Denied boarding due to visa with the wrong date
by Gingers
Translated into English.
Original post
Today I ended up being denied boarding at CDG. I booked the trip through a physical travel agency with no assistance for the visa application. I applied in plenty of time and got the approval. Except I put the 9th (the day I left France) as the date instead of the 10th, which is the arrival date in India. That’s what caused the denial. I’m guessing I don’t have any recourse? Thanks for your replies.
Hello,
Today I was denied boarding at CDG. I booked the trip through a physical travel agency with no assistance for obtaining the visa. I applied in time and got the approval. Except I put the 9th (day of departure from France) as the date instead of the 10th, the arrival date in India. That’s what caused the denial. I guess there’s no recourse for me? Thanks for your replies.
You can at least ask the agency to refund the airport taxes included in your flight fare. It’ll be a small consolation. For the rest, as far as I know, there’s no cancellation insurance that covers visa issues as a reason.
Today I was denied boarding at CDG. I booked the trip through a physical travel agency with no assistance for obtaining the visa. I applied in time and got the approval. Except I put the 9th (day of departure from France) as the date instead of the 10th, the arrival date in India. That’s what caused the denial. I guess there’s no recourse for me? Thanks for your replies.
You can at least ask the agency to refund the airport taxes included in your flight fare. It’ll be a small consolation. For the rest, as far as I know, there’s no cancellation insurance that covers visa issues as a reason.
In the future, don’t forget to check out the other major travel forum to supplement VoyageForum. Over the past few years (while VF was closed), the topic of Indian visas was frequently discussed and addressed there, especially regarding the issue of validity dates.
Sorry, but I don’t see any other
major travel forum.
All I’ve seen is a poor, clunky, badly designed, and downright ugly forum—some kind of VF knockoff that’s really not, and I mean *really* not, a major travel forum. It doesn’t even come close to what VF was before it shut down!!!
Sorry, but I don’t see any other
major travel forum.
All I’ve seen is a poor, clunky, badly designed, and downright ugly forum—some kind of VF knockoff that’s really not, and I mean *really* not, a major travel forum. It doesn’t even come close to what VF was before it shut down!!!
Je rencontrai sur mon chemin tant de difficultés
Qu’elles furent toutes surmontées
MIRZA GHALIB poète urdu (1796 -1869)
https://www.telling-india-pictures.com
https://youpic.com/marien
Today I was denied boarding at CDG. I booked the trip through a physical travel agency with no assistance for obtaining the visa. I applied in time and received approval. Except I put the 9th (the day of departure from France) as the date instead of the 10th, which is the arrival date in India. This resulted in the denial. I assume I have no recourse? Thanks for your responses.
I’m trying to understand, but I just can’t... Who refused to validate this visa? I don’t get the date issue. When you apply for a visa online on the only valid site—the official consulate one—they only ask for the planned travel date... without considering the arrival date. I think your agency misled you... or maybe, like I said, I just didn’t understand. What matters for boarding is the ETA issued by the Indian consulate with the mention GRANTED. And from what you said, you had received it.
I’m trying to understand, but I just can’t... Who refused to validate this visa? I don’t get the date issue. When you apply for a visa online on the only valid site—the official consulate one—they only ask for the planned travel date... without considering the arrival date. I think your agency misled you... or maybe, like I said, I just didn’t understand. What matters for boarding is the ETA issued by the Indian consulate with the mention GRANTED. And from what you said, you had received it.
Je rencontrai sur mon chemin tant de difficultés
Qu’elles furent toutes surmontées
MIRZA GHALIB poète urdu (1796 -1869)
https://www.telling-india-pictures.com
https://youpic.com/marien
I only saw a poor, shoddy forum, really unstable and badly made, and ugly on top of that,
I agree with that opinion—there are at least two of us who think so! :) I’m talking about the forum from the paper guide of the same name, of course. But that’s another topic entirely.
I agree with that opinion—there are at least two of us who think so! :) I’m talking about the forum from the paper guide of the same name, of course. But that’s another topic entirely.
... Sorry, but I don’t see any other major travel forum. I only found one poor, shaky, badly designed, and ugly forum—some kind of VF knockoff that’s really, *really* not a great travel forum and doesn’t hold a candle to what VF used to be before it shut down!!!
You’re probably talking about this other forum, not the Gdr (which never claimed to reach VF’s level)
You’re probably talking about this other forum, not the Gdr (which never claimed to reach VF’s level)
Except that I put the 9th (day of departure from France) as the date instead of the 10th, the arrival date in India. That’s what caused the refusal.
Wow, I’ve never seen anything like that before! The opposite, sure, I would’ve understood... So a visa for entering India on the 9th wouldn’t be valid if you arrive one day later, on the 10th?! Is that even possible?
Wow, I’ve never seen anything like that before! The opposite, sure, I would’ve understood... So a visa for entering India on the 9th wouldn’t be valid if you arrive one day later, on the 10th?! Is that even possible?
Except that I put the 9th as the date (day of departure from France) and not the 10th, the arrival date in India. That’s what caused the denial.
Wow, I’ve never seen anything like that before! The other way around, I would’ve understood... So a visa for an entry into India planned for the 9th wouldn’t be valid if you arrive one day later, on the 10th?! Is that even possible?
