Can my girlfriend travel outside the Philippines for us to meet somewhere and spend time together?

[AmericanNomad 16]

My girlfriend from the Philippines and I desperately want to see each other. Is there another country we both could fly to so we can see each other? We would like to plan something now for us to see each other around the Christmas holidays/New Year's.

 

Also, any predictions when foreigners will be allowed to go to the Philippines again to see their girlfriend/fiance/wife?

Edited October 7, 2020 by AmericanNomad

[Just Paul 4,595]

1 minute ago, AmericanNomad said:

Is there another country we could both fly to so we can see each other?

Not at this time.  Filipinos are not allowed to leave the country for tourism.

 

1 minute ago, AmericanNomad said:

Also, any predictions when foreigners will be allowed to go to the Philippines again to see their girlfriend/fiance/wife?

If she was your wife you could obtain a visa in order to travel there.  But your not married.

[AmericanNomad 16]

8 minutes ago, Paul & Mary said:

Not at this time.  Filipinos are not allowed to leave the country for tourism.

 

If she was your wife you could obtain a visa in order to travel there.  But your not married.

Yes, we are not married yet. I just wish we could go somewhere so we can see each other. Any idea when they might allow outbound travel again for the Philippines?

Edited October 7, 2020 by AmericanNomad

[Just Paul 4,595]

7 minutes ago, AmericanNomad said:

Yes, we are not married yet. I just wish we could go somewhere so we can see each other. Any idea when they might allow outbound travel again for the Philippines?

It is sounding like "next year".  They are putting a lot of hope in the russian vaccine. 

[Allovertheworld 355]

41 minutes ago, AmericanNomad said:

My girlfriend from the Philippines and I desperately want to see each other. Is there another country we both could fly to so we can see each other? We would like to plan something now for us to see each other around the Christmas holidays/New Year's.

 

Also, any predictions when foreigners will be allowed to go to the Philippines again to see their girlfriend/fiance/wife?

I would guess sometime next year around June to September if current trends continues.   

[Cody&Razely 134]

Additionally a post yesterday from the IATF Vice Chairman (A previous Coca-Cola Botting Plant Quality Control manager for 10 years prior to becoming a cabinet member lol) Made reference to None allowed in or out until all internal accomplishments have been brought to fruition, eluding to both inbound and outbound eligibility being held hostage and neither being relinquished until both are. As well as (IMO) eluding to mandatory Vaccinations i.e. Against ones will (The Vaccine part is my speculation based on the reference in the quote below)

 

This is because the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases continues to iron out some issues before it can allow Filipinos to go abroad and foreigners to visit the country.

According to Nograles, the situation is the same for the rest of the Filipino citizens who want to go abroad.  “We are setting up protocols to make sure that those who want to go overseas are able to leave,” he said.

Nograles, who is IATF vice chairman, said the government needs to ensure that everyone will be free of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) upon arriving in the country of destination.

 

https://www.onenews.ph/loveisnottourism-no-go-signal-yet-for-filipinos-foreign-fiancs-to-travel-and-be-together?fbclid=IwAR256E4MipoeAgionwhVrY8bpAR88i645X5OflgY91ylJEQHejehIepfijM

 

[flicks1998 1,044]

54 minutes ago, Cody&Razely said:

Additionally a post yesterday from the IATF Vice Chairman (A previous Coca-Cola Botting Plant Quality Control manager for 10 years prior to becoming a cabinet member lol) Made reference to None allowed in or out until all internal accomplishments have been brought to fruition, eluding to both inbound and outbound eligibility being held hostage and neither being relinquished until both are. As well as (IMO) eluding to mandatory Vaccinations i.e. Against ones will (The Vaccine part is my speculation based on the reference in the quote below)

 

This is because the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases continues to iron out some issues before it can allow Filipinos to go abroad and foreigners to visit the country.

According to Nograles, the situation is the same for the rest of the Filipino citizens who want to go abroad.  “We are setting up protocols to make sure that those who want to go overseas are able to leave,” he said.

Nograles, who is IATF vice chairman, said the government needs to ensure that everyone will be free of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) upon arriving in the country of destination.

 

https://www.onenews.ph/loveisnottourism-no-go-signal-yet-for-filipinos-foreign-fiancs-to-travel-and-be-together?fbclid=IwAR256E4MipoeAgionwhVrY8bpAR88i645X5OflgY91ylJEQHejehIepfijM

 

Australia seems to be going down the same route.  If you google "Australia, travel, 2022" or something like that, you will find alot of articles stating that they dont expect to allow Australians to travel overseas until everyone has received a COVID shot.  They estimate this would occur by end of 2021 and in 2022, travel may get up to 50% of 2019 levels.  They also dont expect to allow any foreigners in until 2022, except for a travel bubble here or there, mainly with New Zealand.  

