Change in plans!

[asdffdas 0]

Well, after much discussion and disappointment (as it will delay us from seeing one another), my fiance and I have decided to push back our wedding date to january or february of '08. In addition, we decided, for security reasons, that we should change the location of our wedding from her native Sudan to Egypt (See my first topic for more info).

So anyway, I was just wondering if any of you had some helpful info for me about getting married in Egypt. I have already looked over the US Cairo embassy page about marrying in Egypt. That was very helpful as a first resource, but all info can be useful.

In addition, any tips on getting the spouse visa in Cairo would be happily received.

Isaac

[mybackpages 0]

Well, after much discussion and disappointment (as it will delay us from seeing one another), my fiance and I have decided to push back our wedding date to january or february of '08. In addition, we decided, for security reasons, that we should change the location of our wedding from her native Sudan to Egypt (See my first topic for more info).

So anyway, I was just wondering if any of you had some helpful info for me about getting married in Egypt. I have already looked over the US Cairo embassy page about marrying in Egypt. That was very helpful as a first resource, but all info can be useful.

In addition, any tips on getting the spouse visa in Cairo would be happily received.

Isaac

Isaac- good luck with your new plans. Regarding any info about going through Cairo, i think the Vjers here going through Egypt might agree with me when I say, Does your wife as a Sudanese have any other option besides Cario that would be convient for you both? Or do all sudanese now go through Cario?

[ya falaha! 0]

Women going through Cairo don't have it nearly as hard as men.

To marry in Egypt you must marry at the Ministry of Justice at Laghouzly Square. First, however, you would go to the consulate to obtain the non objection paper. You would get that signed and stamped at the consulate. The consulate would be able to direct you to the next steps in the process. I can't remember the locations and names of the buildings you'll have to go to. The process takes quite a bit of running around so I would suggest you get an early start. The US consulate closes at 12pm. If you have any specific questions, feel free to PM me.

[asdffdas 0]

Well, after much discussion and disappointment (as it will delay us from seeing one another), my fiance and I have decided to push back our wedding date to january or february of '08. In addition, we decided, for security reasons, that we should change the location of our wedding from her native Sudan to Egypt (See my first topic for more info).

So anyway, I was just wondering if any of you had some helpful info for me about getting married in Egypt. I have already looked over the US Cairo embassy page about marrying in Egypt. That was very helpful as a first resource, but all info can be useful.

In addition, any tips on getting the spouse visa in Cairo would be happily received.

Isaac

Isaac- good luck with your new plans. Regarding any info about going through Cairo, i think the Vjers here going through Egypt might agree with me when I say, Does your wife as a Sudanese have any other option besides Cario that would be convient for you both? Or do all sudanese now go through Cario?

All Sudanese have to go through Cairo as far as I know. Our original plan was to marry in Sudan and then go to Cairo to get the visa, but her mother thought it would not be safe for us Sudan.

Isaac

[mybackpages 0]

All Sudanese have to go through Cairo as far as I know. Our original plan was to marry in Sudan and then go to Cairo to get the visa, but her mother thought it would not be safe for us Sudan.

Isaac

Good luck with the process. I only mentioned it because Cairo is slow and deals with so many countries like Sudan, Libya etc. My best to your wife's family. These are terrible times and I hope all are safe.

[ya falaha! 0]

Women (going through Cairo) generally get the visa within a week or so of the interview.

[asdffdas 0]

All Sudanese have to go through Cairo as far as I know. Our original plan was to marry in Sudan and then go to Cairo to get the visa, but her mother thought it would not be safe for us Sudan.

Isaac

Good luck with the process. I only mentioned it because Cairo is slow and deals with so many countries like Sudan, Libya etc. My best to your wife's family. These are terrible times and I hope all are safe.

Well, our original plan was to get her a K-1 and marry here in the US. Then her cousin (Who is the one who is supposed to arrange her wedding) told her that he would allow us to marry, but only in Sudan. So we scrapped those plans. Then, as I mentioned earlier, her mother (and mine too, actually) decided it would be better for us to marry in Egypt rather than in Sudan. So that's where we are at today.

Actually I think this is the best arrangement. For one, the travel costs will no longer prohibit my own family from coming. In addition it also means that we will not be footing the bill for 1000 +/- wedding guests that we would probably have to in Sudan. At most there will only be 100 now. Of that only 4 will be from my own family.

Isaac

[mybackpages 0]

Actually I think this is the best arrangement. For one, the travel costs will no longer prohibit my own family from coming. In addition it also means that we will not be footing the bill for 1000 +/- wedding guests that we would probably have to in Sudan. At most there will only be 100 now. Of that only 4 will be from my own family.

