how long for visitor visa from Egypt?

[doodlebug 3]

Just curious, how long does it take the average Joe from start to finish to come here on a visitor's visa from Egypt? When I read the requirements it seems so very easy and they quote things like 22 days and the like, yet I hear horror stories that I could take years. Anyone know the real deal? Thanks.

[ya falaha! 0]

Visitor visas are near impossible to get in Egypt.

[doodlebug 3]

Visitor visas are near impossible to get in Egypt.

ok...why is that? I mean when you go to the us site it seems like it's pretty simple. I thought Egypt was an ally....

[UmmSqueakster 54]

Visitor visas are near impossible to get in Egypt.

Especially if you're the average Muhammad, Tamer or Ahmed.

From what I understand, one needs to show substantive ties to their home country (lots of money in the bank, owning property), and your average egyptian can't show those things. Add to that the extensive security checks middle eastern men are subjected to, and it's a lose lose situation.

[ya falaha! 0]

LOL...ally. Egypt is an Arab country. The US doesn't make it terribly easy for Arabs to get in. Trust me if I could get my husband here just for a visit on a tourist visa I'd give a kidney for it!

Visitor visas are near impossible to get in Egypt.

ok...why is that? I mean when you go to the us site it seems like it's pretty simple. I thought Egypt was an ally....

[UmmSqueakster 54]

Hey, is this BL? *waves* glad you could make it over!

[doodlebug 3]

Hey, is this BL? *waves* glad you could make it over!

You uncovered my identity!!!!

LOL...ally. Egypt is an Arab country. The US doesn't make it terribly easy for Arabs to get in. Trust me if I could get my husband here just for a visit on a tourist visa I'd give a kidney for it!

Visitor visas are near impossible to get in Egypt.

ok...why is that? I mean when you go to the us site it seems like it's pretty simple. I thought Egypt was an ally....

Ok ok....i'm naive i know this. rofl.

[UmmSqueakster 54]

I'm pretty sure we all started out naive here, and that a lot of us at least contemplated trying to get visitor's visas for our SOs. Unfortunately, reality sucks. Bleck.

[Together4ever 1]

*points at herself* "Miss Niave" here... I called the Embassy the first time I visited Egypt about a tourist visa for Moh. (laughs herself into convulsions) It was made pretty clear to me unless he was a wealthy business man or land owner with a tight bank account they wouldn't even consider it. The reason is they are afraid of people jumping their visas once inside the country and staying illegally. I know it sucks, believe me. We thought the K-1 visa was "faster" too. (Hahahahahaha....blah) A lawyer told me "Oh it might take as long as 6 months" (gaffaws). Sure glad I kept my money. It'll be one year next month. Whee. (sob)

[doodlebug 3]

*points at herself* "Miss Niave" here... I called the Embassy the first time I visited Egypt about a tourist visa for Moh. (laughs herself into convulsions) It was made pretty clear to me unless he was a wealthy business man or land owner with a tight bank account they wouldn't even consider it. The reason is they are afraid of people jumping their visas once inside the country and staying illegally. I know it sucks, believe me. We thought the K-1 visa was "faster" too. (Hahahahahaha....blah) A lawyer told me "Oh it might take as long as 6 months" (gaffaws). Sure glad I kept my money. It'll be one year next month. Whee. (sob)

Well I guess I can find a miniscule amount of relief knowing that I'm not the first one to think of it.

For the record, I think it's just awful the way the Egyptians are treated in this way. People from other countries don't get that kind of disrespect.

Anyhoo....anyone know how hard it is for them to get visitor's visas to other countries, like in europe or something?

[Together4ever 1]

*points at herself* "Miss Niave" here... I called the Embassy the first time I visited Egypt about a tourist visa for Moh. (laughs herself into convulsions) It was made pretty clear to me unless he was a wealthy business man or land owner with a tight bank account they wouldn't even consider it. The reason is they are afraid of people jumping their visas once inside the country and staying illegally. I know it sucks, believe me. We thought the K-1 visa was "faster" too. (Hahahahahaha....blah) A lawyer told me "Oh it might take as long as 6 months" (gaffaws). Sure glad I kept my money. It'll be one year next month. Whee. (sob)

Well I guess I can find a miniscule amount of relief knowing that I'm not the first one to think of it.

For the record, I think it's just awful the way the Egyptians are treated in this way. People from other countries don't get that kind of disrespect.

Anyhoo....anyone know how hard it is for them to get visitor's visas to other countries, like in europe or something?

We explored that option too. Greece, Romania, etc... Same story. The only countries they can easily go to are Arab countries. That's about it.

[doodlebug 3]

*points at herself* "Miss Niave" here... I called the Embassy the first time I visited Egypt about a tourist visa for Moh. (laughs herself into convulsions) It was made pretty clear to me unless he was a wealthy business man or land owner with a tight bank account they wouldn't even consider it. The reason is they are afraid of people jumping their visas once inside the country and staying illegally. I know it sucks, believe me. We thought the K-1 visa was "faster" too. (Hahahahahaha....blah) A lawyer told me "Oh it might take as long as 6 months" (gaffaws). Sure glad I kept my money. It'll be one year next month. Whee. (sob)

Well I guess I can find a miniscule amount of relief knowing that I'm not the first one to think of it.

For the record, I think it's just awful the way the Egyptians are treated in this way. People from other countries don't get that kind of disrespect.

Anyhoo....anyone know how hard it is for them to get visitor's visas to other countries, like in europe or something?

We explored that option too. Greece, Romania, etc... Same story. The only countries they can easily go to are Arab countries. That's about it.

Ok....so does anyone here have tips on getting over their fear of 1) flying and 2) going to a foreign country?

[Together4ever 1]

*points at herself* "Miss Niave" here... I called the Embassy the first time I visited Egypt about a tourist visa for Moh. (laughs herself into convulsions) It was made pretty clear to me unless he was a wealthy business man or land owner with a tight bank account they wouldn't even consider it. The reason is they are afraid of people jumping their visas once inside the country and staying illegally. I know it sucks, believe me. We thought the K-1 visa was "faster" too. (Hahahahahaha....blah) A lawyer told me "Oh it might take as long as 6 months" (gaffaws). Sure glad I kept my money. It'll be one year next month. Whee. (sob)

Well I guess I can find a miniscule amount of relief knowing that I'm not the first one to think of it.

For the record, I think it's just awful the way the Egyptians are treated in this way. People from other countries don't get that kind of disrespect.

Anyhoo....anyone know how hard it is for them to get visitor's visas to other countries, like in europe or something?

We explored that option too. Greece, Romania, etc... Same story. The only countries they can easily go to are Arab countries. That's about it.

Ok....so does anyone here have tips on getting over their fear of 1) flying and 2) going to a foreign country?

Yep. I had both. Big time. But I just went. I took a breath and stepped off the proverbial cliff, told God it was in his hands. I wanted to be with Mohammed and it was the only way, so it was up to me to do it. It's the best thing I've ever done for myself in my life. I faced some tremendous fears and I'm still breathing... It's given me a little more faith in myself. Just be smart, be safe, and you'll be fine if its something you really want to conquer.

[sarah and hicham 3]

It was scary for me going to a country I didn't know much about and going alone and so far away but knowing what was at the other end helped. You should do lots of research before you go and I'm sure everyone can help you to be prepared. I'm not sure about the fear of flying... I don't like to fly but it doesn't last too long.

Good luck!

Kisses,

Sarah