Philippines medical - must be done in Manila at St Luke's?

[jm302music 25]

Greetings, all!

This is another one of those questions where I've found several posts that almost answer this question, but never quite address it.

My fiancee is from Zamboanga del Norte and is scared to travel to Manila on her own. I don't blame her! I plan to join her for her interview at the embassy, but I don't have the budget to join her for the medical. Seems a little risky schedule-wise to try to schedule the medical and interview back-to-back in the same week, too.

Is it possible for her to just get her medical exam done in her home city, then have the results forwarded to the embassy? Or is she literally required to go to only St. Luke's in Manila?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Joel

P.S. I'm so thankful to read the numerous other posts on here and see that we're all in the same boat together!

[A'n'L 735]

Medical has to be performed by the US embassy approved panel physician. St. Luke's is the only one of those in the Philippines

[RandyG 1]

Unfortunately, St. Luke's is the ONLY place you can have the medical done.

[jm302music 25]

Okay, thanks for the help, Randy and A'n'L!

[demortis1968 21]

Joel,

St. Luke's is the only place to do it. Make sure she goes online and register's. It will make the process much faster. Also my fiancee was done in 1 day. Tell her not to worry. She went two weeks ago and it was very simple and easy.

Edited July 18, 2016 by demortis1968

[aratamorne 164]

Does she have family she can have accompany her? Cebu Pacific is reasonably priced so it should not cost too much for an extra ticket for a sister, brother, or friend. They have plenty of reasonably priced hotels within walking distance of St Lukes and the Embassy. Her escort could just chill at the hotel after she went in for the medical and then head back over a few hours later and wait for her. No one will go in with her during the exam.

My fiancee is having a close friend travel with her this week from Zamboanga City to Manila so she can order her police clearance from the Japanese embassy. Total cost for 2 tickets, round trip, $150, no promo .

Good Luck

[demortis1968 21]

it's also better to go on a Tuesday. It's much less crowded. Monday is the worst because of all the kids getting the TB test done.

[jm302music 25]

Thanks, demortis! I really appreciate the encouragement and the helpful tips about registering online first and going on Tuesday!

Also, I'm glad to know that it CAN be done in a day. I had read some other posts about the exam taking multiple days and even some applicants being required to return 72+ hours later for further testing!

I'll be hoping and praying for the same painless experience that your fiancee had.

Joel

Edited July 18, 2016 by jm302music

[demortis1968 21]

She should still get there early!! My fiancee got there around 6am and was done with everything around 1pm. She left with the sealed envelope. She stayed at the Hotel Sorente which is across the street from St. Lukes. Good Luck!!

[jm302music 25]

Thanks for the advice, aratamorne! Yes, fortunately, she still lives with family in her home town, so I'm sure one of her siblings could accompany her on that trip.

I'm starting to feel much better about this situation now. Thanks again to all of you who have been so helpful!

Joel

[Greenbaum 12,259]

Thanks, demortis! I really appreciate the encouragement and the helpful tips about registering online first and going on Tuesday!

Also, I'm glad to know that it CAN be done in a day. I had read some other posts about the exam taking multiple days and even some applicants being required to return 72+ hours later for further testing!

I'll be hoping and praying for the same painless experience that your fiancee had.

Joel

It's rare that it can be done in one day so go with the expectation that it will be two days. Be sure to have a copy of the DS160 for check out.

[jm302music 25]

Thanks, Greenbaum! Good point. It's a good idea to be on the safe side, especially when the trip includes airline reservations.

Joel

[Stevephoto 230]

Joan and I always stay at the Lotus Garden Hotel. It is pretty close to St. Lukes. Joan stayed there by herself when she went through the medical process three years ago. Thy also have a VERY reliable car service (they waited for us at the airport for 3 hours one time!) if you don't want her to deal with taxis to and from the airport and/or to and from St. Lukes. We were just back to Manila in June and the area is not great. However, Lotus Garden is very safe. Good luck!

[jm302music 25]

Steve, thank you so much for the advice! I especially appreciate your mentioning the car service from the hotel (as well as the overall safety of the hotel). Just getting out of the Manila airport to the place you're going is pretty treacherous! Anyway, thanks again for the advice and the encouragement!

Joel

[Stevephoto 230]

Steve, thank you so much for the advice! I especially appreciate your mentioning the car service from the hotel (as well as the overall safety of the hotel). Just getting out of the Manila airport to the place you're going is pretty treacherous! Anyway, thanks again for the advice and the encouragement!

Joel

No problem Joel. The fee for the car service is comparable to other services (maybe a tiny bit more) but they are waiting for you with a name sign! I'll pay a few more peso for that kind of security. IF they do not offer a car service to St. Lukes then they will flag a taxi outside the hotel. I am sure that they know what to look for. Oh. The rooms are about $68.00 per night USD.