Safely getting to Juarez from El Paso

[000 0]

Hi Guys,

Manuel went for his interview a week ago. He got the physical, turned in the paperwork, got fingerprinted, all without a hitch. He went to the interview , and the only question the woman asked him was if I spoke fluent Spanish and if he spoke fluent English. He said we both spoke a little of each. Of course, "a little" can be interpreted differently by different people. She asked him where I was and he told her I was in the US because I had to work. She then said I would have to come to Juarez for an interview. Needless to say we are both getting frustrated with this whole process. We have known each other for four years. I have been to visit him in Mexico, but he has not been here because he does not 'qualify' for a tourist visa. (No real estate or professional job.)I can understand that there is 7 years difference in our age, and maybe that, and his response triggered a ?????????. But, they say be honest about everything, and we have. It just seems like we get spanked for being honest. He could have said I spoke fluent Spanish,and that probably would have been then end of that.But, that would not have been the truth. So, we are preparing for both of us to go back in November. We can't go sooner due to the cost of the trip to Juarez, and my job. Anyway...... I am going to have to fly into El Paso. And go from there to La Quinta Inn and Suites in Juarez. Due to safety concerns, since I will be traveling alone from the airport to Juarez, what is the best option of transportation for getting from El Paso Airport to the hotel in Juarez? Also, has anyone had anything similar to this, happen to them?

Thanks for all of your help, and good luck to everyone!

Kathy

[Boiler 46,198]

I do not know the answer, but I do know there are quite a few threads on immigrate2us.net on this subject with recommendations.

[000 0]

I do not know the answer, but I do know there are quite a few threads on immigrate2us.net on this subject with recommendations.

Thanks Boiler,

I will check it out.

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Kathy

[greg584 0]

Hi Kathy,

I understand you might have a financial situation, but if you could fly directly into Ciudad Juarez International it is only about 5 miles to the hotel. You also eliminate the potential for being stuck in line at the border.

Okay, that being said I do not know if you have looked into El Paso’s airport website at http://www.elpasointernationalairport.com/2009/index.html yet. If you go to the service tab they have a ground transportation link. As this is a small airport I would suggest you make all your arrangements ahead of time. I do not recall seeing any kiosk there for local transportation, but if there is one, it will probably be directly across from the baggage claim area. Depending upon your time of arrival many of the kiosks that are there do close in the evening. The last flights coming in usually arrive before midnight.

Most of the local taxi companies charge $60-100 to go to Juarez, but due to recent events those prices might have changed. Maybe the hotel might also have some suggestions for you getting to their hotel. I would suggest this as it might be easier to get to the hotel then back to the airport for your return trip.

Good luck

Greg

[000 0]

Hi Kathy,

I understand you might have a financial situation, but if you could fly directly into Ciudad Juarez International it is only about 5 miles to the hotel. You also eliminate the potential for being stuck in line at the border.

Okay, that being said I do not know if you have looked into El Paso’s airport website at http://www.elpasointernationalairport.com/2009/index.html yet. If you go to the service tab they have a ground transportation link. As this is a small airport I would suggest you make all your arrangements ahead of time. I do not recall seeing any kiosk there for local transportation, but if there is one, it will probably be directly across from the baggage claim area. Depending upon your time of arrival many of the kiosks that are there do close in the evening. The last flights coming in usually arrive before midnight.

Most of the local taxi companies charge $60-100 to go to Juarez, but due to recent events those prices might have changed. Maybe the hotel might also have some suggestions for you getting to their hotel. I would suggest this as it might be easier to get to the hotel then back to the airport for your return trip.

Good luck

Greg

Hi Greg,

I appreciate the info. I actually hadn't thought about flying into Juarez directly. But, it sounds like I may need to.

I'll check into it.

Thanks again,

Kathy

[Jilly and Danny 0]

Hi! My husband has his appointment tomorrow and we flew into Ciudad Juarez last night. If you fly directly into Juarez, they have safe taxis you can take right there. You pay for them inside the airport and they take you directly to the hotel (we are also staying at La Quinta). It took about 10 minutes to get there from the airport and cost 245 pesos. That's what they charge to go to that zone.

Now, if you fly into El Paso, I have heard from various people that they hire a man called Victor Garcia, a taxi driver, for all of their tansportation needs. He comes highly recommended and I think charges around 50 dollars to bring you into the city from El Paso. His contact info is in the forum DCF Mexico on the last or second to last page.

Good luck!

[TLJohnson 1]

I am planning on joining my fiance in Juarez next month for his interview, and I am trying to figure out the best way to get to the hotel as well. Right now I am trying to decide whether or not to drive or fly into El Paso, but it looks like either way one of the cab drivers recommended on this site is probably the best way to go. How far in advance do you think we should call one of these guys to make arrangements to be taken over the border?

Also, on a related note, there seems to be some discrepancy as to whether or not the American fiance is allowed into the consulate for the interview. It seems based on your post and some others I have read that they want us to be there now, but I have read in some other posts of the American fiance waiting outside all day during the interview process. I am planning on being there, but I was 50/50 as to whether or not they were going to let me join my fiance for the interview. I guess if they don't let me in, but then the interviewer wants to talk to me, I can always be outside waiting. But, due to the security situation, I did not want to be standing outside the consulate all day (cell phones are not allowed inside, so if he needs to get in touch with me he would then have to go all the way back to the hotel to get me, but reports I have read say that people waiting outside of the consulate are in a very dangerous position as "soft targets" with all of the threatened car bombings-not so pleasant to think about). Does anyone have any clarification about this?