No, that’s just it—it’s not possible. There’s something about this story that doesn’t add up. When the forum first reopened, there was a long debate about this in another thread. Someone traveled two years AFTER getting their ETA!!! I wonder who actually denied boarding...
Wow, I’ve never seen anything like that before! The other way around, I would’ve understood... So a visa for an entry into India planned for the 9th wouldn’t be valid if you arrive one day later, on the 10th?! Is that even possible?
No, that’s just it—it’s not possible. There’s something about this story that doesn’t add up. When the forum first reopened, there was a long debate about this in another thread. Someone traveled two years AFTER getting their ETA!!! I wonder who actually denied boarding...
Je rencontrai sur mon chemin tant de difficultés
Qu’elles furent toutes surmontées
MIRZA GHALIB poète urdu (1796 -1869)
https://www.telling-india-pictures.com
https://youpic.com/marien
...a visa for entry into India planned for the 9th wouldn't be valid if you arrive one day later on the 10th?! Is that even possible?
This isn’t about a visa (stamped in your passport before departure or upon arrival in the destination country), but rather an e-visa or ETA (electronic travel authorization) for one month (I think) that was applied for and obtained too early (by one day). As a result, its validity period (30 days between the issue date and expiration date) didn’t cover the arrival date in India.
This isn’t about a visa (stamped in your passport before departure or upon arrival in the destination country), but rather an e-visa or ETA (electronic travel authorization) for one month (I think) that was applied for and obtained too early (by one day). As a result, its validity period (30 days between the issue date and expiration date) didn’t cover the arrival date in India.
I’ll try to be more precise:
I filled out the form on the official site (using the link from the travel agency’s email) and received approval for my 30-day visa.
But since the agency didn’t give me any advice on how far in advance I should apply (the agency’s link was from December), I filled it out a full month before my trip, indicating my travel date as February 9th.
Except I was leaving on the 9th and obviously arriving on the 10th.
So for my visa to be valid, I should’ve arrived in the country on the 9th, and then it would’ve been good for 30 days.
That’s why they refused to let me board at the CDG counter.
Thanks for your input!
Hi there,
I don’t get your situation either. You got a 30-day visa starting on the 9th, you arrive on the 10th... So where’s the issue, as long as you’ve got a ticket to return before the 30 days are up?
Michel
I don’t get your situation either. You got a 30-day visa starting on the 9th, you arrive on the 10th... So where’s the issue, as long as you’ve got a ticket to return before the 30 days are up?
Michel
You absolutely nailed it 😉
Yes, thanks, that’s exactly what I thought after your first message. You applied for and got your e-visa or ETA a day too early (30 days in advance). Once issued, it’s only valid for 30 days from the date of approval. This is info that’s frequently reminded on the INDIA Forum by knowledgeable contributors (like FANZI, MAITREPO, etc.) who give great tips. It’s too bad you didn’t think to check the Guide du Routard when planning your trip, especially since VoyageForum was down at the end of last year.
Yes, thanks, that’s exactly what I thought after your first message. You applied for and got your e-visa or ETA a day too early (30 days in advance). Once issued, it’s only valid for 30 days from the date of approval. This is info that’s frequently reminded on the INDIA Forum by knowledgeable contributors (like FANZI, MAITREPO, etc.) who give great tips. It’s too bad you didn’t think to check the Guide du Routard when planning your trip, especially since VoyageForum was down at the end of last year.
... So the issue wasn’t so much the arrival date in India as the departure date?
Michel
Michel
Hello,
I’m reaching out about this topic.
Did you have a direct flight?
What time did you arrive in India?
I go to India almost every year.
In fact, I’m planning a trip there in September.
Have a great day and see you soon!
My main question is whether the agency is at fault?
I think on this topic we’ll all just say anything and everything. If you want to try taking legal action, your best bet is to explain everything to a lawyer—preferably one who specializes in this kind of case—rather than asking us travelers, since we don’t know much about these kinds of disputes. Just for a consultation about your question, it won’t cost you much. PS: You haven’t mentioned your disappointment/frustration about not being able to leave.
I think on this topic we’ll all just say anything and everything. If you want to try taking legal action, your best bet is to explain everything to a lawyer—preferably one who specializes in this kind of case—rather than asking us travelers, since we don’t know much about these kinds of disputes. Just for a consultation about your question, it won’t cost you much. PS: You haven’t mentioned your disappointment/frustration about not being able to leave.
Je rencontrai sur mon chemin tant de difficultés
Qu’elles furent toutes surmontées
MIRZA GHALIB poète urdu (1796 -1869)
https://www.telling-india-pictures.com
https://youpic.com/marien
Thanks for your insightful reply. Expanding my options, I wanted to get some feedback from the forum. Of course, I sent an email to the agency to formalize the situation, contacted their platform by phone, and I'm still waiting for their response... Given how slow they are to get back to me, I also imagine the local contact told them I never arrived. I also reached out to a legal service for initial advice and to prepare my registered letter. Of course, the frustration of not being able to leave is huge. I don’t think I’ve fully processed it yet. The suitcase is still in the entryway. The mental exhaustion and the amount of money involved aren’t helping. Thanks again
... My main question is whether the agency is at fault?
YES, there’s a lack of advice due to the agency’s insufficient knowledge and therefore incompetence regarding e-visas or ETAs. This results in a double penalty for you: missing your trip and losing money.
