I have relatives in another country, and we cannot enter through those borders except by paying a bribe. What is the guidance?

Question:
May Allah reward you. Honorable Shaykh, this questioner says: I have relatives in another country, and we have been rebuked many times for not going to see them, being accused of severing family ties.

Answer:
Yes. We have relatives in another country, and we have been rebuked many times for not going to see them, being accused of severing family ties. The reason we do not go is that we cannot enter through those borders except by paying a bribe to the customs officers so they will process our affairs. Is this a reason to visit them, or is it a barrier preventing us from maintaining family ties? You should go to visit your relatives, even if it results in you paying the officials, because this falls under the category of attaining one’s right and maintaining family ties. You are not wronging anyone in this; you have not wronged anyone in this. The sin is on the other party. The sin is on the other party. Yes.