The tournament director Stuart Conquest tweeted about the issue with transit visa: “Ju Wenjun was allowed to travel to Gibraltar via London without UK transit visa. Now she cannot leave without one!”
Conquest said that he and Gibraltar authorities are doing everything possible to help the young girl but are met with the usual bureaucracy. Apparently the passport must be sent to UK and back, for 3-4 hour plane change in Heathrow.
“Chinese Embassy in London is being advised. Since UK Border Agency knew of problem, and allowed her to travel, it’s unfair to insist she obtains visa now.”, Conquest added.
We hope that Ju Wenjun will arrive home quickly and safely.