Irish Visa Woes, Need Advice

[_TheTraveller_]

[FONT=verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif]We're in a really poor position at the moment. My wife applied being a VN national was required to apply for an Irish Visa in order for our 26h transit (staying over and meeting up with some friends). However, her passport was being held up at the embassy in Canberra with real progress. We're leaving for SIN on the 3rd and leaving for DUB on the 7th from SIN. Right now, the Irish embassy has yet to approve her visa. Apparently visa processing takes place in Dublin rather than in Canberra. We've applied a little under 3 months and its been held up since April 10th.

In order to actually depart next week, we needed her passport back by next week so they'll be sending it back via express post. They did allow for an option where the visa would continue to process and when it gets approved we can go into any Irish embassy to get it stickered. If this does not go through does any one have any recommendations?

My flights from SIN-DUB arrive on the 8th and I depart DUB-HNL on the 9th. The layover is a bit over 24 hours so she can't TWOV. SIN-DUB is not changeable and AA wants to charge me 5.8k pp for a change. I have considered flying from DUB-LHR-DUB same day back but then again they may not allow her to board in SIN as she does not have a valid for the UK regardless of her transit in DUB and same day return.

Our options are pretty limited at the moment. Does anyone have other solutions?[/FONT]

 

[MEL_Traveller]

We're in a really poor position at the moment. My wife applied being a VN national was required to apply for an Irish Visa in order for our 26h transit (staying over and meeting up with some friends). However, her passport was being held up at the embassy in Canberra with real progress. We're leaving for SIN on the 3rd and leaving for DUB on the 7th from SIN. Right now, the Irish embassy has yet to approve her visa. Apparently visa processing takes place in Dublin rather than in Canberra. We've applied a little under 3 months and its been held up since April 10th.

In order to actually depart next week, we needed her passport back by next week so they'll be sending it back via express post. They did allow for an option where the visa would continue to process and when it gets approved we can go into any Irish embassy to get it stickered. If this does not go through does any one have any recommendations?

My flights from SIN-DUB arrive on the 8th and I depart DUB-HNL on the 9th. The layover is a bit over 24 hours so she can't TWOV. SIN-DUB is not changeable and AA wants to charge me 5.8k pp for a change. I have considered flying from DUB-LHR-DUB same day back but then again they may not allow her to board in SIN as she does not have a valid for the UK regardless of her transit in DUB and same day return.

Our options are pretty limited at the moment. Does anyone have other solutions?

I'm guessing this is on Etihad? singapore-AUH-DUB? Is this an award? Or how is the ticket organised through AA?

I've checked TIMATIC and it looks like there are a couple of issues. TWOV through Dublin is ok, except you'd need to find a third country that doesn't require a visa - which rules out the UK (and pretty much anywhere in Europe as far as I can ascertain). Even if you manage to change flights and could somehow bring the DUB transit under 24 hours... TWOV in ireland doesn't allow the passenger to leave the transit area. Is Dublin airport equipped for this if the stay involves an overnight?

At the moment it looks like boarding would be refused in SIN.

 

[_TheTraveller_]

I'm guessing this is on Etihad? singapore-AUH-DUB? Is this an award? Or how is the ticket organised through AA?

I've checked TIMATIC and it looks like there are a couple of issues. TWOV through Dublin is ok, except you'd need to find a third country that doesn't require a visa - which rules out the UK (and pretty much anywhere in Europe as far as I can ascertain). Even if you manage to change flights and could somehow bring the DUB transit under 24 hours... TWOV in ireland doesn't allow the passenger to leave the transit area. Is Dublin airport equipped for this if the stay involves an overnight?

At the moment it looks like boarding would be refused in SIN.

