Aussie couple’s “nightmare” US holiday
A Sydney couple were left stranded in Canada after one of their US visas was cancelled half way through the trip with no explanation.
Renate and David Sciberras have told 7 News Online of how their “trip of a lifetime” turned into a “nightmare”, leaving them thousands of dollars out of pocket, and without the holiday they were so looking forward to.
After arriving in LA on March 28, the couple spent two weeks travelling the US west coast, before flying to Toronto, Canada for a further six days.
But it was when they tried to board their flight from Montreal to head back to America’s east coast – where they planned on journeying from New York to Miami to board a seven-night cruise – that they were denied re-entry.
“We arrived at Montreal airport to board our next flight to Pennsylvania, America, and when we handed our passport over to get our boarding pass the lady told us there was a problem with my husband’s ESTA,” Mrs Scibberas told 7 News Online.
Sciberras said the couple applied for their Electronic System Travel Authorization (ESTA) last November and were both approved at the same time, and never had any trouble entering the US in March
“They took us to a room with a computer and we got on the ESTA website and were shocked to see that they cancelled his ESTA on the 1st of April while we were still in The States – only four days after we arrived,” she added.
“My husband has no criminal record and only has an Australian passport.”
The couple not only missed out on their US adventures and cruise, but were also unable to access their return flight home as it departed from Miami, and they weren’t allowed to transit into the US.
Per 7, their travel agent had suggested calling the US Department of Homeland Security, but nobody could help.
“What started as a trip of a lifetime has turned into a nightmare,” Sciberras told 7 News Online, after returning to Sydney two weeks earlier than planned.
“We saved for a year and planned in that same year a trip of a lifetime – or what we thought.
“We lost over $10,000 in travel expenses and our travel insurance won’t cover it because it states in the policy that they don’t cover border or customs refusal or delays.
“We are now under so much stress as we are in debt on our credit card and have nothing to show for it.
Speaking to Travel Weekly, Mrs Sciberras said, “We are hard working, normal, everyday Australians who love travelling and now it is going to be an issue every time we want to go to a country that requires a visa because the first thing they ask you is, ‘Have you been denied entry’.
“It just sucks that our travel insurance won’t cover us as well.”
Sciberras said she looked on the US department websites and saw that Trump had passed new legislation on March 31 – three days after their arrival in the States – that gave Border Security more power to deny entry.
The Aussie couple then experienced excruciating difficulties in their quest to get back into the US.
First, the airline staff told them to go to the US Embassy in Montreal to sort out their visa issue, however per 7 Online News, once there they were given numbers to call the Embassy and Customs themselves.
“We rang customs and told them what had happened and they said to ring the embassy and get a DS160 visa. We rang the embassy and they told us we have to apply online,” Mrs Sciberras told the publication.
The pair spent around five hours at a coffee shop trying to fill out a new visa application on their phones, before being told by the US Embassy to register online for an appointment, which wouldn’t be available until two days before their US flight departed for Australia.
The Aussies said they spent about five hours at the coffee shop on Mrs Sciberras’ mobile phone, filling out the visa application, which required a passport-style photo.
“I was beside myself and could barely concentrate,” she said.
“We told them what had happened and asked them why they had cancelled it and they said we would have to ring to customs to find out. So we rang customs again and the guy that answered said it was above his pay grade and couldn’t tell us why.
“We tried ringing every department and embassy including Australia to get an answer and get us in the next flight. No one could help us.”
Sciberras added that everyone they spoke to said they’d never heard of anyone’s visa being cancelled while already in the US.
“The Australian Embassy said they couldn’t help us because they don’t get involved in other countries’ border security, and [suggested] to ring the US Embassy again. We were going around in circles getting recorded messages, not being able to speak to a real person,” Sciberras added to 7.
“We were beside ourselves and couldn’t believe no one was helping us. We were now stranded in Canada and didn’t know what to do.”
Eventually, the couple had to forfeit their final leg of their trip, including the cruise, and were forced to fork out $3500 for new flights home from Canada.
“Don’t know if we are happy to be back or not. Mixed emotions. We are angry and confused and in shock still,” she told 7.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) were unable to comment on the disaster, claiming it couldn’t intervene in foreign immigration matters.
Per 7, a DFAT spokesperson said, “Visa and other entry and exit conditions can change at short notice.
“Travellers who are concerned that they may be affected by new measures should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the United States for current information, or their airline to confirm uplift policy.
“Consular assistance is available to Australians overseas in a range of circumstances, in accordance with the Consular Services Charter.”
Lead image: Facebook (supplied)
Latest News
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!
Globally-renowned chefs gather for Vivid Food 2024
As a human, we agree that food is a fundamental part of the human experience. Some might say the most fundamental.
Air New Zealand returns to Hobart and Seoul
If you notice an uptick in Kiwis making their way through the Mona, you know why.
European Waterways targets multi-generational families with ‘floating villa’ deal
The jury is still out on whether spending a week on a 'floating villa' with family is a hell or a paradise.
Luxury Escapes launches ‘sail away’ sale
Rest assured, you'll be getting your 'sails' and 'sales' mixed up for the rest of the day.