The agency informed you that you needed to apply for an e-visa, but they should have also warned you and drawn your attention to the very specific conditions for obtaining a 30-day Indian e-visa. Indeed, such an ETA expires 30 days after its issue date. In relation to your arrival date in India, you shouldn’t apply for it too early—or, of course, too late.
The 1-year and 5-year Indian ETAs are less problematic because they’re valid for 1 and 5 years from their issue date (so there’s less risk of error). Similarly, when traveling to the USA or Canada, this isn’t an issue because the US ETA is valid for 2 years after approval, while the Canadian eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is valid for 5 years.
YES, there’s a lack of advice due to the agency’s insufficient knowledge and therefore incompetence regarding e-visas or ETAs. This results in a double penalty for you: missing your trip and losing money.
The agency informed you that you needed to apply for an e-visa, but they should have also warned you and drawn your attention to the very specific conditions for obtaining a 30-day Indian e-visa. Indeed, such an ETA expires 30 days after its issue date. In relation to your arrival date in India, you shouldn’t apply for it too early—or, of course, too late.
The 1-year and 5-year Indian ETAs are less problematic because they’re valid for 1 and 5 years from their issue date (so there’s less risk of error). Similarly, when traveling to the USA or Canada, this isn’t an issue because the US ETA is valid for 2 years after approval, while the Canadian eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is valid for 5 years.
Hello
I agree with Marien. It’s best to contact a professional, and here’s the official link to the Tourism Mediator:
https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/R46367
Everything is well explained.
Good luck with your claim
I agree with Marien. It’s best to contact a professional, and here’s the official link to the Tourism Mediator:
https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/R46367
Everything is well explained.
Good luck with your claim
...here's the official link with the Tourism Ombudsman:
https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/R46367
Everything is well explained...
yes, the steps to follow are clearly outlined on the public service website. You should always try to resolve the issue amicably before resorting to legal action if necessary.
yes, the steps to follow are clearly outlined on the public service website. You should always try to resolve the issue amicably before resorting to legal action if necessary.
We can’t really help you, but personally, I’m with you wholeheartedly. I find this really traumatic, and I can tell you’re devastated. That suitcase still in the hallway really gets to me...
Of course, these are just words, and they don’t fix your problem, but just a little encouragement.
I went through something similar a few years ago. Because of a handling error on the Air France website—but also due to incorrect information from a customer service agent over the phone—my ticket was canceled. When I showed up for check-in, I was told my ticket had been voided. For personal reasons, it was such a shock that, in a panic, I paid full price for a new ticket to be able to leave. 2000 €. I was convinced I was in the right and that Air France would acknowledge the professional mistake of their phone agent (calls are recorded) and reimburse me. But after over a year of procedures, registered letters, hiring a lawyer, and going through mediation, it was Air France that "won" the battle! And yet, the computer error could have been fixed at boarding.
So I know how awful it is to hear at the gate: no, you can’t leave.
I wish you good luck in the fight ahead—because there *will* be a fight, no doubt about it. And I hope you win.
Je rencontrai sur mon chemin tant de difficultés
Qu’elles furent toutes surmontées
MIRZA GHALIB poète urdu (1796 -1869)
https://www.telling-india-pictures.com
https://youpic.com/marien
Thank you so much for your empathy.
We’re really looking forward to our trip and we’ve stretched ourselves financially to go, so this kind of situation is more than frustrating.
And walking into a travel agency, I didn’t expect to run into something like this!
I just sent off my registered letter.
Hang in there too, and thanks again for your support.
If you arrived in India on the 10th and your visa was valid starting from the 10th, they couldn’t refuse your boarding because you were on Indian soil with a visa that was valid date-to-date, right?
If you’d arrived on the 9th, it would’ve been 24 hours too early.
But from what you’re saying, that wasn’t the case! !
... We’re so excited for our trip and have saved up so much to go that this kind of situation is more than disappointing.
And walking into a travel agency, I never expected to run into something like this!
I’ve just sent my registered letter....
When selling a package holiday, travel agencies sometimes offer to handle the visa (or ETA) application process for the customer if needed—this service (which they probably didn’t mention to you) is usually charged as an extra fee. But most of the time, it’s the traveler who takes care of their own visa/ETA application, just like they check their passport’s validity and stay up to date with vaccinations. When you apply for an ETA online yourself, the issue is that during data entry (which isn’t always straightforward), you risk making an unintentional mistake due to a lack of helpful information and no outside support (agency, friends, etc.). Unfortunately, that’s what happened to you. I hope you manage to get compensation from the agency that provided poor assistance, especially since the planned services in India (accommodation, transport, meals, tours, etc.) weren’t used.
When selling a package holiday, travel agencies sometimes offer to handle the visa (or ETA) application process for the customer if needed—this service (which they probably didn’t mention to you) is usually charged as an extra fee. But most of the time, it’s the traveler who takes care of their own visa/ETA application, just like they check their passport’s validity and stay up to date with vaccinations. When you apply for an ETA online yourself, the issue is that during data entry (which isn’t always straightforward), you risk making an unintentional mistake due to a lack of helpful information and no outside support (agency, friends, etc.). Unfortunately, that’s what happened to you. I hope you manage to get compensation from the agency that provided poor assistance, especially since the planned services in India (accommodation, transport, meals, tours, etc.) weren’t used.
