Only me AGAIN!

When it comes to planning a big trip overseas i panic (seeing this is the first time ive done so!) and im already stressing even though i dont go in december. (for top surgery)

My qstn is for those guys who came from other places around the world to the US for surgery.  Ive been reading stuff for VISA requirements and im getting so confused!  THeres this thing called the Visa waiver program and i only need to fill out this online thing and dont have to get a visa in my passport.  When you got the US customs did you just say you were here for holiday?

I read somewhere that if you're going for medical treatment u need to go to the embassy for an appt and have documents for the medical illness/ailment.  But i figured that i dont have an ailment and im just going to have a bit of plastic surgery voluntarily not because of an illness.  I copied what it said on the site below:

Persons desiring to travel to the U.S. for medical treatment should be prepared to present the following, in addition to any other documentation the consular officer may require:

•Medical diagnosis from a local physician, explaining the nature of the ailment and the reason the applicant requires treatment in the United States.
•Letter from a physician or medical facility in the United States, expressing a willingness to treat this specific ailment and detailing the projected length and cost of treatment (including doctors' fees, hospitalization fees, and all medical-related expenses).
•Statement of financial responsibility from the individuals or organization which will pay for the patient's transportation, medical and living expenses. The individuals guaranteeing payment of these expenses must provide proof of ability to do so, often in the form of bank or other statements of income/savings or certified copies of income tax returns.

Im already freaking out! I get so nervous with this stuff.  I feel like just saying im there on holidays with my gf and smile...I mean i elected to have this surgery...

I would just say you're on holiday- I don't even think you'll need a Visa for that. It doesn't seem necessary to claim you're coming to the U.S for medical treatment. Top surgery- to the medical system- is viewed as "elective plastic surgery" that insurance usually won't cover. If you're paying out of pocket and not filling anything to any insurance they'll never know about it anyway.

I'm sure the laws have changed since 2001 but I'm thinking if they don't need to know and there's no point in them knowing it will save you alot of unnecessary red tape and headaches.

Yeah don't bother. I mean, what if you genuinely were there on holiday and THEN decided to get surgery while there?

Yeah don't bother.

Have you come into the US on a foreign passport since 9-11?  Thought so.

Go to the consulates and ask them.  I'm sure a regular tourist passport/visa might be OK, but the Customs/Immigration counter at JFK (or wherever) is not the place you want to find out its not.  They have pretty much absolute authority as to who they let in, they are not to be ->-bleeped-<-ed with in any respect, and since 9-11, not at all.

A tourist visa is all i need - looked into it already - its just the fact about the srugery  whether or not to mention it.  Im just going with the fact and as Sameth and Radar said, not to mention that im having surgery.  Just there on holidays.

I know in Australia - you don't need a visa if you're stay is under a month or six weeks or something. I didn't need one when I went for a holiday to the States and customs didn't really ask anything - just if you have stuff to declare and you fill in the little slip on the plane about any criminal convictions or do you have in excess of $10000 or something with you for your stay etc like looking for people planning to live and work illegally.
They are pretty anal on their security though (understandably) plus they don't havea sense of humour about their job - but then neither does Aussie customs  That was a few years ago too, so they might have tightened up I'm not sure. Ring and ask the embassy if you want, or your countrys customs agency etc.
Sorry dude, not much help eh 
Jay

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Post Merge: January 15, 2010, 07:34:31 PM

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Sorry dude just read your last post! My bad... I agree. Don't tell 'em. It would be like hurting yourself on hols and needing to go to the hospital and treatment etc. Just make sure you're cleared to fly
J

Perfect, and I'm sure you're going to take in some of our finest tourist attractions.  Clubs, the Statue of Liberty, Disneyland, gun shops - whatever.  Know what they are, just in case you are in that 1-10% of people who they just don't wave through.  It is very important to remember...

UNDER US LAW YOU ARE NOT 'TECHNICALLY' ON US SOIL, AND DO NOT HAVE ANY RIGHTS UNDER THE LAW OR THE CONSTITUTION.  So, better safe than sorry.

And, hey, hey, welcome to the USA, if you're coming to SF, let me know, I can show you a few things (not not that, I meant like the Bridge).

Yes, im definitly going to know some of the tourist attractions.  Have my guide book '101 things every tourist must do whilst in...'
Would be cool if you showed me a few things in SF but im off to Florida.  Other side of you   I think its settled.  Im off to Florida for holidays!!

Florida is wonderful, the beaches, both on the Atlantic which are nice, and the ones on the Gulf (which is referred to as 'the Redneck Rivera') which are white 'sugar sand' and so pretty, are worth the trip in itself, but I'm a beach baby from a way back.  In South Florida the Caribbean and Cuban food is delish.

If you get near to them, two places (pretty close to each other really) that are cool are the Kennedy Space Center, and that temple of American Manhood, the Daytona International Speedway, where Danica Patrick is currently trying to learn how to draft Daytona style (hey, lets drive 200+MPH and only be a couple of inches from each other).  They have an interactive museum there called Daytona 500 Experience that is cool, and on most days they are running some sort of practice or tests, and unlike the races, its free just to watch them test/practice.

Bike Week in Daytona can get a bit rough however.  They get about 1/2 million people in town for that, and some of them not the nicest bikers you'll ever meet, though most are.

This site has info on the tours and such, including launch schedules (always subject to change) - if there is any possible way for you to see one I'll guarantee you'll never forget it.  The IMAX at the Kennedy Space Center that shows the NASA films is almost as good as being in space.  But if all you do there is walk around the 'rocket garden' and take the tram tour it's worth it.
http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/

/Bring sunglasses, good ones, the sun is very strong there.  And use sunscreen by the gallon if your not used to a tropical sun.
//The log floating there in water might not be a log, gators are not friendly.
///'Dillers are not friendly either, but fun to chase.

I understand about terrorists, and tight security.. but it's too bad that we can't just be honest about this stuff. But good luck with your surgery and have fun when you come down here. FYI if you get to South Beach though be careful it's been in the news here lately that some of the hetero natives are rebelling down there.