US embassy's new visa delivery system causes problems: Thai opinion

[webfact]

US embassy's new visa delivery system causes problems
Asina Pornwasin
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Two Sunday's ago I was meant to be on a flight to Washington to attend the Microsoft Cyber-crime Centre's media tour. Yet, even though I was granted a visa, I couldn't go. The weak link in my plans was the US embassy's new visa delivery system.

I had never before encountered any problems with delivery of US visas.

I was scheduled to fly on March 16, and was called in for my mandatory interview at the US Embassy on March 12. I asked that my passport be delivered to the Rong Muang Post Office rather than my home.

While I was at the embassy interview, I realised that the visa-delivery process had changed: "People who have got the visa can go home without buying an envelope," read the helpful sign.

Previously, applicants had to buy an envelope, pay for the EMS delivery service at a post office inside the embassy compound and get a tracking number and receipt.

But on this day, the post-office counter was closed, so I left. I thought the process was a bit strange, but I assumed that I would be alerted to pick up my visa at the Rong Muang Post Office.

One day before my flight (March 15), I logged on to the US embassy tracking system and typed in my passport number, only to receive the strange news that it had already been picked up.

Yet I remained optimistic, hoping it would show up. It didn't. After missing my flight, I called Rong Muang Post Office on March 17 and was asked for the "tracking number", which I did not have.

As a last resort, I e-mailed the embassy and received an auto reply: "The current status of your passport is 'Picked Up'."

A follow-up call from the visa section informed me that my passport had been delivered to the Rong Muang Post Office, and I was provided with a tracking number. I read this number out to the Rong Muang Post Office, who said "my" package had been delivered on March 14 via the Samsen Nai Post Office. I then rang the Samsen Nai Post Office, and they said a package with my tracking number had been delivered to a house in Intramara 51. I later learned that said package had been delivered to a man who had already flown to the US on March 15.

I then wrote to the embassy to say I had been given the wrong tracking number. An official rang to apologise and told me they had just put in place a new passport delivery system. Soon after, I was told that my passport had been at Rong Maung Post Office since March 13 - one day after the interview.

When I went to the post office to pick up my passport, I was told that I was not the first to have suffered with this issue. Upon further inquiry, it appeared that the problem stemmed from the new visa delivery system in which the visa staff should have reminded applicants to jot down their tracking number, which is on the application form.

Obviously, if I had been told to jot down my tracking number, I would have been able to make my flight.

US Embassy spokesman Walter Braunohler told me that more than 600,000 visas to the United States are approved, printed and mailed to Thai travellers every year.

"But we regret any delivery delays and are constantly reviewing our visa application and passport delivery process and appreciate all feedback," he said.


-- The Nation 2014-03-28

[tesolguru]

We jotted down our tracking numbers all to no avail. The embassy sent them in different EMS packages, so our tracking number showed nothing and we missed our flight and had to rebook our flight.

[casualbiker]

Excellent service. Getting the visa one day after interview process .. UK visa takes 14 - 30 days and most Shengen visa's 10 - 14 days...The Op should have followed his initial instinct and enquired further about the changes!

Sent from my XT1032 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[tomyummer]

Wow. I'm amazed they allowed delivery to a PO Box. I thought only residences or offices was allowed.

[khwaibah]

Is the US Embassy going to reimburse you finicaly for THEIR cock up ?

[expat888]

With all the problems that Thailand creates with foreigners which we deal with on a regular basis, all I can say is:

What goes around, comes around. Karma

[p_brownstone]

Pretty dumb to apply for a Visa only 4 days before the scheduled departure.

Patrick

[noitom]

This Thai press report. I this, I that, and I then. The visa system at the US Embassy is administered by Thais and they usually do a pretty good job, but not in the case of this "I" Thai writer who should learn how to write a meaningful article. This Thai writer was able to get through to the embassy official, the Thai post office so quickly he/she should have no complaints while "sitting around waiting and being "optimistic."

[BigSkip]

At Least you got your visa........My Thai Girlfriend of 30 years old applied for a U.S. tourist visa 3 weeks ago, at the interview, the questions were: where was she going(my Home in the U.S.), how did we meet(at the Mall), how long did she know me(7.5 years ago, and I have been living here with Her for 7 years).

Her "package" that was prepared was not even allowed to be shown:

1. University Graduate in IT & English

2. Teacher for 3 years(Teacher of the Year 2 times)

3. Presently a successful business owner

4. Owns a 2014 Honda

5. Has a very large bank account

6. Etc., Etc.

He handed her a paper and said sorry, which had the excuse why she was not getting a visa...

Reason...... Does not qualify ?!?!?!?!?!?!

Home Land Security.. B.S.

Theorist Threat.. B.S.

Not returning to Thailand...B.S.