This option wasn’t offered to me.
For a previous trip, the agency did indeed take care of everything.
But a professional who knows the challenges a private individual faces could have pointed out the specifics for obtaining it.
I haven’t had any response from the agency so far.
The local contact must have reported that I didn’t arrive on Monday!
Unbelievable service!
Thanks for your insights.
For VF members who have visa expertise to help you, we’d need to see your documents...
I still can’t wrap my head around how a visa valid from the 9th of the month wouldn’t be valid on the 10th—the day you were supposed to arrive in India. It’s completely baffling! Some info is missing.
Something’s definitely off here.
There’s something off about this.
I thought so too... But I think I figured out that the trip had to be planned *exactly* for 30 days, date to date, with no buffer at all. That was pretty risky, especially in India where a train delay, a strike, or anything else can happen and prevent you from leaving on the planned day... So, yeah, the visa wasn’t valid anymore at the end of the stay—it was one day short. That’s the explanation I came up with...
I thought so too... But I think I figured out that the trip had to be planned *exactly* for 30 days, date to date, with no buffer at all. That was pretty risky, especially in India where a train delay, a strike, or anything else can happen and prevent you from leaving on the planned day... So, yeah, the visa wasn’t valid anymore at the end of the stay—it was one day short. That’s the explanation I came up with...
Je rencontrai sur mon chemin tant de difficultés
Qu’elles furent toutes surmontées
MIRZA GHALIB poète urdu (1796 -1869)
https://www.telling-india-pictures.com
https://youpic.com/marien
That’s the same reasoning I had, but once you’re there, it’s always possible to extend a visa—especially in this case for just one day!
In most countries, including Thailand, if you exceed the planned date by one or two days, you pay the overstay fee on the day of departure.
That’s the same explanation I gave myself, but on the spot, it’s always possible to extend a visa—especially in this case for just one day!
In most countries, including Thailand, if you exceed the planned date by a day or two, you pay the overstay fee on departure.
In India, it is ABSOLUTELY IMPOSSIBLE TO EXTEND A VISA on the spot, except in cases of force majeure like illness, hospitalization, or a special event in India. And if you overstay, not only do you have to pay a fine, but you can also be "penalized" with a visa ban for a certain period (duration unspecified)—it’s a matter of whether the immigration officer is lenient or not. On top of that, you need to apply for a special EXIT VISA without which you can’t leave. And since you can’t stay without a visa... well, you go to prison, plain and simple, until your situation is sorted out. No joke! Indian immigration services are very strict and severe about overstaying. That’s actually why the airline—which is responsible for checking and knows India’s strict rules—denied boarding. Especially since, upon arrival, immigration would have noticed the issue and refused entry, sending you back at the airline’s expense for not doing their job. So airlines are extra careful. There you go, now you know everything.
In India, it is ABSOLUTELY IMPOSSIBLE TO EXTEND A VISA on the spot, except in cases of force majeure like illness, hospitalization, or a special event in India. And if you overstay, not only do you have to pay a fine, but you can also be "penalized" with a visa ban for a certain period (duration unspecified)—it’s a matter of whether the immigration officer is lenient or not. On top of that, you need to apply for a special EXIT VISA without which you can’t leave. And since you can’t stay without a visa... well, you go to prison, plain and simple, until your situation is sorted out. No joke! Indian immigration services are very strict and severe about overstaying. That’s actually why the airline—which is responsible for checking and knows India’s strict rules—denied boarding. Especially since, upon arrival, immigration would have noticed the issue and refused entry, sending you back at the airline’s expense for not doing their job. So airlines are extra careful. There you go, now you know everything.
Je rencontrai sur mon chemin tant de difficultés
Qu’elles furent toutes surmontées
MIRZA GHALIB poète urdu (1796 -1869)
https://www.telling-india-pictures.com
https://youpic.com/marien
This isn’t recent, but once I left Nepal on foot via a mountain trail and entered India outside an official border post. No exit stamp from Nepal or entry stamp for India. True story!
I sorted out my situation the next day in Darjeeling, and it went as smoothly as could be!
I did have a visa in my passport, though 😅
In India, it’s absolutely IMPOSSIBLE TO EXTEND A VISA on the spot, except in cases of force majeure like illness, hospitalization, or a special event in India... And if you overstay, not only do you have to pay a fine, but you can also be "penalized" with a visa ban for a certain period (duration unspecified)
PS: I now know that getting sick can help you avoid prison ;)
In India, it’s absolutely IMPOSSIBLE TO EXTEND A VISA on the spot, except in cases of force majeure like illness, hospitalization, or a special event in India... And if you overstay, not only do you have to pay a fine, but you can also be "penalized" with a visa ban for a certain period (duration unspecified)
PS: I now know that getting sick can help you avoid prison ;)
This isn’t recent but once I left Nepal on foot via a mountain trail and entered India outside a border post. No exit stamp from Nepal or entry stamp for India. True story !
Can you tell us roughly when this was, at least?
It’s true I had a visa in my passport
Well, there you go—but if your visa hadn’t been in order, especially entering almost illegally like that, I think the letter would’ve had a hard time getting through...
Can you tell us roughly when this was, at least?
It’s true I had a visa in my passport
Well, there you go—but if your visa hadn’t been in order, especially entering almost illegally like that, I think the letter would’ve had a hard time getting through...
