More on American students in Syria: Fatima sent me this (I cite with her permission): "My own sister (a lawyer ) wanted to pay me a visit in the UK . I had to travel to London to provide some documents . I took the train (faster ) that was $90 return . $14 for an "herbergement certificate" from the Algerian embassy , $20 from the council that says im on the electoral list , $30 to the lawyer that says i own my home , New Bank statements that show much money i have , and $24 dollars for a form from the Home office . i sent all this . my sister was told because she was less than 60 years old , she has to go to Tunisia to the UK embassy there (for safety reasons) so she has to buy a ticket to travel to Tunisia , take a cab from the Airport to the UK embassy and stay at a hotel as the reply for the Visa may take up to 3 days and not alwys Positive . the UK embassy charges 2000 DA (in Algeria ) that are NOT reumbursed if visa is refused . but for tunisia (not sure how much they charge) . so my sister gave up to visit me in case the visa is refused . Algerians to visit France have to travel to ALgiers byPlane or Train , many spend the night outside the French Embassy . some start lining up at 2 am . rain or shine . because by Midday they wont take anyone . people are shouted at and treated like dirt . the US student was able to make friends with the teaboy , at the uK and French embassy , you wait OUTSIDE behind the gate and they call you when they finish with other people . some people make a business by selling thier spot in the queeue . I wish the US student knows what Arabs and Muslims go through to get a visa ."