Has anyone had trouble recently contacting the Hull consul by phone? They just aren't answering!
Yes I've got their up to date number (not actually in Hull - it's Hessle now) and the office isn't too far away really - just wanted to avoid making 2 trips to get Him Indoors visa sorted as well.
They always opened every weekday - has this changed?
I have read recently on another forum that they are not answering e-mail very promptly at the moment - apparently they are snowed under with work.
Their postal service is still as good as it ever was - we got our visas back in 48 hours as usual - they do however want more proof of address in Thailand and the visa package includes a template letter they now require.
moja wrote:I have read recently on another forum that they are not answering e-mail very promptly at the moment - apparently they are snowed under with work......
That appears to bode well for the upcoming high season here. Pete
Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. Source
The only problem i have had with the Hull embassy was when my visa was not sent, nearly 2 weeks after i had applied.
Getting close to my flight i was perspiring profusely.
I sent an e mail and they informed me they had sent my visa but they were aware that the post office sometimes just doesn't bother putting the "Sorry you were out" leaflet through the door.
Sure enough a visit to the lokal post office holding station produced the missing visa attached to my passport.
I don't know what your problem is Mags.
But hope that helps.
seasider wrote:Can you give a bit more detail on the "template letter"
Cheers
Have a look on the Hull Consulate web site and just down load their visa package and the required letter format is there - we just filled it in with our address and to be on the safe side sent a photo copy of our blue book.
Thanks folks - I'll download the forms. The consul really isn't far from where I live but still 2 buses each way - for me not a problem, but much easier for Him Indoors if I get him the form and just take it in with mine. Saves a lot of hassle.
I've always dealt with that consul in person - certainly not worth the risk of posting passports especially when a quick turn around is needed!
So yes - if they are very busy that certainly looks good for the upcoming season.
margaretcarnes wrote:Has anyone had trouble recently contacting the Hull consul by phone? They just aren't answering!
Yes I've got their up to date number (not actually in Hull - it's Hessle now) and the office isn't too far away really - just wanted to avoid making 2 trips to get Him Indoors visa sorted as well.
They always opened every weekday - has this changed?
Any up to date info appreciated
It is really easy by post Margaret. I got mine back in March, it took 2 days, cost £100, came back by special delivery. It is valid from date of entry for one year, then you can renew it with the Police for an extra 3 months which gives you 15 months in all. It is not necessary to go to the immigration for this in Thailand. It is good to get an international driving license from the AA costing £10 also very quick, about he same. The "O" visa form can be downloaded from the internet, then print it off. This is what I did.
moja wrote:I have read recently on another forum that they are not answering e-mail very promptly at the moment - apparently they are snowed under with work.
Their postal service is still as good as it ever was - we got our visas back in 48 hours as usual - they do however want more proof of address in Thailand and the visa package includes a template letter they now require.
I agree with the above. I've recently had several e-mails ignored, but when I wrote, I had a response within 48 hours.
margaretcarnes wrote:Has anyone had trouble recently contacting the Hull consul by phone? They just aren't answering!
Yes I've got their up to date number (not actually in Hull - it's Hessle now) and the office isn't too far away really - just wanted to avoid making 2 trips to get Him Indoors visa sorted as well.
They always opened every weekday - has this changed?
Any up to date info appreciated
It is really easy by post Margaret. I got mine back in March, it took 2 days, cost £100, came back by special delivery. It is valid from date of entry for one year, then you can renew it with the Police for an extra 3 months which gives you 15 months in all. It is not necessary to go to the immigration for this in Thailand. It is good to get an international driving license from the AA costing £10 also very quick, about he same. The "O" visa form can be downloaded from the internet, then print it off. This is what I did.
That sounds strange. Are you mixing the multi-entry Non Imm O visa up with an OA visa?
The former requires a border run every 90 days. With one of those runs just before the visa expires, you'll get approx 15 months out of the visa. The visa itself is valid for a year from date of issue, not entry.
An OA visa is slightly different. Again, it's valid for a year from date of issue, but you get a year's permitted to stay stamp when you enter. No need to do 90 day border runs but you do have to report every 90 days.
And the only place to get a Non Imm OA visa is through the Embassy in London. Hull can't issue them.
margaretcarnes wrote:Has anyone had trouble recently contacting the Hull consul by phone? They just aren't answering!
Yes I've got their up to date number (not actually in Hull - it's Hessle now) and the office isn't too far away really - just wanted to avoid making 2 trips to get Him Indoors visa sorted as well.
They always opened every weekday - has this changed?
Any up to date info appreciated
It is really easy by post Margaret. I got mine back in March, it took 2 days, cost £100, came back by special delivery. It is valid from date of entry for one year, then you can renew it with the Police for an extra 3 months which gives you 15 months in all. It is not necessary to go to the immigration for this in Thailand. It is good to get an international driving license from the AA costing £10 also very quick, about he same. The "O" visa form can be downloaded from the internet, then print it off. This is what I did.
That sounds strange. Are you mixing the multi-entry Non Imm O visa up with an OA visa?
The former requires a border run every 90 days. With one of those runs just before the visa expires, you'll get approx 15 months out of the visa. The visa itself is valid for a year from date of issue, not entry.
An OA visa is slightly different. Again, it's valid for a year from date of issue, but you get a year's permitted to stay stamp when you enter. No need to do 90 day border runs but you do have to report every 90 days.
And the only place to get a Non Imm OA visa is through the Embassy in London. Hull can't issue them.
Yes you are quite correct, it expires on the utilise date. I just checked on it in my passport. Will enquire further into it. Thanks
Just an update - by Wednesday the consul had put a recorded message on their phone just saying they were busy and please phone back. Not even a queuing or answerphone option.
The new message does state they close at 16.30 hrs - not 16.00 as given on the web page. And there doesn't seem to be an option at all for downloading the forms.
I sent an email - still no reply. Will probably end up trotting over there twice but would much rather do that than post 2 passports! (Especially when the bus is free )
Pete 
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