Cheers for the reply. I believe your analysis is correct. We're flying SIN-HEL-DUB on AY. Sadly it is not an award and it has a returning flight from ZRH-HEL-HKG later in the year if we were to miss the inbound segment. The only place currently I can think of is Turkey/IST which we would get a visa quick enough and allow us to transit back and forth in DUB. However, I don't think there is sufficient time for a transit to my US bound fights as I would land in DUB on 9th July 10:00AM and depart 11:35AM. Going through immigration and going through Pre-clearance would be cutting it really close. Plus I'm not too sure if we would be able to check-in online for US bound (AA codeshare with US) flights from DUB which may complicate things further.

TWOV in DUB is not possible at all if its overnight. From what I've learnt in the past couple of days is that DUB is not equipped to handle 24h airside transits as they do shut down during the night airside so that's approach is moot. I've been trying to find some other flights that would route DUB-IST-EU(Overnight)-DUB but other than LHR I haven't found any flights from any of the big EU airports would depart for DUB early enough to provide us with a 2-3 hour connection time.

What are your thoughts on the IST approach?

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Cheers for the reply. I believe your analysis is correct. We're flying SIN-HEL-DUB on AY. Sadly it is not an award and it has a returning flight from ZRH-HEL-HKG later in the year if we were to miss the inbound segment. The only place currently I can think of is Turkey/IST which we would get a visa quick enough and allow us to transit back and forth in DUB. However, I don't think there is sufficient time for a transit to my US bound fights as I would land in DUB on 9th July 10:00AM and depart 11:35AM. Going through immigration and going through Pre-clearance would be cutting it really close. Plus I'm not too sure if we would be able to check-in online for US bound (AA codeshare with US) flights from DUB which may complicate things further.

TWOV in DUB is not possible at all if its overnight. From what I've learnt in the past couple of days is that DUB is not equipped to handle 24h airside transits as they do shut down during the night airside so that's approach is moot. I've been trying to find some other flights that would route DUB-IST-EU(Overnight)-DUB but other than LHR I haven't found any flights from any of the big EU airports would depart for DUB early enough to provide us with a 2-3 hour connection time.

What are your thoughts on the IST approach?

The TK flight IST-DUB looks risky.

The only thing I'm wondering is if there is some way you can appeal to AY to allow you to stay longer in transit in HEL and take the early morning flight to DUB? That would be dependent on HEL being a 24 hour airport allowing you to stay in the transit zone (which it appears it might be!)... however - 9 july is a thursday... and it doesn't look like the early morning AY flight HEL-DUB operates on that day

Otherwise via london - but to make it in time for the 10am you'd need to overnight in Heathrow.

 

[_TheTraveller_]

Hey Mel_Traveller,

IST-DUB is a no-go. We've given up on any other solutions. Most of them are either too expensive or they're not workable. A solution I thought about was DUB-IST-CDG(overnight)-DUB 3 hours prior to our US flight but it was just a wee bit too pricey. We got her passport back on Monday (no visa cause we needed it to leave this coming Friday and they'll continue processing). Called back today to check up on the visa and heard that Dublin is 'Busy' so its going to take another week and mind you we applied for this visa in APRIL!!!!. Absolutely absurd.

I've given GNIB at Dublin airport a call this morning and explained our situation. The bloke was fairly nice on the phone and said that they'll make an exception for our transit and allow us to pass through. I wasn't quite sure what they meant as I recall multiple people have told me that DUB airside is closed at night. But they noted that I should send an email a couple days before we arrive in to DUB explaining and notifying them of our situation so they can process us.

Still going to be stressed until we get our on our DUB-HNL flights but at least it seems like there is some humanity left in GNIB at DUB! Fingers crossed.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Thanks for the update, and it looks like a potential lifeline. will you have to stay in the airport transit zone only?

the main difficulty is going to be check-in... they won't allow you to board without permission... how does that get processed? Does Irish immigration speak directly to the airline?

