JYN

Portugal offers two clear-cut ways to extend your stay after medical treatment, and both are handled entirely by AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo). Short-stay medical visa (up to 365 days) If you entered on a Temporary Stay Visa for Overseas Medical Treatment , you can request an extension before the original visa expires by logging into AIMA’s online portal (services.aima.gov.pt).  You will need: • the original visa, passport and one passport photo • a new medical certificate from the Portuguese hospital stating the fortuitous nature of the condition, the impossibility of return, and the expected duration of continued treatment  • proof of sufficient funds for the extra days (bank statements or updated sponsorship letter) • confirmation of extended travel insurance covering the additional period • a new return-ticket reservation once the extension is approved The fee is €30–50 and the decision is normally issued within 15 calendar days.  While your file...

Staff Sergeant Alex Ramirez, 31, had spent seven years on active duty, two deployments, and countless hours wondering why the VA wait-list for gender-affirming surgery still quoted 2027.  When his commander suggested looking overseas, Alex pulled up the same spreadsheet he once used for convoy logistics—only this time the mission was himself.  Within 72 hours he had chosen Thailand, booked a Bangkok package, and told his mom he was “going on R&R with a detour.” Cost comparison—military budget vs Bangkok bill In Alex’s home state of Texas, a top-tier MTF vaginoplasty was priced at $42,000 cash, not including travel or time off work.  Bangkok’s Bangkok Plastic Surgery Clinic offered the same procedure, surgeon Dr Pichet Rodchareon (25-year veteran, WPATH member), plus five nights in a 4-star hotel, airport-clinic transfers, meds, dilators and follow-ups for $9,800 all-in.  Even after adding flights ($1,200), extra Airbnb nights ($800) and meals, Alex’s grand total ...