Travel restriction for CR-1 spouse

[Bluestraveler49 2]

Hello community,

 

My wife received her CR-1 visa through Pony Express several weeks ago and has since been planning to make the move to USA with our 5 month old son, who is US citizen through CRBA. She is booked on a flight from her home city, connecting in Japan to the US. As of yesterday, the airline has suspended travel for Russian citizens traveling to Japan. Her situation should allow her to travel, as she is not leaving the terminal in Japan and traveling onward to become a US permanent resident, however the airline will not hear this or make an exception. They are suggesting getting a statement from the US embassy stating the reason for departing Russia and the validity of her visa. This seems redundant as the visa is in itself a valid reason to leave, and no restrictions have yet been imposed on Russian citizens entering the USA yet, as far as I know. Looking for suggestions moving forward; her flight is scheduled to leave this Sunday, so time is running short. We were hoping for a simple resolution but things aren't looking too bright at the moment.

 

Also, I am aware that there are other flights routed through New York, however this flight is most suitable for her carrying an infant for a few reasons, and I prefer her not going this route.

 

Wish everyone good health and appreciate any feedback!

[millefleur 5,046]

If the airline suspended Russian citizens, they are the ones calling the shots. Unfortunately there isn't much you can do here as the airline is the authority on letting her on the plane. Maybe try calling them and speaking to upper management?

[Bluestraveler49 2]

On 3/27/2020 at 9:24 PM, millefleur said:

If the airline suspended Russian citizens, they are the ones calling the shots. Unfortunately there isn't much you can do here as the airline is the authority on letting her on the plane. Maybe try calling them and speaking to upper management?

Tried that but it got us nowhere - the airline suggested that she contact the airport of departure, and when she did that they told her to contact the embassy for further proof of validity on her document.

 

She is now trying to get onboard a possible charter flight being arranged by the embassy in Moscow, however when signing up for it on the webpage, she does not fall into the required category of US citizen or permanant resident with I-551 card. She has not yet entered USA on her CR-1 visa. As mentioned above, our son is a USC through CRBA, so we are hoping an exception will be made for them, but the flight is going to be very full so we'll see what happens. Hoping for the best but expecting the worst.

[millefleur 5,046]

2 hours ago, Bluestraveler49 said:

Tried that but it got us nowhere - the airline suggested that she contact the airport of departure, and when she did that they told her to contact the embassy for further proof of validity on her document.

 

She is now trying to get onboard a possible charter flight being arranged by the embassy in Moscow, however when signing up for it on the webpage, she does not fall into the required category of US citizen or permanant resident with I-551 card. She has not yet entered USA on her CR-1 visa. As mentioned above, our son is a USC through CRBA, so we are hoping an exception will be made for them, but the flight is going to be very full so we'll see what happens. Hoping for the best but expecting the worst.

That is super frustrating, so sorry she's stuck in this situation.

 

Was the Embassy able to help at all? Maybe they could issue some letter for the airport?

[Bluestraveler49 2]

On 4/4/2020 at 12:19 AM, millefleur said:

That is super frustrating, so sorry she's stuck in this situation.

 

Was the Embassy able to help at all? Maybe they could issue some letter for the airport?

She was able to get on a flight out of Russia arranged by the US embassy. Evidently there are still commercial flights going from Moscow to Europe/ USA, but they are sporadic and announced only hours before departure. I will probably regret my decision when my nasty bill comes from the promissory note she signed, but at least we are together now.

Edited April 15, 2020 by Bluestraveler49

[millefleur 5,046]

**Moved from Coronavirus Covid-19 to RUB subforum; information may be useful to regulars there**

 

 

That's great news! At lease she was able to leave.