FCO’s position on foreign travel, right now you will struggle to find any insurer willing to offer you a travel insurance policy at all.
But once travel in some form is possible again, what will those policies look like?
The Association of British Insurers, the trade body which represents the industry, told loveMONEY that insurers will look to extend cover again where they can, when they can.
But a spokesperson cautioned: “Many insurers have changed their wording in light of the virus being a pandemic, this is because it is now a “known” entity and travel insurance is designed to cover for the unexpected.
"This will only cover new policies taken out and is a temporary position that insurers will continue to review. The Covid-19 exclusions in place will vary from insurer to insurer but you will still be covered for other medical emergencies.”
In other words, even once travel is more widely available again, and insurers start selling policies more broadly, you may struggle to find an insurer that will cover you for anything Covid-related.
Re: Flying into Thailand, latest updates
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS MAY RESUME BY SEPTEMBER
International flights are likely to resume as late as September, a top civilian aviation regulator said Wednesday.
Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand director Chula Sukmanop said none of the airlines he met had expressed interest in resuming their international flights by next month, when the order shutting down the country’s airspace is set to expire. He attributed the reluctance to uncertainty over the government’s policies on international travels.
“I believe international flights will resume this September,” Chula said. “All of the airlines could not assess the demand for air traveling. They have to wait and see the situation by the end of this month.”
Thailand’s airspace has been closed to international flights since April due to the coronavirus pandemic. Only essential journeys such as repatriation and diplomatic flights were allowed to fly into the country, though most domestic flights have resumed after weeks of waning infections in the country.
The government has to make a final decision before the country’s airspace could be open, Chula said. But it does not mean an all-out opening for air travelers, since only business people would be allowed to take the flights under the so-called travel bubble proposals, he added.
The aviation agency also announced a set of new safety measures during a meeting with airlines and airport operators on Tuesday.
https://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/cri ... ion-chief/
International flights are likely to resume as late as September, a top civilian aviation regulator said Wednesday.
Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand director Chula Sukmanop said none of the airlines he met had expressed interest in resuming their international flights by next month, when the order shutting down the country’s airspace is set to expire. He attributed the reluctance to uncertainty over the government’s policies on international travels.
“I believe international flights will resume this September,” Chula said. “All of the airlines could not assess the demand for air traveling. They have to wait and see the situation by the end of this month.”
Thailand’s airspace has been closed to international flights since April due to the coronavirus pandemic. Only essential journeys such as repatriation and diplomatic flights were allowed to fly into the country, though most domestic flights have resumed after weeks of waning infections in the country.
The government has to make a final decision before the country’s airspace could be open, Chula said. But it does not mean an all-out opening for air travelers, since only business people would be allowed to take the flights under the so-called travel bubble proposals, he added.
The aviation agency also announced a set of new safety measures during a meeting with airlines and airport operators on Tuesday.
https://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/cri ... ion-chief/
Who is the happier man, he who has braved the storm of life and lived or he who has stayed securely on shore and merely existed? - Hunter S Thompson
Re: Flying into Thailand, latest updates
Foreign businessmen, experts to arrive first
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... rive-first
Businesspeople and experts will be the first group of foreigners allowed to re-enter Thailand next month under the travel bubble model, Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on Friday.
Mr Anutin revealed the timetable after discussing a travel bubble with Japanese ambassador to Thailand Nishida Kazuya at Government House.
He said that ambassadors of many countries would discuss travel bubbles with him to allow trips between the countries in a manner that can keep coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) at bay.
"People should not panic because tourists will have not been allowed in yet. Businesspeople and experts will arrive first," Mr Anutin said.
During his meeting with the Japanese ambassador, Mr Anutin said they discussed the requirement for Japanese visitors to clearly set their stay duration and whereabouts. They would not be allowed to travel in the country freely. Besides, they must have fit-to-fly health certificates and report to the companies where they would work, Mr Anutin said.
"Without a movement, the economy would stall. Covid-19 does not kill the economy but the immobility of businesspeople does... We try to start the travel bubble in July," he said.
Mr Anutin said that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha was aware of the plan and stressed that no one would be allowed to arrive in disguise of businesspeople and go on vacation in the country.
The prime minister also told relevant officials to prioritise public safety in efforts to push the travel bubble policy. The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration should consider the plan next week, Mr Anutin said.
