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Texans denied entry into Ireland
This story is an example of a traveler's nightmare as well as what it's like to win the lottery--an is the glass half empty or half full sort of tale.
Three strapping young men, high school graduates from Plano, Texas landed in Dublin, Ireland ready to embark on a back-packing trip around Europe. They were eager. Excited. If you've done a similar trip, you know the feeling. Then they were asked two magic questions by immigration that they didn't know the answer to.
"Where are you staying?" and "How much money do you have?" They needed a bank statement to prove they were solvent. They came up with goose eggs on both accounts.
They didn't have a place to stay yet, therefore, no address. Evidently, they didn't have proof of enough funds either so there they were. Instead of following where their adventurous selves felt like going, they were sent back to New York City.
Hearing of their plight, and that shame had befallen Ireland that prides itself on being friendly, an upscale hotel group d4hotels.ie has offered the trio an all expenses paid trip back to Ireland. They've also been offered free cell phone service for a week and probably free pints of Guinness.
The three have accepted the offer, but feel nervous about the black mark on their passports. Hopefully, their best dreams are coming true and that Plano will be left behind for awhile. Let's see if any other countries want to show how friendly they are.
Filed under: Stories, Europe, Ireland, United States, News
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
ouj Jul 11th 2009 4:47AM
Europeans will probably be denied entry into the US too if you cannot tell where you are going to stay, at least initially. In addition, you will be photographed and your fingerprints will be taken before you can enter the country.
Oh, and you must also request travel authorization 72 hours before you arrive, whereas (I think) US Citizens are free to come and go as they please to Schengen area, as long as they have a passport.