Je rencontrai sur mon chemin tant de difficultés
Qu’elles furent toutes surmontées
MIRZA GHALIB poète urdu (1796 -1869)
https://www.telling-india-pictures.com
https://youpic.com/marien
Can you at least tell us roughly when this was?
Not that old: November 1985. I was coming back from the Kangchenjunga base camp. For Nepal, I didn’t have any trekking permit. I showed my passport as a permit, and a cop (who didn’t speak a word of English) at a checkpoint wrote something in Nepali on the first page of my passport, next to the photo!! That later invalidated my passport once I got back to France, but it didn’t bother the Indian authorities at all
Not that old: November 1985. I was coming back from the Kangchenjunga base camp. For Nepal, I didn’t have any trekking permit. I showed my passport as a permit, and a cop (who didn’t speak a word of English) at a checkpoint wrote something in Nepali on the first page of my passport, next to the photo!! That later invalidated my passport once I got back to France, but it didn’t bother the Indian authorities at all
... I still can’t wrap my head around how a visa valid from the 9th of the month wouldn’t be valid on the 10th of the same month, the day of your planned arrival in India. It’s absolutely incomprehensible! Something’s missing. There’s definitely something off here.
This isn’t about a visa (which is stamped in your passport before departure or upon entry into the destination country) but an e-visa or ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization).
Member GINGERS applied for and obtained (via this Indian government website) a 30-day ETA whose validity is only 30 days from the date of issue. Such an ETA therefore allows arrival in India no later than its expiration date. --> See the "Date of expiry of ETA" on around the 10th line of the attached image.
The ETA GINGERS had expired on Sunday, February 9th, while her landing in India was only scheduled for Monday, February 10th. When departing from Paris-CDG on the 9th, she was refused boarding for Chennai (via Abu Dhabi), where she would have been issued a tourist visa for India.
This isn’t about a visa (which is stamped in your passport before departure or upon entry into the destination country) but an e-visa or ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization).
Member GINGERS applied for and obtained (via this Indian government website) a 30-day ETA whose validity is only 30 days from the date of issue. Such an ETA therefore allows arrival in India no later than its expiration date. --> See the "Date of expiry of ETA" on around the 10th line of the attached image.
The ETA GINGERS had expired on Sunday, February 9th, while her landing in India was only scheduled for Monday, February 10th. When departing from Paris-CDG on the 9th, she was refused boarding for Chennai (via Abu Dhabi), where she would have been issued a tourist visa for India.
The ETA that GINGERS had expired on Sunday, February 9, while their landing in India was only on Monday the 10th. Departing from Paris-CDG on the 9th, they were therefore denied boarding for Chennai (via Abu Dhabi)...
Oh yeah, for sure—if the visa expired BEFORE entering India, it’s definitely not valid! And as a result, the airline’s job is to refuse boarding to any passenger without a valid visa. I thought the visa expired a day before the planned exit from India!
Oh yeah, for sure—if the visa expired BEFORE entering India, it’s definitely not valid! And as a result, the airline’s job is to refuse boarding to any passenger without a valid visa. I thought the visa expired a day before the planned exit from India!
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Bonjour,
A compter du 15 septembre l'exemption de visa passe de 60 à 30 jours pour la Thaïlande.
Tous ceux qui rentreront avant cette date continueront à avoir 60 jours.
Billet de retour ou de continuation obligatoire (avion, bus, train)
20.000 Baths de préférence ou équivalent en espèces peuvent être demander à l'immigration (contrôle aléatoire).
L'entrée terrestre avec exemption de visa 30 jours sera limité à 2 par année civile.
A compter du 15 septembre l'exemption de visa passe de 60 à 30 jours pour la Thaïlande.
Tous ceux qui rentreront avant cette date continueront à avoir 60 jours.
Billet de retour ou de continuation obligatoire (avion, bus, train)
20.000 Baths de préférence ou équivalent en espèces peuvent être demander à l'immigration (contrôle aléatoire).
L'entrée terrestre avec exemption de visa 30 jours sera limité à 2 par année civile.
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Thanks for your help! !
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Thanks for your help! !
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Hi everyone,
I have to leave for Perth, Australia in a week, for 7 days, and I couldn’t get my international driver’s permit due to processing and delivery delays.
The information I’ve found about whether an international permit is required is contradictory. Some sources say you need one, others say you don’t.
Could anyone let me know if an international driver’s permit is necessary to rent a car in Australia (Perth), or if a French license is enough for a 7-day rental?
Thanks in advance for your advice
The information I’ve found about whether an international permit is required is contradictory. Some sources say you need one, others say you don’t.
Could anyone let me know if an international driver’s permit is necessary to rent a car in Australia (Perth), or if a French license is enough for a 7-day rental?
Thanks in advance for your advice
hi everyone,
I need to apply for a new eTA for Canada.
do I need the number from my old eTA or not?
because I can’t find my old eTA number anymore.
thanks for your replies, have a great weekend
Hi there,
I know there are similar topics here and elsewhere, but they’re a few years old, and I need an up-to-date answer to make sure I don’t throw over 1000 € out the window. Thanks for your patience.
I’m planning a trip from France to Alberta/British Columbia, and I’m unsure about which bank card to use for the security deposit with the rental company (I’m thinking of going with AVIS).
