USA: Traveling to US - What to take note?

[Albeniz]

Dear fellow MCFers, I intend to go to US for a 3 month holiday. The last time I went to States was in 1997.

 

My passport was issued in 2002.

Is there any procedures I need to clear/ take note of?

 

Greatly appreciate any inputs from you guys. Thank you.

[Hiphiphoray]

Hurrr...is it a typo error or what ? 3 months holiday ?????

 

Ive never been to US....so cant advise u much.

 

Its ok, i never like the US anyway, its a crapy place. (me sore loser...hahahaha).

 

My managers do go US often, the customs and immigration officers can get quite hostile. My wife did went there a few times before the 9-11 incident for business trips(chemistry-link industry). The officers asked stupid questions like what does 02 means(oxygen). Even our primary school kids can answer that.....

 

i think the passport must be those new bio-data-duno-what type. im not so sure. Maybe u can check the US embassy or SIR website to find out more.

 

Last of all....have a nice & safe holiday.

Edited August 25, 2007 by Hiphiphoray

[Albeniz]

i think the passport must be those new bio-data-duno-what type. im not so sure. Maybe u can check the US embassy or SIR website to find out more.

 

That was what I heard about the passport requirements. Anyone here care to elaborate?

 

BTW: My intended duration of stay is 1 to 3 months.

[Bfgta]

Singaporeans do not need visa to travel to states. its good for 90 days. however, now you have to fill up a form and submit 2 days before you are allowed to board the flight. which part of US you intend to go?

[Albeniz]

Going to Texas.

Where do I get the form? US embassy or the air-ticket company? Thanks.

[Bfgta]

the airline will advise when you make your booking. but hey are you really going there for 3 months?

[Albeniz]

Wife has been working in States (alone) for close to a year.

Going for a holiday to keep her company.

[S7834g]

I was there for a month for training. Here's some pointers for you to take note ( updated as per last year):

 

1)Passport should still be ok. We still bio ID such as photo passport and thumbprint ID. They will telly your thumbprint ID during immigration so prepare to wait for a while for clearing.

 

2)I assume you will taking internal flight ( since you're heading to Texas),be prepare for flight delays. All the six internal flights i have taken in US was delayed ( not weather related). Be prepare for last minute schedule changes.

 

3)Be street wise. Don't go to the wrong neighborhoods but since your wife is already there for a year, she should be more clearer on this. :)

 

Generally, the Americans are good people and are more than willing to help if you ask.

[Viviobluerex]

Dear fellow MCFers, I intend to go to US for a 3 month holiday. The last time I went to States was in 1997.

 

My passport was issued in 2002.

Is there any procedures I need to clear/ take note of?

 

Greatly appreciate any inputs from you guys. Thank you.

 

If you landing at LAX, please try not to look anxious or overly excited. If got mainland Chinese groups, dun walk near them.

 

 

 

 

http://kcarclubsg1975.spaces.live.com/

[Kianbeng]

no special procedures to go US. You Singaporlian right?

 

You *might* be subjected to special body searches / blah. Just take it as normal procedures.

[Nutty]

Make sure your passports are machine-readable...

 

3 months... get ready to feel very sick of their food. I can't tahan their food when I was there for 2 weeks.

[Nutty]

Nowadays need to inform 48 hrs in advance before reaching US rite? CAn't remember who is that "someone" that we need to inform though...

[Albeniz]

My passport was issued in 2002, the type without the thumb print.

It has 2 photographs of me digitally scanned and embedded in the inner part of the back cover page. Not sure whether it is machine-readable but it has 2 lines of codes under the 2 photos. The newest type of passport has a chip, mine doesn't have.

[Nutty]

Then your passport should be ok. Mine was issued in 1997.

[Albeniz]

What about MINDEF?

Do we need to seek additional clearance etc?

Or just go to the web page and key in the dates which I will be away for 3 months.

[Nutty]

Yes, you are right.

 

 

 

All NSmen below the age of 50 for Officers and 40 for Warrant Officers, Specialists, Other Ranks and Enlistees who are leaving the country for more than 24 hours but less than 6 months are required to notify MINDEF Notification Centre (MNC) / Overseas Notification Centre (ONC) via Notification of Overseas Trips of their country of destination and a contact telephone or a fax number (can be local or overseas) at which they can be contacted or where information of their overseas whereabouts can be obtained during their absence. NSmen with valid Exit Permit and those disrupted need not inform of their overseas trips of more than 24 hours but less than 6 months

[Albeniz]

Thanks. I have a question regarding accessing my DBS/POSB bank account using the internet (while at overseas).

 

Currently, when we access the internet banking in Singapore, we need to key in a one-time password generated by a keychain-like device.

When I am in another country, can this keychain-like device still operate? Am I able to access my internet POSB banking account?

[Nutty]

No problem with that.

 

It is supposed to work this way too. :P

 

This device does not connect to any network or whatsoever. It is pre-programmed to generate a new set of number every min.