[top_secret 2,417]

I would hesitate to recommend it but I DID manage to meet my Filipina girlfriend in Brazil the end of August.  We got her out the last week of August under IATF Resolution 57 Jul 21, which said Filipinos with tickets purchased before July 20, could leave on outbound non-essential travel under the rules of IATF resolution 52 July 6 (confirmed round trip, admissible at destination and COVID travel insurance).  We got that, she holds a multiple entry Japan Visa which 'should' make her admissible to Mexico.  We verified with the Mexican Embassy in Manila that was still valid, with Japan Visas being suspended and all.  Mexican Embassy assured us it was and she was good to go with a japanese Multiple entry visa but no Mexican visa . I got a Star Alliance Award ticket with United frequent flyer miles,   Manila to Istanbul on Turkish Airlines, Istanbul-Frankfurt-Mexico City on Lufthansa.  Transit without visa fine in all those countries.  We booked a 2 week stay in Cancun 5 star resort. Everything looked good.

 

So she was detained an hour by Philippine exit immigration but we expected that and had every i dotted an t crossed on the IATF Resolutions and printouts there of.  No problems with the airlines or visa questions.  As she was flying into Mexico City I crossed into Tijuana and flew down to meet her there. Waiting outside customs, everyone else on her flight came out except her.  I went upstairs to Lufthansa check-in and ask them what was up and they said she was denied entry by Mexican immigration, not for any visa issue, but because they simply did believe she would fly all that way as a tourist.  They wouldn't let her contact me.  I couldn't talk to anyone.  They stuck her strait back on the same plane she came in on and flew her back to Frankfurt Germany.  So as soon as the plane left, I bought a plane ticket on my phone back to Tijuana.  Crossed back to San Diego and assessed the situation.  Lufthansa had a hot potato on their hands since although she previously held a multiple entry Schengan visa, it was expired so she was inadmissible in Germany and there simply was not any options at all back to Manila immediately.

 

So discussing it, the best idea I came up with was fly her from Frankfurt to Sao Paulo Brazil, I would fly from Los Angeles and meet her in Sau Paulo and we would go to Rio de Janiero together.  Actually unusually cheap and her United Frequent flyer mile award ticket was rebookable for free on the return so I found award ticket availability Sau Paulo to Addis Abba Ethiopia to Manila on Ethiopian Airlines (Star Alliance member)in a couple of weeks and simply rebooked her return at that.

 

Whereas Mexico was about the worst travel experience ever, and that kind of experience leaves a bitterness that may last a lifetime, Brazil was very gracious and welcoming to both Filipinas and Americans and we didn't have the slightest problem and had a really awesome visit.  Even in the height of all this coronavirus mess I could not say enough nice things about Brazil, or enough mean things about Mexico.  

 

Oh yea, Mexico City held her luggage for a week and when we finally got it back from the airline in Rio de Janeiro it was completely destroyed.  Not sure if they ran over it with a forklift or broke it apart looking for smuggling compartments or something.  

 

She made it back safely to Manila.  Passed her COVID test and quarantine hotel in Manila.   Made it home safe and sound no problems.  But she is now stuck in the Philippines until outbound travel is allowed again.   It was a really nice visit and a big adventure but a one time loophole we used to get her out that time.  If and when IATF opens the door a crack again, If you got a ton of frequent flyer miles and can do it on an award ticket.  Brazil is a good option as a neutral third country if you are bold.  Mexico sucks.

[flicks1998 1,044]

58 minutes ago, top_secret said:

I would hesitate to recommend it but I DID manage to meet my Filipina girlfriend in Brazil the end of August.  We got her out the last week of August under IATF Resolution 57 Jul 21, which said Filipinos with tickets purchased before July 20, could leave on outbound non-essential travel under the rules of IATF resolution 52 July 6 (confirmed round trip, admissible at destination and COVID travel insurance).  We got that, she holds a multiple entry Japan Visa which 'should' make her admissible to Mexico.  We verified with the Mexican Embassy in Manila that was still valid, with Japan Visas being suspended and all.  Mexican Embassy assured us it was and she was good to go with a japanese Multiple entry visa but no Mexican visa . I got a Star Alliance Award ticket with United frequent flyer miles,   Manila to Istanbul on Turkish Airlines, Istanbul-Frankfurt-Mexico City on Lufthansa.  Transit without visa fine in all those countries.  We booked a 2 week stay in Cancun 5 star resort. Everything looked good.

