Would You Let Thai Girlfriend Fly Alone To Uk?

[bruce2013]

Hi

My gf is 21 , she will be coming to the uk on a her first tourist visa shortly. She has been to a few Asian countries but never travelled alone. I will be working in the uk and am not sure about flying back to Thailand then the uk with her because of the cost.

Basic question ..

Would you let Thai girlfriend fly alone to uk?

[thaicbr]

If she has flown before and is a sensible girl.. yes.

But be aware that the immigration can sometimes ask lots of questions for a young thai girl flying alone. So make sure she has evidence of a relationship and maybe an itinerary of the things that you are both going to do.. i am presuming she is coming on a tourist visa.

I flew in with my Gf and she got stumped on a question about where she would be staying as we were staying in a number of places.. hotel, friends, family etc. But luckily the immigration officer saw her looking over at me and called me over to explain..

It should not be a problem.. have fun.

[liveforever]

I think if it was a direct flight say bkk to lhr and someone could help her through check in ect and you will be waiting in arrivals, then she should be ok; but a non direct flight via dubai or elsewhere could be a problem if she's not used to it.

Regards

[OxfordWill]

Yea, just prepare her to answer questions at immigration because if she is unlucky she will get a nasty officer who will put her on the spot a bit, and shyness will be interpreted as suspicious. Polite, not speaking too quietly, making eye contact, smiling, answering questions.. then she will be fine without delay.

[7by7]

If she is confident enough, especially if she speaks reasonable English, then there is no reason why she should have any problems. If she can't read English and so can't follow the signs, just tell her to follow everyone else!

However, if she is not confident enough to do this alone, most airlines are more than willing to meet a passenger off the flight and escort them through immigration and customs until they meet you; some will do this for free, some will charge.

When my wife's sister, who speaks virtually no English, visited us she flew direct with EVA and they did this for free.

She should ask for it when purchasing the ticket and confirm when checking in.

Whether on her own or escorted, she should carry the supporting documents from her visa application in her hand baggage as well as your mobile number, just in case she is stopped and questioned.

Edit:

If she is questioned by immigration, remembner what theoldgit said to you here when you asked if she could stay longer than the 4 weeks she said she would be in her application

You will probably be aware that a visa doesn't give the holder automatic entry into the UK, the IO at the UK Border will still need to be satisfied that the visit is genuine and that the holder will leave the UK within the length of the visa. The IO could well ask for sight of return tickets, though she is not required to hold them when entering, she could also be asked for the reason and duration of the trip and even her ties in Thailand, if the IO believed there was a material change since the visa was applied for, or indeed the visa was obtained fraudulently, ie say she was returning to work in four weeks when she had no intention of doing so, then entry could be refused, the IO has the facility to pull up the original application. I have to say that this is a worst case scenario, but it could happen, chances are it wouldn't.

Edited April 3, 2013 by 7by7

[overherebc]

If she is confident enough, especially if she speaks reasonable English, then there is no reason why she should have any problems. If she can't read English and so can't follow the signs, just tell her to follow everyone else!

However, if she is not confident enough to do this alone, most airlines are more than willing to meet a passenger off the flight and escort them through immigration and customs until they meet you; some will do this for free, some will charge.

When my wife's sister, who speaks virtually no English, visited us she flew direct with EVA and they did this for free.

She should ask for it when purchasing the ticket and confirm when checking in.

Whether on her own or escorted, she should carry the supporting documents from her visa application in her hand baggage as well as your mobile number, just in case she is stopped and questioned.

Edit:

If she is questioned by immigration, remembner what theoldgit said to you here when you asked if she could stay longer than the 4 weeks she said she would be in her application

You will probably be aware that a visa doesn't give the holder automatic entry into the UK, the IO at the UK Border will still need to be satisfied that the visit is genuine and that the holder will leave the UK within the length of the visa. The IO could well ask for sight of return tickets, though she is not required to hold them when entering, she could also be asked for the reason and duration of the trip and even her ties in Thailand, if the IO believed there was a material change since the visa was applied for, or indeed the visa was obtained fraudulently, ie say she was returning to work in four weeks when she had no intention of doing so, then entry could be refused, the IO has the facility to pull up the original application. I have to say that this is a worst case scenario, but it could happen, chances are it wouldn't.

I posted on a similar thread a long time ago about a friend who was asked to come to the desk to help out when his girlfriend arrived in UK.

