Luftansa recently faced criticism after denying boarding to several travelers flying from San Francisco to India due to issues with their H1B visa status. Passengers who were in the process of transferring their H1B visa but lacked a valid visa stamp in their passport were not allowed to board.
Although they had the required documents, such as the I-797A approval notice indicating their H1B petition was approved, Lufthansa insisted on the presence of a valid visa stamp.
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This situation has raised alarms among those with pending H1B visa petitions, particularly for journeys that include a layover in Frankfurt. Despite holding a valid I-797A, travelers found themselves unable to board, and their visas were canceled at the airport.
The airline adhered to strict entry requirements, demanding that passengers possess the necessary visa stamps for their travel, regardless of other documentation provided.
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This incident underscores the necessity of understanding the visa requirements for both the layover country and the final destination. Travelers with pending H1B petitions should be cautious, as airlines like Lufthansa may enforce stricter regulations regarding visa stamps. It’s essential to verify these details in advance to prevent unexpected disruptions or denials at the airport.
For anyone in similar circumstances, this serves as a reminder of how swiftly travel plans can be impacted by changes in visa status. Staying informed and ensuring that all required documentation is prepared before embarking on international travel is crucial. Confirming with airlines and making sure the correct visa is stamped can help complications during travel.
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