 

[Boca68]

Hey Mel_Traveller,

IST-DUB is a no-go. We've given up on any other solutions. Most of them are either too expensive or they're not workable. A solution I thought about was DUB-IST-CDG(overnight)-DUB 3 hours prior to our US flight but it was just a wee bit too pricey. We got her passport back on Monday (no visa cause we needed it to leave this coming Friday and they'll continue processing). Called back today to check up on the visa and heard that Dublin is 'Busy' so its going to take another week and mind you we applied for this visa in APRIL!!!!. Absolutely absurd.

I've given GNIB at Dublin airport a call this morning and explained our situation. The bloke was fairly nice on the phone and said that they'll make an exception for our transit and allow us to pass through. I wasn't quite sure what they meant as I recall multiple people have told me that DUB airside is closed at night. But they noted that I should send an email a couple days before we arrive in to DUB explaining and notifying them of our situation so they can process us.

Still going to be stressed until we get our on our DUB-HNL flights but at least it seems like there is some humanity left in GNIB at DUB! Fingers crossed.

Seems a solution, but not knowing Irish Immigration, I can only assume they are similiar to any other around the world. So, I'd recommend that you get something in writing from them for the transit. You could bump into an over-zealous officer and plans are out the window.

Perhaps , another solution might be, although not ideal. Could your partner continue on to the USA without you on another AA flight? Negating the need for a long transit. Most AA flights in my quick search seem to go via PHL or BOS. You could meet up with her the following day. And continue to HNL. Just a thought.

 

[_TheTraveller_]

Thanks for the update, and it looks like a potential lifeline. will you have to stay in the airport transit zone only?

the main difficulty is going to be check-in... they won't allow you to board without permission... how does that get processed? Does Irish immigration speak directly to the airline?

I would assume we would have to stay airside but how would that work if the airside closes? Perhaps they misunderstood or maybe there have experience with regards to similar situations. Nonetheless, I think I can check in online for our US/AA flights from DUB-HNL. Worse comes to worse, I would be able to clear Irish Immigration and check-in on landside then pass through security with our boarding passes if the station in DUB allows.

Seems a solution, but not knowing Irish Immigration, I can only assume they are similiar to any other around the world. So, I'd recommend that you get something in writing from them for the transit. You could bump into an over-zealous officer and plans are out the window.

Perhaps , another solution might be, although not ideal. Could your partner continue on to the USA without you on another AA flight? Negating the need for a long transit. Most AA flights in my quick search seem to go via PHL or BOS. You could meet up with her the following day. And continue to HNL. Just a thought.

Hey Boca,

I've had a look at the possibilities for changing our flights but it would be far too expensive. I would be able to buy a brand new ticket with the cost they're asking to change. Our flights are DUB-PHL-DFW-HNL with an overnight at PHL (2:30pm arrival and 5:30am departure). Key issue is that most of our flights aren't changeable or the prices for changes aren't realistic. If they were priced $500USD PP I would accept but $5300AUD PP is just out of our budget.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

I would assume we would have to stay airside but how would that work if the airside closes? Perhaps they misunderstood or maybe there have experience with regards to similar situations. Nonetheless, I think I can check in online for our US/AA flights from DUB-HNL. Worse comes to worse, I would be able to clear Irish Immigration and check-in on landside then pass through security with our boarding passes if the station in DUB allows.

i have no concerns with getting a boarding pass in DUB transit for your AA flight... someone will take care of that.

The issue is boarding in SIN. I'm guessing Irish immigration will give some waiver directly to the airline? No good if DUB allows you, but the airline doesn't

 

[_TheTraveller_]

Re: Rumour:[Denied by RR] Qantas to ban JQ SYD-MEL pax from F lounges & send to J lou

i have no concerns with getting a boarding pass in DUB transit for your AA flight... someone will take care of that.

The issue is boarding in SIN. I'm guessing Irish immigration will give some waiver directly to the airline? No good if DUB allows you, but the airline doesn't

Yep. I would 100% expect a confirmation or email from GNIB stating that they will be waving us through!

