Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
least two days' notice. All major airlines, Greyhound buses and Amtrak trains allow
guide dogs to accompany passengers and often sell two-for-one packages when attend-
ants of passengers with serious disabilities are required. Airlines will also provide assist-
ance for connecting, boarding and disembarking. Ask for assistance when making your
reservation.
The following organizations and tour providers specialize in the needs of travelers
with disabilities:
Access-Able Travel Service
(
www.access-able.com
)
Packed full of information, with
tips on scooter rental, wheelchair travel, accessible transportation and more.
Easter Seals of Washington
( 206-281-5700;
http://wa.easterseals.com
) Provides
technology assistance, workplace services and camps, among other things.
Society for Accessible Travel & Hospitality
(
212-447-7284;
www.sath.org
;
No
610, 347 Fifth Ave, New York)
Visas
Foreigners needing visas to travel to the US should plan ahead. There is a reciprocal
visa-waiver program in which citizens of certain countries may enter the USA for stays
of 90 days or less with a passport but without first obtaining a visa. Currently these
countries include Australia, Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Neth-
erlands, New Zealand, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK. Under this program you
must have a round-trip ticket that is nonrefundable in the USA, and you will not be al-
lowed to extend your stay beyond 90 days.
As of January 2009, citizens of the 27 countries in the US Visa Waiver Program will
need to register with the government online (https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov) three days before
their visit. The registration is valid for two years.
Other travelers will need to obtain a visa from a US consulate or embassy. In most
countries, the process can be done by mail. Visa applicants may be required to 'demon-
strate binding obligations' that will ensure their return home. Because of this require-
ment, those planning to travel through other countries before arriving in the USA are
generally better off applying for their US visa while they are still in their home country,
rather than after they're already on the road.
The nonimmigrant visitors visa is the most common visa. It is available in two forms:
the B1 for business purposes and the B2 for tourism or visiting friends and relatives. The
validity period for US visitor visas depends on which country you're from. The length of
time you'll be allowed to stay in the USA is ultimately determined by US immigration au-
thorities at the port of entry. Non-US citizens with HIV should know that they can be ex-
cluded from entry to the USA.