[KayDeeCee 4,896]

I am planning on joining my fiance in Juarez next month for his interview, and I am trying to figure out the best way to get to the hotel as well. Right now I am trying to decide whether or not to drive or fly into El Paso, but it looks like either way one of the cab drivers recommended on this site is probably the best way to go. How far in advance do you think we should call one of these guys to make arrangements to be taken over the border?

Also, on a related note, there seems to be some discrepancy as to whether or not the American fiance is allowed into the consulate for the interview. It seems based on your post and some others I have read that they want us to be there now, but I have read in some other posts of the American fiance waiting outside all day during the interview process. I am planning on being there, but I was 50/50 as to whether or not they were going to let me join my fiance for the interview. I guess if they don't let me in, but then the interviewer wants to talk to me, I can always be outside waiting. But, due to the security situation, I did not want to be standing outside the consulate all day (cell phones are not allowed inside, so if he needs to get in touch with me he would then have to go all the way back to the hotel to get me, but reports I have read say that people waiting outside of the consulate are in a very dangerous position as "soft targets" with all of the threatened car bombings-not so pleasant to think about). Does anyone have any clarification about this?

Good questions. I have read many reviews saying the USC was not allowed inside, but now I have seen two people recently saying they have to fly back there because they asked to interview the USC as well. This worries me a bit now, since I am not going to be able to be there. I need to work, it is costly, and my daughter is back in school and I am her transportation. She also has health issues and needs to take medications daily, so I like to be around to make sure they are dispensed correctly. My fiance also doesn't really want me anywhere near Juarez either. I HOPE this won't become an issue for us.

[greg584 0]

Hi Jay-Kay,

I am just wondering, did you see where they requested the USC to be present because the parties involved were already married?

[KayDeeCee 4,896]

Hi Jay-Kay,

I am just wondering, did you see where they requested the USC to be present because the parties involved were already married?

No. It was the couple from this thread, and one posted in the Juarez Consulate thread. Both are for K-1 visas.

[TLJohnson 1]

Both are for K-1 visas.

I was surprised by that as well. Luckily I am in a position to join my fiance in Juarez. Although we both would prefer that neither of us has to be there, my logic is that we are going to play it super-safe, and after that week I just want us both to be done with that city. Maybe we should re-post our question under a new heading so that we can get some answers about both people in the interview?

[claudia2212 0]

I was surprised by that as well. Luckily I am in a position to join my fiance in Juarez. Although we both would prefer that neither of us has to be there, my logic is that we are going to play it super-safe, and after that week I just want us both to be done with that city. Maybe we should re-post our question under a new heading so that we can get some answers about both people in the interview?

Hello, I was in Juarez for my fiance K1 visa interview on June. I must say it is a very dangerous place to be and more if you dont know the place. I went with my fiance to the interview and they did not let me in. It all depends in the mood of a lady who is outside checking the documents. I have a VJ friend who went a week before me and was let in with no problem. So, I had to stay outside 6 hours. There are some tables outside but there is a lot of people. I sat their with other people that were also waiting and I felt safe. I was advise that if you can go to the interview to go, but sometimes you just can't go. The truth is that the consulate officer is the one who had the last word. If for any reason he does not want to give you the visa he/she won't. It is kinda sad but that is how it is. So, I have to say that it is most likely the USC wont be able to go in the interview. But like I said you never know what it really gonna happen. My fiance got approved in a matter of minutes and the truth we had plenty of evidence of our relationship such as a child. I want to wish you good luck on both of you and hope it all come well.

Edited September 1, 2010 by claudia2212

[TLJohnson 1]

I want to wish you good luck on both of you and hope it all come well.

Thanks for the information Claudia-I think you have confirmed that it is totally random whether or not they let the USC into the interview. I am going to wait in line with him in the morning, and if they say I can't come in I am going to go back to the hotel to wait. I would wait outside like you did (and it will be hard not to), but I stand out a bit in Mexico and it is probably best if I just lay low. I am so glad that everything went well for you guys! All we can do is have everything ready and be as prepared as possible I think we will be ok.

[TBoneTX 46,208]

they did not let me in. It all depends in the mood of a lady who is outside checking the documents. I have a VJ friend who went a week before me and was let in with no problem.

As a general point: Consular premises are U.S. soil, and USCs cannot be denied entry, especially by foreign nationals (who may be the chief "screeners" at the entrances). Avoid taking any guff from foreign nationals who try to deny you entry to U.S. property. Play the American card.

[Jilly and Danny 0]

We had our interview two days ago. I, the USC was not allowed in. I'm 5 months pregnant and they asked inside if I could go with him, but they said no. They have a separate waiting room which is at the end of the consulate buildings where family can wait. Its inside, air conditioned, with TVs and chairs. You are allowed to take food and drink inside and wait there. Quite honestly from the hundreds of people outside waiting, they simply don't have room for family members to go with.

And although it is US soil, they can deny you access to certain parts of the building, which is what they are doing. If you have questions or business not related to the immigrant visa, they will gladly let you in, but you won't be with your fiance/spouse as you go through different doors and to different buildings inside.

I recommend if you can try to go with, do. If they don't let you in, wait in the waiting room. There are also restaurants nearby and the tables outside also mentioned earlier. There are lots of police and private security guards nearby, so it is relatively safe to wait.