I contacted Avis Canada, and they told me a credit card is absolutely required. I asked my bank for a credit card (a *real* credit card), but they only offered me a deferred debit card.
My question: For a rental with Avis Canada, is a Gold International Mastercard deferred debit card usable for the security deposit needed to finalize the rental? Is the "CREDIT" label enough? (Some cards say "CREDIT" and others say "CARTE DE CREDIT"—seems minor, but it’s actually a big deal in how the card works.)
I’ve seen conflicting info everywhere I look... My bank says it’s *usually* okay (the deferred debit card), while Avis Canada insists it *must* be a credit card, not debit—even when I mention the deferred debit card.
I know the whole credit card concept is already confusing, and on top of that, some sites say a deferred debit card counts as a credit card, while others say it doesn’t.
Thanks to anyone who can share a recent experience! Have a great day
I’m planning a trip from France to Alberta/British Columbia, and I’m unsure about which bank card to use for the security deposit with the rental company (I’m thinking of going with AVIS).
I contacted Avis Canada, and they told me a credit card is absolutely required. I asked my bank for a credit card (a *real* credit card), but they only offered me a deferred debit card.
My question: For a rental with Avis Canada, is a Gold International Mastercard deferred debit card usable for the security deposit needed to finalize the rental? Is the "CREDIT" label enough? (Some cards say "CREDIT" and others say "CARTE DE CREDIT"—seems minor, but it’s actually a big deal in how the card works.)
I’ve seen conflicting info everywhere I look... My bank says it’s *usually* okay (the deferred debit card), while Avis Canada insists it *must* be a credit card, not debit—even when I mention the deferred debit card.
I know the whole credit card concept is already confusing, and on top of that, some sites say a deferred debit card counts as a credit card, while others say it doesn’t.
Thanks to anyone who can share a recent experience! Have a great day
Hello everyone,
Could a resident of Benin (Cotonou) kindly let me know which is the best mobile phone and internet service provider?
Thank you very much,
Best regards,
Juan
Hi,
I’m bringing Seresta, an anxiolytic (tranquilizer) from the benzodiazepine family,
to help me sleep.
I’ll have the prescription with me.
Will this be a problem at customs, and do I need to declare it?
Same question for antibiotics?
Thanks a bunch!
Hi everyone,
I’ll explain my situation.
Unfortunately, I lost my passport, and I only realized it two weeks before my departure for a humanitarian mission in Libya. I’m a nurse, and this mission really means a lot to me.
First, I applied for an emergency passport, but it was denied by the Val-d'Oise prefecture on the grounds that a planned humanitarian mission wasn’t considered an urgent reason.
So, I submitted a biometric passport application on July 20th. Since then, the tracking has been stuck, and the town hall can’t (or won’t) give me any clear information. Every time I call, I get a different story. The last update I received was that the passport had been produced since July 23rd with a status of "about to be shipped," but nothing since then.
I’ve managed to push my departure back to next Tuesday at the latest, but I’m starting to really panic.
Have any of you submitted an application around July 20th, especially in Val-d'Oise (95)? How long did you wait between the passport being produced and it being available at the town hall? Is it normal for this step to take this long?
This mission means so much to me. I had everything organized, and I’m also supposed to attend a friend’s wedding right after near the border.
Thanks so much to those who take the time to respond or share their experience. 😔
Hi,
Can anyone tell me exactly if a passport "valid for the duration of the stay" is enough, or does it need to be valid for 6 months after the trip? I checked the embassy’s website, but that info is missing.
Thanks
Can anyone tell me exactly if a passport "valid for the duration of the stay" is enough, or does it need to be valid for 6 months after the trip? I checked the embassy’s website, but that info is missing.
Thanks
Hi there,
I’ll be arriving in Seoul on November 18th after spending about a month in India.
Do you know if I’ll need to fill out any additional documents besides the e-arrival card?
Thanks in advance for your tips!
Hi everyone,
I’m a bit embarrassed because I need to travel to Quebec from February 27th to March 13th. I’m a regular visitor to Canada—this will be my 10th trip since 1997, plus a year as a permanent resident (2000–2001) and a cross-country run from Vancouver to Halifax in 2011. So, I’m definitely not a terrorist! But since our last trip in July 2015, they’ve introduced this eTA thing. Seems more like a way to make money than to actually secure Canada, if you ask me, but anyway, that’s not the point. I applied for an eTA for myself, my wife, and our two kids. They all got approved within hours, but not me! I was asked to create a GC key and then an IRCC account, which I did. Normally, you get news within 72 hours, but since Monday, January 15th, nothing! In the "message" section of the account, it says "explanation letter (required)" with a deadline of January 25th, but I can’t find any explanation anywhere—despite searching the Canadian government website and Google. No links, nothing! I’ve emailed them but haven’t heard back yet. I’m thinking of calling the Canadian embassy in Paris tomorrow. Even though I’m not stressing yet, it’d be a bummer if everyone else got to go without me! If anyone’s had this issue before or knows what this explanation letter is about, I’d love to hear more.