I wish this could reach the U.S. Embassy / U.S. Ambassador all I ever see is photo opportunities

[moe666]

With all the problems that Thailand creates with foreigners which we deal with on a regular basis, all I can say is:

What goes around, comes around. Karma

I wonder what problems applying for and receiving Thai visas and extensions of stay for a number of years and not a hitch.

[yourauntbob]

At Least you got your visa........My Thai Girlfriend of 30 years old applied for a U.S. tourist visa 3 weeks ago, at the interview, the questions were: where was she going(my Home in the U.S.), how did we meet(at the Mall), how long did she know me(7.5 years ago, and I have been living here with Her for 7 years).

Her "package" that was prepared was not even allowed to be shown:

1. University Graduate in IT & English

2. Teacher for 3 years(Teacher of the Year 2 times)

3. Presently a successful business owner

4. Owns a 2014 Honda

5. Has a very large bank account

6. Etc., Etc.

He handed her a paper and said sorry, which had the excuse why she was not getting a visa...

Reason...... Does not qualify ?!?!?!?!?!?!

Home Land Security.. B.S.

Theorist Threat.. B.S.

Not returning to Thailand...B.S.

I wish this could reach the U.S. Embassy / U.S. Ambassador all I ever see is photo opportunities

I had a similar problem once. They said it was due to inadequate evidence to return. She only had a house, a car, and a company here. Apparently they thought she would leave that all behind even though she had been there once before with no issue.

From what i hear, the female interviewers deny a lot of the female applicants. I have a feeling there is some jealousy and resentment. My missus has been up 4 times and received the visa 3 times all with the same info etc. She is 100% with the male interviewers and 0% with the female interviewer. She has a friend with a similar track record as well.

[yourauntbob]

Pretty dumb to apply for a Visa only 4 days before the scheduled departure.

Patrick

you apply much earlier, they give you your appointment date.

[realenglish1]

Pretty dumb to apply for a Visa only 4 days before the scheduled departure.

Patrick

Thought about this and had to agree this is very stupid. I am a seasoned traveler having been to over 40 different countries during my life .I know visas are very important and always apply for a Visa if required about a month before I go. Why ? for the very reason this happened. Yes I know this person will say but I did not know they had a new system. Or I thought it would be delivered like usual.

But you know the problems with assuming anything

[JeffreyWitty]

Poor little HI-SO! Boo-hoo!

[Lupatria]

Next time travel with a jet set monk he seems to have no such problems. At least not in Europe, the US Laos or Cambodia.

[Changoverandout]

Next time travel with a jet set monk he seems to have no such problems. At least not in Europe, the US Laos or Cambodia.

Yes I've not heard any reports about him for months.

What happened to him and his ill-gotten gains?

[Jonmarleesco]

Spokesman Walter Braunohler, following the standard bureaucratic line, says that the US embassy regrets any delivery delays, is constantly reviewing the visa application and passport delivery process, and appreciates all feedback. Of little help, of course, when you've already paid for the flight that you've missed.

[asiaexpat]

Pretty dumb to apply for a Visa only 4 days before the scheduled departure.

Patrick

Thought about this and had to agree this is very stupid. I am a seasoned traveler having been to over 40 different countries during my life .I know visas are very important and always apply for a Visa if required about a month before I go. Why ? for the very reason this happened. Yes I know this person will say but I did not know they had a new system. Or I thought it would be delivered like usual.

But you know the problems with assuming anything

Interesting comments from persons that obviously never applied for a US visa in Bangkok (or any where else most likely.) It is a very onerous process that I can confirm from personal experience. Applicants must wait long periods of time just to get an interview for a simple tourist visa, let alone a business visa. For the significant cost in time and money, a US visa should at least be delivered properly. The documentation is complicated and even confuses US citizens, so Thais are a great disadvantage without helpful consulate personnel.

[PJcm]

Pretty dumb to apply for a Visa only 4 days before the scheduled departure.

Patrick

Thought about this and had to agree this is very stupid. I am a seasoned traveler having been to over 40 different countries during my life .I know visas are very important and always apply for a Visa if required about a month before I go. Why ? for the very reason this happened. Yes I know this person will say but I did not know they had a new system. Or I thought it would be delivered like usual.

But you know the problems with assuming anything

Interesting comments from persons that obviously never applied for a US visa in Bangkok (or any where else most likely.) It is a very onerous process that I can confirm from personal experience. Applicants must wait long periods of time just to get an interview for a simple tourist visa, let alone a business visa. For the significant cost in time and money, a US visa should at least be delivered properly. The documentation is complicated and even confuses US citizens, so Thais are a great disadvantage without helpful consulate personnel.