Dr Taweesilp Visanuyothin, spokesman of the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration, said that the travel bubble started with businesspeople, skilled workers, machinery experts, foreign patients, teachers of international schools and those seeking work permits in the country.
About 20,000 people have registered for such visits. The health system could handle 20,000-30,000 such visitors, he said.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... rive-first
Businesspeople and experts will be the first group of foreigners allowed to re-enter Thailand next month under the travel bubble model, Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on Friday.
Mr Anutin revealed the timetable after discussing a travel bubble with Japanese ambassador to Thailand Nishida Kazuya at Government House.
He said that ambassadors of many countries would discuss travel bubbles with him to allow trips between the countries in a manner that can keep coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) at bay.
"People should not panic because tourists will have not been allowed in yet. Businesspeople and experts will arrive first," Mr Anutin said.
During his meeting with the Japanese ambassador, Mr Anutin said they discussed the requirement for Japanese visitors to clearly set their stay duration and whereabouts. They would not be allowed to travel in the country freely. Besides, they must have fit-to-fly health certificates and report to the companies where they would work, Mr Anutin said.
"Without a movement, the economy would stall. Covid-19 does not kill the economy but the immobility of businesspeople does... We try to start the travel bubble in July," he said.
Mr Anutin said that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha was aware of the plan and stressed that no one would be allowed to arrive in disguise of businesspeople and go on vacation in the country.
The prime minister also told relevant officials to prioritise public safety in efforts to push the travel bubble policy. The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration should consider the plan next week, Mr Anutin said.
Dr Taweesilp Visanuyothin, spokesman of the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration, said that the travel bubble started with businesspeople, skilled workers, machinery experts, foreign patients, teachers of international schools and those seeking work permits in the country.
About 20,000 people have registered for such visits. The health system could handle 20,000-30,000 such visitors, he said.
May you be in heaven half an hour before the devil know`s you`re dead!
Re: Flying into Thailand, latest updates
On the subject of first arrivals, I listened to today's brief, and the little man started going through what had to be presented to the Embassy for consideration. One of the documents was a valid air ticket, which to me sounds excessive if there's a chance of refusal.
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Points 46; Position 23 RELEGATED
Points 46; Position 23 RELEGATED
Re: Flying into Thailand, latest updates
My daughter is having real problems getting home from the US.
She's there with her US husband on a British passport using the 'visa waiver' scheme that allows her 3 months.
However that expired at the end of May as her return flight was cancelled. (Refund applied for but will take at least 30+ days and is 15,000 baht). After talking with USCIS she was told not to worry and she assumed that her stay had been extended until such time as she could leave. She had a call from them yesterday telling her that her extension expires on 1st July. With 'visa waiver' she's only entitled to a 30 day extension.
She's tried to book published scheduled flights in July but each time she gets a message saying that the last leg into BKK is cancelled.
She's spoke to the Thai embassy yesterday and they have told her that there are no repatriation flights scheduled until the government clarifies the situation for July. That will come on 30th June. These flights when operating are limited to 200 passengers at a time and there is a loooong list of applicants so she's at the back of the queue! Also, the cost of these flights range in price from $2,000 to $3,000 dollars (that's 60+ to 90+ thousand baht!)
If she gets a confirmed repatriation flight (run exclusively by Korean Air), she will need a medical certificate, a 'fit to fly' from the embassy and a letter from the embassy to say that she's a Thai citizen.
All this has to be done in the last 72 hours before departure. The embassy is in Washington and she's in Texas. Quite a distance.
She's at her wit's end and the only advice I could give her was to contact USCIS again and point out the problems and hope they have a solution.
Looking at the latest 'travel bubble' proposal doesn't look like that will be any help to her.
When she went to the States, I think it was at the time when there were just 15 cases and no deaths. How that's changed in 3 months! What a mess!
She's there with her US husband on a British passport using the 'visa waiver' scheme that allows her 3 months.
However that expired at the end of May as her return flight was cancelled. (Refund applied for but will take at least 30+ days and is 15,000 baht). After talking with USCIS she was told not to worry and she assumed that her stay had been extended until such time as she could leave. She had a call from them yesterday telling her that her extension expires on 1st July. With 'visa waiver' she's only entitled to a 30 day extension.
She's tried to book published scheduled flights in July but each time she gets a message saying that the last leg into BKK is cancelled.