I’m a bit embarrassed because I need to travel to Quebec from February 27th to March 13th. I’m a regular visitor to Canada—this will be my 10th trip since 1997, plus a year as a permanent resident (2000–2001) and a cross-country run from Vancouver to Halifax in 2011. So, I’m definitely not a terrorist! But since our last trip in July 2015, they’ve introduced this eTA thing. Seems more like a way to make money than to actually secure Canada, if you ask me, but anyway, that’s not the point. I applied for an eTA for myself, my wife, and our two kids. They all got approved within hours, but not me! I was asked to create a GC key and then an IRCC account, which I did. Normally, you get news within 72 hours, but since Monday, January 15th, nothing! In the "message" section of the account, it says "explanation letter (required)" with a deadline of January 25th, but I can’t find any explanation anywhere—despite searching the Canadian government website and Google. No links, nothing! I’ve emailed them but haven’t heard back yet. I’m thinking of calling the Canadian embassy in Paris tomorrow. Even though I’m not stressing yet, it’d be a bummer if everyone else got to go without me! If anyone’s had this issue before or knows what this explanation letter is about, I’d love to hear more.
hi there
I’m heading to Seoul in September, and to do that I need to get a travel authorization that we apply for through K-ETA....... turns out I can (barely, I admit) fill out the form up to the address of our "stay location," but every address I’ve entered has been rejected by the system. I’ve tried my hotel, the Lotte Hotel (which is well-known in Seoul), the airport—basically, I’ve entered at least 20 addresses, all rejected....
So, to anyone who’s successfully gotten the authorization, could you tell me which address you used to get that "elusive" approval?...
Thanks for your help
So, to anyone who’s successfully gotten the authorization, could you tell me which address you used to get that "elusive" approval?...
Thanks for your help
Hi there,
I’m heading to Senegal in January for a month and was wondering if I just need my French driver’s license or if I should get an international permit?
Thanks!
JL
Hi there,
I have a 9-seater passenger vehicle that I use for my business in Paris, transporting people.
I’m planning to go to Algeria with my family.
The vehicle registration lists my company as the owner.
Can I get a TPD (Temporary Admission Document)?
Will I need a KBis extract or a power of attorney?!?
Thanks for your help.
Worst case, I can add my personal name as a co-owner on the registration, but that would be a real shame!
Hi,
I’m writing to ask for some info—I’ve heard that you **must** have travel insurance to land in Zanzibar.
What’s the process, and which insurance should I get?
Thanks in advance for your feedback!
Best,
Seb
Hi, are there any travelers who’ve recently crossed the border between Karakalpakstan (Uzbekistan) and Beineu in Kazakhstan?
It was closed for a while.
Thanks for any info!
Hi there,
I bought a one-way flight (Ryanair) and a return flight (EasyJet) to spend a week in Morocco in April. My passport expires 3 weeks after the return date. Some websites say the passport must be valid for 3 months at the time of entry. However, it will still be valid both on entry and return, but its validity will only be 1 month at the time of entry (and 3 weeks on the return date, everything prepaid).
It's an individual family trip.
The consulate can't give me an answer—they're still looking into it (really!)
Will Ryanair let me board in Beauvais in 3 weeks?
Thanks for your advice—this is a bit urgent 😕😕😕😕
I bought a one-way flight (Ryanair) and a return flight (EasyJet) to spend a week in Morocco in April. My passport expires 3 weeks after the return date. Some websites say the passport must be valid for 3 months at the time of entry. However, it will still be valid both on entry and return, but its validity will only be 1 month at the time of entry (and 3 weeks on the return date, everything prepaid).
It's an individual family trip.
The consulate can't give me an answer—they're still looking into it (really!)
Will Ryanair let me board in Beauvais in 3 weeks?
Thanks for your advice—this is a bit urgent 😕😕😕😕
Hello,
Last year, we stayed for 3 months in Thailand, north of Khao Lak, and were able to benefit from the 2-month visa exemption, renewable for one month by going to Takua Pa to validate a 1-month extension (1,900 baht). This year, it’s a disaster for us—not only were we planning a 4-month stay, adding a visa run in between (which some say is quite risky), but the law is apparently changing in the coming months with the return of the 1-month exemption (plus the usual 1-month option). So, we looked into applying for a 6-month multiple-entry visa, allowing a maximum of 60 consecutive days in Thailand. However, I can’t find anywhere the minimum time required outside Thailand between two stays—do any of you have an idea? Thanks for the info! If you’d like tips on Khao Lak and the surrounding areas, we’ve got some experience, though things change fast! Cheers, Bruno.
Last year, we stayed for 3 months in Thailand, north of Khao Lak, and were able to benefit from the 2-month visa exemption, renewable for one month by going to Takua Pa to validate a 1-month extension (1,900 baht). This year, it’s a disaster for us—not only were we planning a 4-month stay, adding a visa run in between (which some say is quite risky), but the law is apparently changing in the coming months with the return of the 1-month exemption (plus the usual 1-month option). So, we looked into applying for a 6-month multiple-entry visa, allowing a maximum of 60 consecutive days in Thailand. However, I can’t find anywhere the minimum time required outside Thailand between two stays—do any of you have an idea? Thanks for the info! If you’d like tips on Khao Lak and the surrounding areas, we’ve got some experience, though things change fast! Cheers, Bruno.
Hi there,
My partner, our 8-year-old daughter, and I are going on vacation to Gex.
We’ve decided to spend one day in Switzerland and another in Italy. Will we need ID (national ID card or passport)? Do we also need ID for our daughter?