 

[Boca68]

Re: Rumour:[Denied by RR] Qantas to ban JQ SYD-MEL pax from F lounges & send to J lou

Yep. I would be 100% expect a confirmation or email from GNIB stating that they will be waving us through!

Oh well! best of luck to you guys. I know if I was in your shoes, I'd be quite nervous about the whole thing. Hope it all runs smoothly.

 

[_TheTraveller_]

Re: Rumour:[Denied by RR] Qantas to ban JQ SYD-MEL pax from F lounges & send to J lou

Just an update. We've just passed Irish immigration after short but worrying line of questioning. We actually did not receive an email back from the address which was given to me. So I made another call on Monday and asked. I was given a verbal confirmation over the phone and asked for an email. He declined (and I assume he was probably not bothered or did not worry about it) and said if check-in had issues to give him a call.

Come Tuesday at SGN we managed to get past check in as they weren't the carrier taking us to Dublin. When we got to SIN the transfer desked asked little questions and still got us our boarding passes. In the mean time we hung out in the QF lounge not worried at all. However, I had my suspicions that things may get tricky at the boarding gate in SIN. Our boarding passes went through fine but they needed more details. So we stood around discussing it and I told him to call the GNIB officer which he did and asked for a confirmation in writing via email.

The flight was suppose to depart at 11:35 we boarded at 11:25. The email didn't come through the but the station manager took a chance and let us board. After a 12 hour flight landing in HEL same issue occurred at the gate but I believe that the station manager at SIN must have left notes or liaised with HEL as when the gate attendant called her whomever they seemed to have understood the situation.

3 hours later we're in Dublin landside. It's strange as there is obviously no airside transit if you don't have boarding passes plus, the stamp was give allowed us to stay till tomorrow 9/7. I personally am greatful for their compassion but that was a lot of risk for all parties to take on.

Quick question.. I'm a bit paranoid. If the stamp allows me to stay till tomorrow as a condition. And I'm already allowed landside.. Is it safe to say that I can book a hotel and just stay there for the night ?

Appreciate all the help everyone. Looks like things worked out! One bad thing ( my surface pro 3 stopped working on the 1st day) for multiple good things!

 

[alieninperth]

Re: Rumour:[Denied by RR] Qantas to ban JQ SYD-MEL pax from F lounges & send to J lou

If you're already landside then you're good to go.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Re: Rumour:[Denied by RR] Qantas to ban JQ SYD-MEL pax from F lounges & send to J lou

Thanks for the update! Yes, if you are landside, you can go to a hotel. Wonder what sort of temporary 'visa' they granted to allow your wife to 'land'. A compassionate visa?

The various stops along the way to check documents sounds about right. But as you say, thankful to be where you are rather than lose the cost of the ticket.

Hopefully you can enjoy your holiday now!

 

[_TheTraveller_]

Re: Rumour:[Denied by RR] Qantas to ban JQ SYD-MEL pax from F lounges & send to J lou

Thanks for the update! Yes, if you are landside, you can go to a hotel. Wonder what sort of temporary 'visa' they granted to allow your wife to 'land'. A compassionate visa?

The various stops along the way to check documents sounds about right. But as you say, thankful to be where you are rather than lose the cost of the ticket.

Hopefully you can enjoy your holiday now!

Cheers guys. It was one of those DIY ones. With custom time limits saying "permission to remain in Ireland till" July 9th, "purpose is" transit to USA and 'date of issue' 8th July.

Looks like one of those standardised customisable stamps for special occasions. The email that the finnair rep asked for was a godsend when it came to GNIB at DUB.

The officer seemed angry when I didn't show him the permission email as the first thing but there was an email on the wall regarding my wife's name and sitatuion and there was a sticky note with her name on the desk so I assume the msg spread across whoever was working that morning.

 

[alieninperth]

Re: Rumour:[Denied by RR] Qantas to ban JQ SYD-MEL pax from F lounges & send to J lou

Sounds like the Guards had it all sorted. A great outcome for everyone, enjoy the rest of your trip.