visa

[keepabovewater]

Visa advise to all, learn from my mistake. I had a 30 day Schengen Visa, spent 25 days in Italy and then went to embark on a 14 day transatlantic cruise to America aboard Holland America. There were 5 European ports in the itinerary the rest were days at sea. I thought I was in the clear, 25+5=30. But Holland denied me boarding and escorted  me out of terminal , NO REFUND.

They said they count the days at sea when we are in European waters toward my visa time. No discussion about it. I could not board.  Be sure you have enough visa days.

[VMax1700]

When did this happen, and how did you manage to exit the Schengen area within the remaining 5 days?

[Shmoo here]

48 minutes ago, keepabovewater said:

But Holland denied me boarding and escorted  me out of terminal , NO REFUND.

Well, while it may have seemed that HAL was the one refusing you, it was really the law in the country that was refusing you.  It's up to you, the traveler, to know whether you have the proper documentation for trips.  Not just your best guess, but actual information from the proper authorities.  

 

Why wouldn't the days at sea count against the count?

Edited January 29, 2020 by Shmoo here

[*Miss G*]

1 hour ago, keepabovewater said:

I had a 30 day Schengen Visa

 

Why only 30 days?  Was there a reason they didn’t give you 90?

[edward01ca]

What country did you come from that actually required a visa to a Schengen country?   Don't need one from Canada

[Shmoo here]

19 minutes ago, *Miss G* said:

 

Why only 30 days?  Was there a reason they didn’t give you 90?

We don't know what country OP is from.  Different countries have different visa requirements.

[CruiserBruce]

What is your passport and nationality?

[Shmoo here]

1 hour ago, CruiserBruce said:

What is your passport and nationality?

I doubt we're going to find out.  

[Ferry_Watcher]

This visa snafu happens frequently during the Alaska Cruise season.  Foreign passenger from certain Asian and South American countries will run into problems because they don't have a Canadian visa.  Often times it is foreign visitors (generally from Asia (India, Indonesia)  and South American countries), who while visiting the US on their own will decide to take a cruise to Alaska.  (Passengers who are part of tour groups always have the needed visas). 

 

Sometimes it is their American friends/relatives who suggest the cruise, not knowing that their visiting relatives need a Canadian visa.  Some folks assume that if they have an American visa, then it somehow extends to a Canadian entry.  Or sometimes a travel agent tell them that if they don't get off the ship during the port of call in Victoria, then a Canadian visa isn't needed. It is so sad that once they arrive at the Seattle cruise terminal they are told that they can not board the ship.  And there is nothing that can be done.  And there is no refunds.

[I like vacation]

1 hour ago, Shmoo here said:

I doubt we're going to find out.  

 

Another 1 post wonder.

[MAVIP]

7 hours ago, I like vacation said:

 

Another 1 post wonder.

Exactly.

[Alphen]

Why doesn't CC enforce a period (cooldown) after registering on CC. This may prevent a lot of posts, written down in anger at the moment.....

Edited January 30, 2020 by Alphen

[DoggyDaddy]

What is wrong with what the OP posted, if it is factual? 

 

[CruiserBruce]

23 minutes ago, DoggyDaddy said:

What is wrong with what the OP posted, if it is factual? 

 

It is going to depend on some important variables...like country of origin. And, as mentioned, HAL is NOT responsible to make sure you meet all passport/visa requirements. You are.

[RuthC]

4 hours ago, Alphen said:

Why doesn't CC enforce a period (cooldown) after registering on CC. This may prevent a lot of posts, written down in anger at the moment.....

OP registered on CC very early Sunday morning eastern time (we don't know OP's time zone). The post didn't happen until early Wednesday afternoon (eastern time). 
How long a 'cool down period' should there be? 

[Alphen]

31 minutes ago, RuthC said:

OP registered on CC very early Sunday morning eastern time (we don't know OP's time zone). The post didn't happen until early Wednesday afternoon (eastern time). 
How long a 'cool down period' should there be? 

I did not count the exact time, nor do I suggest one, but I think it is safe to say, that after a bad experience, in the heat of the moment situations can look more grim than after a few days cooling down. Not in any way declining any right in posting negative experiences, just saying that in the heat of the moment, maybe full of adrenaline, things can easily spiral out of control.

[keepabovewater]

On 1/29/2020 at 12:27 PM, VMax1700 said:

When did this happen, and how did you manage to exit the Schengen area within the remaining 5 days?

10/31/19, train to nearest airport, cheapest same day flight we could find out of the country to another "non Schengen" country.

[keepabovewater]

On 1/29/2020 at 12:37 PM, Shmoo here said:

Well, while it may have seemed that HAL was the one refusing you, it was really the law in the country that was refusing you.  It's up to you, the traveler, to know whether you have the proper documentation for trips.  Not just your best guess, but actual information from the proper authorities.  

 

Why wouldn't the days at sea count against the count?

I FULLY agree with your statement. I now call each countrys consulate office about Visa information. Not rely on internet posts. Visa information changes with time.

[keepabovewater]

Just now, keepabovewater said:

I FULLY agree with your statement. I now call each countrys consulate office about Visa information. Not rely on internet posts. Visa information changes with time.

HAL said days at sea in Mediterranian Sea counted, and days at sea in Atlantic did not.

[keepabovewater]

On 1/29/2020 at 1:13 PM, *Miss G* said:

 

Why only 30 days?  Was there a reason they didn’t give you 90?

I wanted as long as I could get, a 10 year multiple entry would be great, but was given 30. 

[keepabovewater]

On 1/29/2020 at 1:18 PM, edward01ca said:

What country did you come from that actually required a visa to a Schengen country?   Don't need one from Canada

China

[Pinkkong]

On 1/30/2020 at 9:17 AM, Alphen said:

I did not count the exact time, nor do I suggest one, but I think it is safe to say, that after a bad experience, in the heat of the moment situations can look more grim than after a few days cooling down. Not in any way declining any right in posting negative experiences, just saying that in the heat of the moment, maybe full of adrenaline, things can easily spiral out of control.

I'd hardly call the original post one that was "spiralling out of control". I would have thought that since you were the one that suggested that there should be a cooling off period, you would have put a little more thought into the mechanics of your proposed solution.  Otherwise, it appears as though your post may have been the one that was made in "the heat of the moment", and "maybe full of adrenaline".

[*Miss G*]

2 hours ago, keepabovewater said:

China

 

Thanks for coming back and responding to our questions.  I am sorry the misinformation HAL gave you contributed to missing your cruise.  Such a shame.