Thanks so much for your answers! 🙂
My partner, our 8-year-old daughter, and I are going on vacation to Gex.
We’ve decided to spend one day in Switzerland and another in Italy. Will we need ID (national ID card or passport)? Do we also need ID for our daughter?
Thanks so much for your answers! 🙂
Hi everyone,
Some French friends are visiting NYC (4/5 days around mid-May) from Montreal, Canada. They’ve got their eTA and ESTA approved!
Round-trip transport by bus.
Question: Is the I-94 form required, mandatory, and should it be filled out on the bus or in advance???
Thanks for your RECENT experiences!
See you, Jean.
Some French friends are visiting NYC (4/5 days around mid-May) from Montreal, Canada. They’ve got their eTA and ESTA approved!
Round-trip transport by bus.
Question: Is the I-94 form required, mandatory, and should it be filled out on the bus or in advance???
Thanks for your RECENT experiences!
See you, Jean.
Hello,
We’ll soon be moving to Madagascar long-term.
As a French national, I need to obtain a short-stay visa that can be converted to a long-stay one. To do this, I have to send the required documents to the Madagascar embassy in Paris.
No issues with that procedure so far.
If I get this visa, once I arrive in Madagascar, I’ll need to provide the same documents to the Ministry of the Interior in Anosy. I’m trying to find an email address or website for the Ministry to check which documents I need to submit (I think they ask for additional ones).
If you have any info on this, I’d appreciate your replies.
Best regards,
M. Buisson Eric
Hi there,
I’d like to know if anyone has already applied for a private visa to Russia with an invitation from a Russian resident. I traveled earlier this year with an e-visa, but since I want to stay longer, I’ll be visiting my friend who lives in eastern Russia. For the visa application, does the invitation need to be on an official paper form issued by the Russian ministry? And most importantly, do I need to present the original for the application, or is there an electronic version that can be sent directly to the consulate in France? Thanks for any info if you’ve gone through this process before!
Best regards,
Gilles
I’d like to know if anyone has already applied for a private visa to Russia with an invitation from a Russian resident. I traveled earlier this year with an e-visa, but since I want to stay longer, I’ll be visiting my friend who lives in eastern Russia. For the visa application, does the invitation need to be on an official paper form issued by the Russian ministry? And most importantly, do I need to present the original for the application, or is there an electronic version that can be sent directly to the consulate in France? Thanks for any info if you’ve gone through this process before!
Best regards,
Gilles
I filled out the B2 form to apply for a visa, created an account on Atvis to pay the visa fees and schedule a meet-up, but every time I try to pay with my Boursobank Visa 1st card, they refuse the payment with a message telling me to check my details (address), even though everything is correct. Does anyone know why this is happening, or maybe they don’t accept Visa cards? Are you aware of this?
Thanks for your feedback!
Elisabeth
Hi,
There are rumors going around about the ETA: it must absolutely be on your smartphone in the "ETA" app.
Paper documents might not be accepted. Is this real or just a hoax? Thanks, I’m leaving in 3 weeks. My passport is good to go and my ETA is still valid for a year, but I only printed the email I received. Thanks everyone.
There are rumors going around about the ETA: it must absolutely be on your smartphone in the "ETA" app.
Paper documents might not be accepted. Is this real or just a hoax? Thanks, I’m leaving in 3 weeks. My passport is good to go and my ETA is still valid for a year, but I only printed the email I received. Thanks everyone.
Hi there,
We need to apply for a B2 visa because we visited Iran in 2018. It currently costs $185, but they’re planning an additional $250 fee per person for the same visa—it’s been approved but not yet implemented. Does anyone know when this fee will take effect?
Thanks in advance!
Elisabeth
Hi there,
In November, we're heading off on a 4-month trip. We'll be landing in China and plan to leave the country via a land border into Vietnam.
I’ve read that China may ask for proof of exit within 30 days (flight ticket or other reservation). Since we’d be leaving by land, I’m wondering how this works in practice.
Has anyone here been in this situation recently?
Did the airline ask for an exit ticket before boarding? Did Chinese authorities require proof upon arrival? Is a train/bus ticket to Vietnam sufficient? Is a cancelable or flexible reservation accepted?
Thanks for sharing your experiences! 😊
Did the airline ask for an exit ticket before boarding? Did Chinese authorities require proof upon arrival? Is a train/bus ticket to Vietnam sufficient? Is a cancelable or flexible reservation accepted?
Thanks for sharing your experiences! 😊
Hi there,
Just a question that’s probably been asked before (though usually the other way around for my situation :))
My wife and I are heading to the US.
On her ticket, it only has her maiden name (e.g., Martine DUPOND).
On her passport, it’s written as Martine DUPOND épouse AVRY.
No issues for travel, I hope I did the right thing with the ticket?
Then for the ESTA, is just Martine DUPOND enough, or do I need to include the "épouse AVRY" part like on the passport?
Thanks in advance!
Hi there,
I’m spending a few days in San Pedro de Atacama (Chile) and would like to cross the Argentine border to make a loop toward Salta and then return to Chile to drop off the rental car.
I’ve heard that crossing the border can be tricky!
Is it possible with a rental company’s authorization? Which company, and at what cost?
Thanks for sharing your experiences!
Best regards,
Arnale





