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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Antony Thrower

Brit spends £2,500 Tui dream holiday alone after girlfriend deported over visa mix-up

A Brit spent his dream £2,500 holiday alone after authorities deported his Brazilian girlfriend after confusion over her visa.

Scott Kinghorn, 32, and partner Thallise Marciano, 29, visited Mexico as part of a trip of a lifetime bought as a last minute deal from Tui.

The break was over before it began for Thallise however as she was not told she was required to apply for a separate visa to gain entry to Mexico because of her nationality.

As a result she was detained by immigration officials and sent home to Glasgow before Scott knew what was going on.

Scott said: "We arrived in Cancun buzzing for our holiday, but when I arrived at baggage claim I realised I'd lost her.

The couple were hoping to spend a sunkissed holiday in Cancun, Mexico (Getty Images)

"I went back to look for her, but the immigration officers refused to let me walk back through passport control.

"They eventually agreed to look for me and when they came back they said she was being sent home for having the wrong visa.

"I tried to say I was flying home with her, but they said that was impossible as I'd already entered the country.

"They wouldn't even let me see her before she left and I had all our credit cards and our house keys.

"It was ludicrous."

After arriving in his room Scott rang Tui to explain the situation but was unable to find an earlier flight home.

Scott is seeking to get his money back from Tui (AFP via Getty Images)

Meanwhile Thallise arrived back in Scotland without money or house keys so Scott paid for a hotel for two nights until his brother could arrive.

He added: “Thallise has anxiety and she had a panic attack on the flight home resulting in her needing medical attention.

"When she got back no family members were available at such short notice to collect her so I had to get her a hotel - entirely at our expense!

"All in all, I spent £2,500 on the holiday plus the extra costs of her accommodation in Scotland and takeouts I was forced to order her.

"I've since complained to Tui but they're aftercare has been appalling - I can't get through to speak to anyone.

"This is their fault because when Thallise filled out her advanced passenger information she should have been informed about the visa change for Brazilians.

"She should never have been allowed to board that flight with a Brazilian passport.

"I'm trying to get the whole trip refunded but have heard nothing back from them since I got home six weeks ago.

"The whole holiday was a disaster - and I won't stop until Tui takes responsibility for it."

A spokesman for Tui said: "We're very sorry to hear of Mr Kinghorn and Ms Marciano's experience.

"We always recommend that customers check visa requirements with the consulate or embassy of the country they're travelling to before they book and ensure they have the correct documentation prior to completing their booking.

"On this occasion, Mr Kinghorn booked his holiday online and agreed to our booking terms and conditions which outlines that customers are responsible for checking.”

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