He started on the wrong foot by telling the Immigration guy that she already had a visa and he didn't see why there was all the fuss.

He was then told to calm down as the officer had the right to refuse entry if he felt there was good reason.

He did calm down and in 10 minutes they were on their way.

[AnotherOneAmerican]

Can I ask a totally sideways question here.

When travelling as a tourist, I was under the impression there is no requirement for the traveller to speak English.

So what happens if immigration decide to question a young lady that only speaks Thai?

Will they find a Thai speaking immigration officer?

Or are only English speakers allowed to be tourists?

(Sorry if this is an inappropriate question for this topic)

Edited April 3, 2013 by AnotherOneAmerican

[7by7]

AnotherOneAmerican,

If required both immigration and customs have access to interpreters if they need to question someone who cannot speak English.

Obvious, I'd have thought; is it different in the USA?

[candypants]

i generally date adults, i would have little in common with someone unable to board plane unassisted.

[AnotherOneAmerican]

AnotherOneAmerican,

If required both immigration and customs have access to interpreters if they need to question someone who cannot speak English.

Obvious, I'd have thought; is it different in the USA?

Sorry

I've never really thought about it before, been to many countries around the world with a valid VISA, immigration either spoke English or didn't bother to talk to me. This idea of issuing a VISA then changing their mind later, after the flight, just seems a bit strange and in some way wrong.

Edited April 3, 2013 by AnotherOneAmerican

[Waterloo]

i generally date adults, i would have little in common with someone unable to board plane unassisted.

A little harsh don't you think, my mother in law in her mid fifties has visited the UK severale times & she still finds the experience daunting not speaking any english

[bobrussell]

Immigration can be quite intimidating so a little preparation as above is a good idea. Basic documents, especially mobile phone number for the person collecting and the address she is to stay at are musts!

My wife has had issues at Heathrow with none too pleasant IO's. They really could do with a bit more training. They are the first official interaction with the UK and are not always a particularly good one. To be fair the IO's in Bangkok are rarely welcoming either. One trip the Thai IO was very nice to the kids and discussed football (younger son wearing a Man U shirt)plus had a smile on his face! This was a fantastic start to the visit. These are officials doing a job but it can be done nicely.

My wife has, on occasions, struggled to understand some of the 'strong' accents.

I think it is a brilliant idea to request assistance for a non/limited-English speaking traveler if it is available. Direct flights are much easier for a first visit.

Edited April 3, 2013 by bobrussell

[IrishMick]

My then gf, now wife, has flown twice to the UK on her own. She got lost, couldn't answer some of the border agency questions but she still made it and will have hopefully learned from the experience

[7by7]

Tullynagardy,

If your going to use something I have posted to make a point, use the whole quote.

Read it again.

AnotherOneAmerican,

I refer you to the quote I posted from theoldgit above. Mainly the part about immigration being able to refuse entry if the visa holder's circumstances have changed since the visa was issued such that the reasons for issuing the visa are no longer valid and the part about immigration discovering that the visa was obtained fraudulently.

Even in those circumstances an individual IO cannot refuse entry on their own; they must have confirmation from a manager.

As I understand it this is standard procedure in most countries.

[USNret]

AnotherOneAmerican,

If required both immigration and customs have access to interpreters if they need to question someone who cannot speak English.

Obvious, I'd have thought; is it different in the USA?

Sorry

I've never really thought about it before, been to many countries around the world with a valid VISA, immigration either spoke English or didn't bother to talk to me. This idea of issuing a VISA then changing their mind later, after the flight, just seems a bit strange and in some way wrong.

Yes, US is the same. A tourist visa given overseas only grants the ability to board the plane and "try" to enter the States. Actual permission to enter is granted by the border agent upon arrival. They have full & complete authority to deny entry for any reason that strikes their fancy. I do find them, generally, to be reasonable in the U.S.

When I was dating my wife and we had the chance to fly together, I drilled her relentlessly on check-in procedures, reading & understanding the monitors in the terminal, finding connecting gates, etc. Knowing that one day she would would have to fly alone.

Sure enough, one time we were in Indiana and she wanted to go visit her friend in NYC. The cheapest flight connected through Chicago which is a madhouse. This was her first "solo" flight. She had one hour to connect between flights. I was very proud of her when I got the call that she made it safely to JFK in New York. Despite being good in English, gate agents & all the others talk very fast, using vocabulary that the typical Thai hasn't encountered (try: "Have your bags been out of your sight, or has anyone asked you to carry carry anything for them" 3 times fast.) Americans do not have the knack of speaking slowly to foreigners. So yes, it can be scary for someone doing this for the first time.