My wife a graduate of NY University with a Masters Degree in Nursing and a licence to practice nursing in NY State had the easiest of times when applying for a VISA to the US. We were married in the US and again married here both legally. During her interview the interviewer insisted on speaking in Thai and not English, asked almost no questions, a few documents supplied marriage lic, etc and just gave it up, too eazy, but maybe her name was in the system as a previous student and her previous passports, approval, circa 1986.

[expat888]

With all the problems that Thailand creates with foreigners which we deal with on a regular basis, all I can say is:

What goes around, comes around. Karma

I wonder what problems applying for and receiving Thai visas and extensions of stay for a number of years and not a hitch.

I suppose you like having a 1 year extension and having to report every 90 days like a parolee.

[expat888]

At Least you got your visa........My Thai Girlfriend of 30 years old applied for a U.S. tourist visa 3 weeks ago, at the interview, the questions were: where was she going(my Home in the U.S.), how did we meet(at the Mall), how long did she know me(7.5 years ago, and I have been living here with Her for 7 years).

Her "package" that was prepared was not even allowed to be shown:

1. University Graduate in IT & English

2. Teacher for 3 years(Teacher of the Year 2 times)

3. Presently a successful business owner

4. Owns a 2014 Honda

5. Has a very large bank account

6. Etc., Etc.

He handed her a paper and said sorry, which had the excuse why she was not getting a visa...

Reason...... Does not qualify ?!?!?!?!?!?!

Home Land Security.. B.S.

Theorist Threat.. B.S.

Not returning to Thailand...B.S.

I wish this could reach the U.S. Embassy / U.S. Ambassador all I ever see is photo opportunities

I had a similar problem once. They said it was due to inadequate evidence to return. She only had a house, a car, and a company here. Apparently they thought she would leave that all behind even though she had been there once before with no issue.

From what i hear, the female interviewers deny a lot of the female applicants. I have a feeling there is some jealousy and resentment. My missus has been up 4 times and received the visa 3 times all with the same info etc. She is 100% with the male interviewers and 0% with the female interviewer. She has a friend with a similar track record as well.

Maybe your girlfriend was too hot.

[expat888]

Pretty dumb to apply for a Visa only 4 days before the scheduled departure.

Patrick

Thought about this and had to agree this is very stupid. I am a seasoned traveler having been to over 40 different countries during my life .I know visas are very important and always apply for a Visa if required about a month before I go. Why ? for the very reason this happened. Yes I know this person will say but I did not know they had a new system. Or I thought it would be delivered like usual.

But you know the problems with assuming anything

Interesting comments from persons that obviously never applied for a US visa in Bangkok (or any where else most likely.) It is a very onerous process that I can confirm from personal experience. Applicants must wait long periods of time just to get an interview for a simple tourist visa, let alone a business visa. For the significant cost in time and money, a US visa should at least be delivered properly. The documentation is complicated and even confuses US citizens, so Thais are a great disadvantage without helpful consulate personnel.

That hardly relates to the op. Just your misfortune.

[OMGImInPattaya]

The embassy conducts more than 2300 visa interviews a day...that seems a bit far fetched to me. It seems to me she was cutting it pretty close...should have allowed more time...these are government workers, who couldn't find any other work, that we're dealing with here.

[Suriya4]

The embassy conducts more than 2300 visa interviews a day...that seems a bit far fetched to me. It seems to me she was cutting it pretty close...should have allowed more time...these are government workers, who couldn't find any other work, that we're dealing with here.

To avoide this, There should be a new visa rule.

Any person with new visa issued less than 1 month ago, cannot enter the USA.

This give 1 month to sort out the mailling problem, and reduce the irritating last minurte visa request.

[Gonsalviz]

Wow. I'm amazed they allowed delivery to a PO Box. I thought only residences or offices was allowed.

Mine was delivered no problem to a remote village.

[Gonsalviz]

With all the problems that Thailand creates with foreigners which we deal with on a regular basis, all I can say is:

What goes around, comes around. Karma

I think you should go home if you have so many problems.

[expat888]

With all the problems that Thailand creates with foreigners which we deal with on a regular basis, all I can say is:

What goes around, comes around. Karma

I think you should go home if you have so many problems.

Well, I didn't see that coming, Someone in TV saying you should go home.

What a shock!

[kerrysum]

Hello all.

And thanks for your posts, please do not feel it is happening in Thailand, it is happening to Thai citizens, renewing there Thai Passports right here in
in the United States... Huge backlog, and yes tracking number does not mean SH**..... They can not guarantee when you will get your Passport....

Thai Consulates will not return your calls..... Something is amiss here ...l Just had to put my two cents in... Hope all works well, for those of you whom have waited..... Here in the States, they said it was because of Thai protests, and that they had to shut down Government Buildings....

kilosierra