She's spoke to the Thai embassy yesterday and they have told her that there are no repatriation flights scheduled until the government clarifies the situation for July. That will come on 30th June. These flights when operating are limited to 200 passengers at a time and there is a loooong list of applicants so she's at the back of the queue! Also, the cost of these flights range in price from $2,000 to $3,000 dollars (that's 60+ to 90+ thousand baht!)
If she gets a confirmed repatriation flight (run exclusively by Korean Air), she will need a medical certificate, a 'fit to fly' from the embassy and a letter from the embassy to say that she's a Thai citizen.
All this has to be done in the last 72 hours before departure. The embassy is in Washington and she's in Texas. Quite a distance.
She's at her wit's end and the only advice I could give her was to contact USCIS again and point out the problems and hope they have a solution.
Looking at the latest 'travel bubble' proposal doesn't look like that will be any help to her.
When she went to the States, I think it was at the time when there were just 15 cases and no deaths. How that's changed in 3 months! What a mess!
Re: Flying into Thailand, latest updates
Just been speaking to her. She called the Thai embassy again today. Their response is that until the government issues a ruling at the end of this month, they don't know anything so are completely unable to advise!
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dtaai-maai
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Re: Flying into Thailand, latest updates
My immediate reaction would be that she's a Brit with an American husband, so she's unlikely to be picked up and thrown out, even with Trump as president. Surely hubby is doing something? Making representations to his senator/governor/representative etc.?
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centermid7
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Re: Flying into Thailand, latest updates
I'm curious . . .
Even if she were to be able to get the flight back to Thailand, where would that depart from? I would assume the east coast somewhere. If so she will still have to get that departure point and that ain't gonna be free.
How about the consulate in Houston? I would guess they have contacted them? I would also they are guess that they are referring everything to Washington?
People all over the world are pretty much just going to have to ride this out and international travel is a long ways a way.
Even if she were to be able to get the flight back to Thailand, where would that depart from? I would assume the east coast somewhere. If so she will still have to get that departure point and that ain't gonna be free.
How about the consulate in Houston? I would guess they have contacted them? I would also they are guess that they are referring everything to Washington?
People all over the world are pretty much just going to have to ride this out and international travel is a long ways a way.
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Dannie Boy
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Re: Flying into Thailand, latest updates
I’ve been helping a couple of Australian friends out who are stuck out in Adelaide by giving their car a decent drive once a month, but the insurance runs out soon and they don’t know whether they can renew it from Australia, so it might have to sit there gathering dust until they manage to get back (either that or a hundred laps around their car parking area).
Re: Flying into Thailand, latest updates
She managed to speak with USCIS this morning. (yesterday their time). They must be very busy as the computer response puts you on a long wait until you get someone to speak to. Anyway, the long and short of it is that they will extend in 30 day chunks until she's able to leave. She just needs to call them 5 days before the end of each 'chunk' and they'll extend her with another 30 days and so on.
The only contact is with the Thai embassy in Washington, and they're working from home!
USCIS has spoken with her husband so they're bang up to date.
She's only on a 'visa waiver' because the only got married last year and her application for a CR1/ir1 is still being processed. She was worried that these problems would go against her application but USCIS have told her that the application shouldn't be affected.
Scheduled flights that are listed seem to go internally to Chicago then via Tokyo to BKK. The problem being that the Tokyo to BKK is cancelled.
Time, distance and cost is quite a concern. Anyhow, she just has to play this waiting game.
In the meantime, we have her 3 kids and just this weekend we've had to attend meetings to get the lowdown on school start. The regulations in place will make a school day a nightmare both for the kids and parents.
At this rate, when she does turn up, her kids will be asking the question "Who is she?"
The only contact is with the Thai embassy in Washington, and they're working from home!
USCIS has spoken with her husband so they're bang up to date.
She's only on a 'visa waiver' because the only got married last year and her application for a CR1/ir1 is still being processed. She was worried that these problems would go against her application but USCIS have told her that the application shouldn't be affected.
Scheduled flights that are listed seem to go internally to Chicago then via Tokyo to BKK. The problem being that the Tokyo to BKK is cancelled.
Time, distance and cost is quite a concern. Anyhow, she just has to play this waiting game.
In the meantime, we have her 3 kids and just this weekend we've had to attend meetings to get the lowdown on school start. The regulations in place will make a school day a nightmare both for the kids and parents.
At this rate, when she does turn up, her kids will be asking the question "Who is she?"