Edited April 3, 2013 by USNret

[USNret]

Tullynagardy,

If your going to use something I have posted to make a point, use the whole quote.

What you have written makes little sense, how I quoted it is irrelevant. Perhaps you should read it again.

You wrote -

"If asked by an immigration officer at their port of entry they must be able to show that they either do hold one or have the means available to them, from their own resources or those of a friend, relative etc., with which to purchase one"

The only sensible, easy way to do this is with a return flight booking confirmation. My advice to the OP, based on hands on experience, will save A LOT of heartache, yet you deem it appropriate to post nonsense suggesting otherwise and also even make suggestions about myself. Again Ill say it, grow up.

Maybe it's just me, but I found 7by7's statement very simple & straightforward. You either need to have your onward/return ticket or show the ability to purchase one. I can think of several ways to show this ability, most notably by showing a few months of bank statements. No big deal, not sure why that is hard to understand.

[Dave8237]

Yes I did my wife came to the UK, last June to help me recover from open heart surgery. Direct flight with Thai Airways in too London. She did get confused on the arrival form, for immigration, and the officer on immigration was not helpful. Unfortunately, for my wife it was the start of the Olympics, and there were many temporary officers working at terminal 3. But a very nice Indian, I believe, coming off another flight help my wife fill out the missing information.

My wife is 39, and has flown twice only in here life, to Dubai and back. It was a rush job, due to what was going on with my health.

[7by7]

What I posted is not nonsense; it is based on the Immigration Directorate Instructions; that is the instructions issued by the UKBA to immigration officers.

The UKBA and individual IO's are as aware as I that not all visitors to the UK have a fixed leaving date and so may not have purchased a return or onward ticket.

Tullynagardy, as I said, there is no excuse for rudeness by an IO, and I'll add that anyone who feels they or anyone they know has been treated badly should complain. But your comments about the IO who had the audacity to do her job and ask your girlfriend some questions show that you believe no one has the right to question you or disagree with you; so end of this silly conversation with you as far as I am concerned.

[theoldgit]

Flames and insults to UKBA staff, as well as responses removed.

Please keep civil in future.

Sent from my iPhone using ThaiVisa app

[candypants]

i generally date adults, i would have little in common with someone unable to board plane unassisted.

A little harsh don't you think, my mother in law in her mid fifties has visited the UK severale times & she still finds the experience daunting not speaking any english

as i said, we would have little common ground then, wouldn't we?

[Hugh Jarse]

If she is confident enough, especially if she speaks reasonable English, then there is no reason why she should have any problems. If she can't read English and so can't follow the signs, just tell her to follow everyone else!

However, if she is not confident enough to do this alone, most airlines are more than willing to meet a passenger off the flight and escort them through immigration and customs until they meet you; some will do this for free, some will charge.

When my wife's sister, who speaks virtually no English, visited us she flew direct with EVA and they did this for free.

She should ask for it when purchasing the ticket and confirm when checking in.

Whether on her own or escorted, she should carry the supporting documents from her visa application in her hand baggage as well as your mobile number, just in case she is stopped and questioned.

Edit:

If she is questioned by immigration, remembner what theoldgit said to you here when you asked if she could stay longer than the 4 weeks she said she would be in her application

You will probably be aware that a visa doesn't give the holder automatic entry into the UK, the IO at the UK Border will still need to be satisfied that the visit is genuine and that the holder will leave the UK within the length of the visa. The IO could well ask for sight of return tickets, though she is not required to hold them when entering, she could also be asked for the reason and duration of the trip and even her ties in Thailand, if the IO believed there was a material change since the visa was applied for, or indeed the visa was obtained fraudulently, ie say she was returning to work in four weeks when she had no intention of doing so, then entry could be refused, the IO has the facility to pull up the original application. I have to say that this is a worst case scenario, but it could happen, chances are it wouldn't.

Try and be at the airport to meet her and if she encounters any difficulties with Immigration Officials, ensure she gives them your cell phone number ,so they can call you for clarification.

[jlaw666]

I booked a flight for my wife who had never flown before to Manchester via Zurich with about one hour to swap planes because i though it better to get her here quickly and not waiting in the airport for a few hours.

