RE: We Are Flying Soon ✈️ Tickets Booked 🎫 Goodbye Suriname
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Give thanks 🙏. Not a problem at all, glad to answer. Well, one of my life goals was to introduce my American family to my Cambodian family, and because none of my American friends or family would ever come to Cambodia, nor could we get tourist visas to the USA, and being stranded abroad, US immigration seemed like the only way out of this hot mess in Suriname.
Well, as you know our US immigration failed miserably for a myriad of reasons that would take years to rectify. Although we haven't informed our American family members, we've given up on US immigration, and are ready to settle in Cambodia, buy land, and make some moves that mean return to the USA every three years will be unlikely.
As my parents are getting old and it will probably be five years before I have ever have another chance to visit the USA, it seems I should strike while the iron is hot and make a visit. I hope it's not the last time I see either one of my parents, but I also need to be realistic.
Another part of the trip will be to buy some camping gear and other items that we will use on our future tuk-tuk adventures, all of which we will be sharing with you ASEAN Hivers. The visa to Cambo is (relatively) simple now, but must be done online, $1,000 USD COVID deposit on arrival at the airport, Forte traveler's insurance required, and a 7-day quarantine. That actually sounds like a nightmare, but compared to having no chance of getting in the last three years, this is a very doable process to have the peace and mind that comes with living in that part of the world.
The process of getting into Cambodia seems relatively straight forward and standard. Asking for a $1000 deposit isn't really that big of a deal provided that it actually IS a deposit and not theft. Hopefully this means that you are able to acquire a long-stay visa as well?
I feel you on the parents thing and can share your experience with no one coming to visit. I've lived in SEA for nearly 20 years and in that time I was lucky to have my mother visit one time and just 2 of my friends ever came in all that time even though they had a free tour guide as well as a free place to stay.
It is a big ask of Americans though since as you might recall all those years ago, we are not a people that get long periods of time off from work. I will likely visit USA for exactly the same reason of seeing the parents soon as well. But I am not going to do it until I am assured that I will be able to return afterwards.
I'm just happy that things are finally looking up for you!
Yeah, whatever is not spent on the quarantine goes back to your pocket, but now we've just heard news no quarantine is required for vaxxed folks. We're fortunately or unfortunately part of the vaxxed crowd, so even though my family's quarantine doesn't cost a dime, they are stoked to not face a 7-day quarantine on arrival.
Because the deposit will not be spent on a quarantine for me, I may not even need to fork it over, or perhaps I will get it all back. We're currently trying to get the details of this updated policy.
Sounds like we have a similar situation in regards to family and friends, regretful but understandable. If all works out it would be really cool to host you and Nadi on some Cambodian adventures. We've got experience with this sort of thing. I imagine she'd be pretty happy perched at the back there with the breeze blowing. Even better we're going to buy the longer Piaggio Ape which has sideways jump seats in the back instead of a small perch.