Receiving parcels from Europe

[Pandora]

I need to send my passport to the Malian embassy in Paris, so that they can put a visa in it and then send it back to me. Last time I had to do this I almost lost my passport as the courier company refused to send it back without the person paying for it being there in person. Luckily the embassy took pity on me and paid for it to come back!

Does anyone know how I can arrange from the UK for a parcel to be sent to me from France (or Belgium)? It has to be some sort of secure delivery as it's my passport!

Thank you!

[missd]

i'd be tempted to go over for a day trip on eurostar

[cdonline]

I thought that the major couriers didn't accept passports, due to the higher risk of them being taken.

A colleague had great trouble in getting one sent to him and had to resort to having somebod fly and meet him.

[Pandora]

I don't think you are supposed to send passports.. I just didn't tell the couriers that was what I was sending last time.

I am considering some options, one of which is going out there myself! I was just wondering if anyone had a miracle solution...

[lozzyloz]

Pandora, I remember using a Visa Agency for this sort of service some years ago. I'm afraid I can't make a recommendation as I can only remember they were based in Holland Park. Perhaps a trawl of the travel section in the Evening Standard might help. A trip on Eurostar might be more fun and probably cost around the same.

[Asset]

There is a visa agency called Traffic Control that I know of (may be the same one Loz) can't remember where they are based.

[Pandora]

Hi, thanks for the info - visa agencies are my last resort as they want about ?150 for a 50 euro visa. My plans have changed now so I no longer need the Malian visa but still need a Nigerien one.. as there's only one to get now I think I'll have a trip to the continent to get it, much easier and would work out cheaper than the amount I paid in courier fees last time!

[lozzyloz]

It's cheaper just to bribe immigration at Lagos airport;-)

[Pandora]

Niamey airport... Niger not Nigeria - it's ok, everyone gets confused! Well some sources say I can land without a visa and buy (not even bribe!) at the airport, others say I have to have to get on the plane. There's a consulate in the Netherlands who are very helpful so I think I will go there to get a visa - there's an overnight boat from Harwich which is nice and cheap!

Thanks for the interest in my plight :) getting visas is so very stressful!