Leaving Thailand no problem talked to Thai's on her flight who told her which way to go etc but one lady who talked to her had a baby and a few bags and tried to get my wife to help her but i warned her before hand don't carry anything for anybody ever how nice they seem.

Got the flight to Manchester with not much time to wait before it was ready to leave.

On getting to immigration at Manchester she was only asked what she was doing in the Uk and said come to visit her husband and that was it,i seen her 45 minutes after the flight had landed.

Going back i asked when booking her in if someone can point her in the right direction and they said if you have trouble walking they could get her a wheelchair that's all.

After going through security she said she wasn't sure which way to go because you got to walk through all the shops which doesn't help but she just asked someone and showed her boarding pass and walked to the gates then she was ok.

She did say that next time she would like to have a couple of hours to connect to her next flight to stretch her legs and have plenty of time to get to the next gate.

[Phronesis]

My girl few out to Australia the second time by herself. I waited for her at the Airport.

She is a conservative looking lass...no tatoos...no fancy make up...and on the day she was wearing female business suit.

Despite absolutely busting to go to the toilet...and telling the immigration blokes just that (she speaks good english having studied in Australia on her first trip)...she was pulled aside for a full luggage and strip search. Then as she finally walked through the gates to meet me...she had three seperate punters trailing behind her trying to get her phone number.

Is, your girl THE ONE?

If so, wrangle the time off work and head over here to fly back with her...

Edited April 3, 2013 by Phronesis

[ravip]

#2, #4, #11, #15, #23 - after reading all this...

If the Thai immigration (or for ANY other country) had the same attitude (Thai only or the country's language only) would it be OK?

Or how are the exceptions done?

[7by7]

As I said in post 8, UK immigration have access to, and use, interpreters if and when required. (Post 23 is about Australian immigration; I know nothing of them but assume it's the same.)

Not all the posts you list are about those seeking entrance being questioned, anyway!

So what is your point?

Edited April 3, 2013 by 7by7

[hotwinter]

hi bruce2013

my wife travelled alone the 2nd she came to england, she has good english so i didnt see it as a problem. i made sure it was a direct flight as the first time we had a change over in mumbai and they wasnt very welcoming to her atall

what i did do was find the arrival card online, printed it off A4 size, filled it in and sent it to her. (email) she has to put my address on the form and as much as her reading and writing is good she still gets a bit scared filling out forms on her own. plus she couldnt even remember the town i live in! lol

[bostonboy]

i generally date adults, i would have little in common with someone unable to board plane unassisted.

What a ridiculous statement not everyone understands English or even airports all that well my sisters are from US, approaching 50yrs old, and would be scared stiff to fly alone to another country.

My wife has flown alone through Hong Kong and Taiwan to get to Canada but the 1st time she flew alone was through Hong Kong and we requested that Cathay Pacific meet her at gate and bring her to the next gate.

Now, she will fly anywhere in the world alone, 3 short years later.

Edited April 7, 2013 by theoldgit

[BIGJIMMY]

The first time my Mrs came to the UK she flew on her own, I met her at the airport, I had given her a written letter explaining why she was heading to the UK (we got married there) it also had my mobile number, where she was staying etc and the fact that I was in arrivals waiting for her - no sweat, she did well.

Best of luck.

Jimmy

[Seekingasylum]

The UK visa is actually a clearance issued as a grant of leave to enter. Once issued the recipient has the right of entry provided it was obtained properly and that there has been no material and relevant change in circumstances.

The I.O. does not actually grant entry. His role is simply one of verification.it seems some take the power vested in them to overturn a visa issue as carte blanche to go on fishing expeditions based on crude profiling viz. young single woman, poor English, travelling alone to meet UK sponsor for the first time.

The thing is to prepare for such an experience. The visitor should have a short, typed letter from the sponsor addressed to the I.O. confirming relationship, accom. address, tel no, sponsor's employment details and details of the visitor's itinerary. This information can be corroborated by the officer on reference to the original visa application which is available to him via computerised records held locally. Attendance of the sponsor at the port of arrival is always desirable.

Poor English skills, shyness and unfamiliarity with the culture of a bureaucrat asking direct and personal questions can be challenging at the best of times but answers can be misconstrued by inexperienced officers or by those keen to make a visitor fit their suspicions. Thus, it is always best to provide as much help where one can.

[marstons]

mine flew few times on her own no problem, having your mobile handy for her to give if she is taken for extra questioning.

UKBA only doing their jobs as per the guidelines they have been given. Always found them decent enough if guidelines are followed.