Rex-owned National Jet Express adds weekly charter between Brisbane and Orange
This is for mining and civil contractors, so please, put your holiday attire away.
Let the games begin. Viking introduces eye-watering benefits for the industry’s top 10 advisors
Did someone say 'trip to Venice'? Hold my coat, this one is far too good to miss!
Best friends or frenemies? What is the REAL relationship between sales and marketing?
We can all stop fighting over the corner office because our mothers were right - we are all important in our own way.
The Walshe Group Announces Two Key Appointments
What we really want to know is whether they got joint or separate welcome parties.
FAMIL: Agents explore the delights of Mauritius on 7-day tour
Go green with envy as you read this fabulous itinerary! Time to book that second honeymoon.
Hamad International recognised as world’s best airport at 2024 Skytrax World Airport Awards
Hamad airport is so good it is almost considered a destination in itself. Ballina, up your game.
Saudi Arabia highlights tourism investment opportunities at global investment event
Now is the time to start looking at Saudi Arabia if you are not already. There's big things to come.
“Rampant” – Aussies warned as dengue fever cases spike in Bali
Worried about Bali belly? Now you have something else to worry about.
TTC Tour Brand reveals slew of deals across operators including Trafalgar and Contiki
Everybody loves a bargain and you could do lot a lot worse than check out these deals from TTC!
Fiji Airways partners with Porter Airlines in US growth bid
Any initiative that gets more people visiting the delights of Fiji is a good initiative.
Flight Centre launches CruiseHQ – a marketplace exclusively for agents
The cruise industry has surpassed pre-Covid levels so this isn't one to miss!
Feeling festive? Wendy Wu tours unwraps Christmas collection
Get the Christmas hols booked now and avoid spending it with that elderly relative with dubious political views.
OPINION: In a world of screens, we crave experience
If you get feelings of deep shame and regret when you see your screen time, don't worry - you're not alone.
Sun Princess: High-end dining and world class entertainment awaits
If you are a foodie and you are not currently on the Sun Princess, we really have to ask - what are you doing?
YouGov: 2 in 5 Aussies would pay more for a sustainable hotel
If you want to be REALLY sustainable you can go camping. You just might lose the will to live.
“Can planes swim?” – Planes become boats as Dubai Airport is savaged by severe storm
Unfortunately, "can planes swim?" is a real life question and not an opener to a really bad joke...
Explora journeys reveals bespoke outdoor furniture designed by Matteo Nunziati
This is making your plastic table and chairs look really bad now, isn't it?
Bangkok Airways targets growth with renewed Sabre deal
Two stories abut Sabre's growth in one week and its only Wednesday! Watchout world.
PR agency Example wins pitch for InterContinental Sydney
We also went in for the contract but they said that a 'Be Our Guest'- themed TikTok was unoriginal! The cheek.
Norwegian Cruise Line reveals culinary experience aboard Norwegian Aqua
Once again, this TW journalist REALLY regrets writing this before getting lunch.
Signature Queensland hosts luxury tourism event
Known for its tropical beaches and unique wildlife, Queensland also offers luxury.
Capella Sydney recognised in prestigious Travel + Leisure’s 2024 ‘it list’ of best new hotels
You know that 'it girl' at school who everyone wanted to hang out with? Capella is the hotel version of that.
Rex launches 72-hour fare sale with NO school holiday blackout so you can take your kids (if you want to)
Sadly, leaving your children at home whilst you go on holiday is generally frowned upon.
Adventure World offers chance to connect with “heart and soul” of the US
I mean who hasn't dreamed of a road trip around the US?! Go with Adventure World and you're less likely to get lost.
Fiji’s family-owned luxury resort Likuliku Lagoon launches its own app
We were relieved to find out that having a "concierge in your pocket" referred to an app on your phone.
Hawaii: The US’ laid-back front door for Australians
If you needed another sign that you should definitely head to Hawaii - this is it!
Sabre targets Asia Pacific growth with latest hire
Call the Avengers! Sabre continues its bid for world domination with latest hire.
Air New Zealand signs its largest EVER deal for sustainable aviation fuel
Air New Zealand makes huge step towards sustainable travel. We bet it recycles its rubbish properly too.
IHG Hotels & Resorts continues regional growth with Sunshine Coast Holiday Inn
This Holiday Inn looks considerably flashier than some of the ones we have stayed at in our time.
Budget carrier Scoot welcomes first of 9 E190-E2 aircrafts
Here at TW we would like to offer Embraer E190-E2 a warm welcome! It's not easy being the first of the fleet.
This is horrendous. There must be some reason why their visas got cancelled. I just can’t imagine it was random. As for their travel insurance, what a total rip off. How can it not re-imburse for a trip they could not take. How worthless. I hope they publicize the company so they can be shamed online.
So did they book this trip of a lifetime with a travel agent? They don’t mention one. The agent (assuming they booked everything with one) could have cancelled the cruise, liaised with the cruise company and maybe got some partial refund, rerouted their flights if possible with just a fee, helped them connect to consular advice, helped them with their visa form interpretation (that took 5 hours to fill in!!) and found accommodation and things for them to do in Canada while they waited. Or maybe they were their own travel agent!!