Pivotal Partners: CIBT Global VISA and Passport Professionals: Visa Le CIBT

As the expedition began to evolve from those early spring months in 2009, and research and advice was continually gleaned from every quarter, a list of priorities emerged that we knew were vital to our success. The Showstoppers

One of the items that we knew would have to be dealt with at some point was VISAs.

Now it’s bad enough when the crew go on a ski trip ensuring all the correct paperwork is in place. How were we going to fair with 28 countries, spanning 5 continents? We made several attempts at contacting embassies and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, but we were lacking expertise and the right contacts. It felt like we were going round in circles.

After yet another sleepless night of worry for Steve, and Amy, Steve realised we would need some professional help and thankfully emailed CIBT who are the world’s largest passport & visa provider, to request assistance.

Shawn Hefner, CIBT Director of Business Development, remembers opening Steve’s email and after reading it thinking three things, “What a good cause, clever and original fundraiser and these guys are firemen…….” We’ll come back to that!

He then grins as he recalls showing the colleague the email and saying “the words he’d live to regret”……“How hard can it be to help these guys?” A meeting was soon arranged at CIBT’s offices in Victoria.

“The first thing I noticed was Steve’s enthusiasm” says Shawn. “After speaking to him I was impressed by his commitment to honouring his father and his ability to convey both his excitement and dedication. His serious yet light hearted approach made me believe he’ll pull it off.”

In addition Shawn, who has been in the industry for 25 years, also had some personal motives to get involved, and on speaking to Steve was impressed with the obvious effort that had already been put in. “Cancer is something that touches everyone’s life at some point in time but few people are willing to give so much of themselves to help. The group from FTFE are raising awareness and money for a great cause and CIBT wanted to offer support. Also, my uncle was a fireman and I know what a tough job they do and the risks they take.”

Admittedly, it’s not the first time it has happened but why did Shawn think we were Firemen?

“Call me naive but when a group of guys email you from a group called Follow That Fire Engine and they say they’re honouring a fireman by driving a fire truck around the world you’re inclined to think, Hey, these guys are firemen.”  When any of your group arrived at our office our receptionist would buzz us and say “There’s a fireman here”.  It’s only when I started receiving emails from participants and they all had business addresses but none were for a fire station that it dawned on me that maybe you weren’t fireman. We didn’t feel tricked, the cause and dedication were the same no matter who was behind the wheel.”

To help with the work load, Shawn pulled in the equally legendary Christopher Garland-Smith (CIBT Account Manager), who has been in the industry for 10 years, to help with the day to day work or to put it another way kick our butts. Yes even with CIBT treating us like a top corporate client there was some inevitable slackness from some of the crew. 

“I’d say Paul Barham was a bit of a slacker on sending a few items but since that’s you I might get the censors blackout.” (Libellous!).  Ross would say “I’ll come by tomorrow” and not show up. (Doesn’t sound like the Ross I know?!?) You might want to tie him to the truck so he doesn’t wander.”

We’d like to offer some sympathy to whoever works for James Stevens. His didn’t send his documents for Laos and when he did they were wrong and he blamed his secretary saying she was a temp. I can understand why he can’t keep a permanent one!

Of crucial importance for the expedition was the all important second passport for Steve. This was due to the time lag/constraints of applying for VISAs with the last one just having been completed. CIBT handled the multitude of questions from UK Passport Agency making the issuance what seemed like a formality to us. His 2nd passport will be taken out to him by the new stage 3 crew. 

So is Shawn glad he, Chris and CIBT could help out? “You know what they say There’s a sucker born every minute.  Kidding aside it’s been a challenge but interesting and fun. What I didn’t expect was that our office would become so caught up in the adventure.”

Shawn continues, “Aside from crazy and delusional I’d say we’re impressed with Steve. He’s got a great attitude towards the trip and a good sense of humour which I’m sure will see him through the rough patches. We think he’ll do it and the best thing is it keeps him out of England for 9 months which is reasons enough for everyone to support it.”

I think only his mum and Amy would disagree with that, but then again love is blind!

CIBT Global VISA and Passport Professionals are FTFE Official VISA partners. We could honestly not have hoped for a friendlier, professional and patient service and Shawn and Chris have became great friends of all the FTFE Crew.

We wouldn’t hesitate recommending their service to anybody.

CIBT is the world’s largest passport & visa provider with offices in 6 countries.

They handle over 1 million items per year and their clients include The World Bank, 75% of the Fortune 500, small businesses, tour operators, cruise lines and the general public.

They provide a safe, knowledgeable and efficient service for people who needs visas when travelling abroad.

For more information please contact Christopher Garland-Smith on telephone 0207 802 1020 or email cgsmith@uk.cibt.com or check out their website at www.uk.cibt.com

Paul Barham