Isaac

Don't forget your VJ family who will be there in spirit with you!

[doodlebug 3]

1) Are you divorced? If you are you will need to get your divorce papers authenticated by the Dept. of State.

2) You both will need 4 passport sized photos.

3) When you get to Egypt you will have to have your passport stamped indicating how long you will be staying for. (this isn't something they automatically do so when I went, they didn't do it and I had to make an extra unexpected trip to get this stamped at some building which I forget the name of)

4) You will need to go to the US Embassy to get the statement saying you are free to marry. After getting this you will have to then bring it to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to have it translated. Your bride to be will have to be there with you at the Embassy to fill out her part in Arabic.

5) The witnesses (you'll need 2) will also have to have 1 passport id photo to bring with them.

5) Bring the photos, the witnesses, authenticated divorce papers (if needed), your passport, her passport, the translated statement saying you're free to marry and plenty of bribe money to the ministry of marriage and be prepared for a looooooooooooooooooooooooooooong frustrating and EXTREMELY unromantic wedding.

She may need something extra since she's from Sudan, but she'd have to check that out herself. I'm not sure since I married an Egyptian so he just needed his id card and that was that.

I would suggest doing this in two days. Do all the running around to the embassy and the ministry of foreign affairs on day 1 as well as the picture taking. Then on day 2 get there at the ministry of marriage when the doors open. Otherwise you will be waiting in line for a looong time and you'll be running the risk (as we found out) that they decide to close early just 'cause they can 'cause it's such a bigtime corrupt government that likes to sqeeze out any patience you may have on what should be the happiest day of your life.

[asdffdas 0]

1) Are you divorced? If you are you will need to get your divorce papers authenticated by the Dept. of State.

2) You both will need 4 passport sized photos.

3) When you get to Egypt you will have to have your passport stamped indicating how long you will be staying for. (this isn't something they automatically do so when I went, they didn't do it and I had to make an extra unexpected trip to get this stamped at some building which I forget the name of)

4) You will need to go to the US Embassy to get the statement saying you are free to marry. After getting this you will have to then bring it to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to have it translated. Your bride to be will have to be there with you at the Embassy to fill out her part in Arabic.

5) The witnesses (you'll need 2) will also have to have 1 passport id photo to bring with them.

5) Bring the photos, the witnesses, authenticated divorce papers (if needed), your passport, her passport, the translated statement saying you're free to marry and plenty of bribe money to the ministry of marriage and be prepared for a looooooooooooooooooooooooooooong frustrating and EXTREMELY unromantic wedding.

She may need something extra since she's from Sudan, but she'd have to check that out herself. I'm not sure since I married an Egyptian so he just needed his id card and that was that.

I would suggest doing this in two days. Do all the running around to the embassy and the ministry of foreign affairs on day 1 as well as the picture taking. Then on day 2 get there at the ministry of marriage when the doors open. Otherwise you will be waiting in line for a looong time and you'll be running the risk (as we found out) that they decide to close early just 'cause they can 'cause it's such a bigtime corrupt government that likes to sqeeze out any patience you may have on what should be the happiest day of your life.

THanks for the advice. Much appreciated.

By the way, how long did it take you guys, from first application til acceptance, to get your visa?

Edited April 3, 2007 by isaacwarsh

[deemabrouk 0]

Women (going through Cairo) generally get the visa within a week or so of the interview.

my friend was here in 5 months after she started her visa

[Aymerlu 3]

Or do all sudanese now go through Cario?

I'm not sure if all Sudanese go through Cairo, but my husband told me there was a lot of people from Sudan there the day of his interview. As for how to marry in Egypt, talk with the gals that got married there. I know they will be willing to help you.

[asdffdas 0]

Women (going through Cairo) generally get the visa within a week or so of the interview.

my friend was here in 5 months after she started her visa

I want to try to stay with her during the duration of the process. She has never lived on her own and, though she has family she could probably stay with, I would not want to leave her again after being apart for so long.

I am going to try and use that time to further practice my arabic. I just hope the process doesn't take too long. I want to get back here and start working towards our future.

Are there any factors that might influence the process to be quicker?

Isaac

[doodlebug 3]

THanks for the advice. Much appreciated.

By the way, how long did it take you guys, from first application til acceptance, to get your visa?

If you're talkin' to me, we don't even have our NOA2 yet. From start to finish I would guess it will take us at least one full year. That is because my husband is a male, a muslim and his name is Usama though. Your wife will have a MUCH easier time!

[Henia 11]

Bonne chance and happy wedding!