 

So she was detained an hour by Philippine exit immigration but we expected that and had every i dotted an t crossed on the IATF Resolutions and printouts there of.  No problems with the airlines or visa questions.  As she was flying into Mexico City I crossed into Tijuana and flew down to meet her there. Waiting outside customs, everyone else on her flight came out except her.  I went upstairs to Lufthansa check-in and ask them what was up and they said she was denied entry by Mexican immigration, not for any visa issue, but because they simply did believe she would fly all that way as a tourist.  They wouldn't let her contact me.  I couldn't talk to anyone.  They stuck her strait back on the same plane she came in on and flew her back to Frankfurt Germany.  So as soon as the plane left, I bought a plane ticket on my phone back to Tijuana.  Crossed back to San Diego and assessed the situation.  Lufthansa had a hot potato on their hands since although she previously held a multiple entry Schengan visa, it was expired so she was inadmissible in Germany and there simply was not any options at all back to Manila immediately.

 

So discussing it, the best idea I came up with was fly her from Frankfurt to Sao Paulo Brazil, I would fly from Los Angeles and meet her in Sau Paulo and we would go to Rio de Janiero together.  Actually unusually cheap and her United Frequent flyer mile award ticket was rebookable for free on the return so I found award ticket availability Sau Paulo to Addis Abba Ethiopia to Manila on Ethiopian Airlines (Star Alliance member)in a couple of weeks and simply rebooked her return at that.

 

Whereas Mexico was about the worst travel experience ever, and that kind of experience leaves a bitterness that may last a lifetime, Brazil was very gracious and welcoming to both Filipinas and Americans and we didn't have the slightest problem and had a really awesome visit.  Even in the height of all this coronavirus mess I could not say enough nice things about Brazil, or enough mean things about Mexico.  

 

Oh yea, Mexico City held her luggage for a week and when we finally got it back from the airline in Rio de Janeiro it was completely destroyed.  Not sure if they ran over it with a forklift or broke it apart looking for smuggling compartments or something.  

 

She made it back safely to Manila.  Passed her COVID test and quarantine hotel in Manila.   Made it home safe and sound no problems.  But she is now stuck in the Philippines until outbound travel is allowed again.   It was a really nice visit and a big adventure but a one time loophole we used to get her out that time.  If and when IATF opens the door a crack again, If you got a ton of frequent flyer miles and can do it on an award ticket.  Brazil is a good option as a neutral third country if you are bold.  Mexico sucks.

Awesome story and always nice to hear about the legal loopholes in Immigration.  Typically, Immigration in Manila airport for departing Filipinos is a ridiculous nightmare (it states in their constitution that Filipinos have the free right to travel).  Glad everything worked out and you should tell this story at your visa interview as I guess it does a good job of proving the seriousness of the relationship  

[Cody&Razely 134]

14 minutes ago, flicks1998 said:

Awesome story and always nice to hear about the legal loopholes in Immigration.  Typically, Immigration in Manila airport for departing Filipinos is a ridiculous nightmare (it states in their constitution that Filipinos have the free right to travel).  Glad everything worked out and you should tell this story at your visa interview as I guess it does a good job of proving the seriousness of the relationship  

Yeah, that is really awesome, I'd go through that and anything else to see my fiancé hands down. My biggest frustration is no options at all, it's been 10 months and the prospect of another 10-12 is overwhelming. Well good job on your guy's part  

[Adventine 3,196]

6 hours ago, top_secret said:

I would hesitate to recommend it but I DID manage to meet my Filipina girlfriend in Brazil the end of August.  We got her out the last week of August under IATF Resolution 57 Jul 21, which said Filipinos with tickets purchased before July 20, could leave on outbound non-essential travel under the rules of IATF resolution 52 July 6 (confirmed round trip, admissible at destination and COVID travel insurance).  We got that, she holds a multiple entry Japan Visa which 'should' make her admissible to Mexico.  We verified with the Mexican Embassy in Manila that was still valid, with Japan Visas being suspended and all.  Mexican Embassy assured us it was and she was good to go with a japanese Multiple entry visa but no Mexican visa . I got a Star Alliance Award ticket with United frequent flyer miles,   Manila to Istanbul on Turkish Airlines, Istanbul-Frankfurt-Mexico City on Lufthansa.  Transit without visa fine in all those countries.  We booked a 2 week stay in Cancun 5 star resort. Everything looked good.

 

So she was detained an hour by Philippine exit immigration but we expected that and had every i dotted an t crossed on the IATF Resolutions and printouts there of.  No problems with the airlines or visa questions.  As she was flying into Mexico City I crossed into Tijuana and flew down to meet her there. Waiting outside customs, everyone else on her flight came out except her.  I went upstairs to Lufthansa check-in and ask them what was up and they said she was denied entry by Mexican immigration, not for any visa issue, but because they simply did believe she would fly all that way as a tourist.  They wouldn't let her contact me.  I couldn't talk to anyone.  They stuck her strait back on the same plane she came in on and flew her back to Frankfurt Germany.  So as soon as the plane left, I bought a plane ticket on my phone back to Tijuana.  Crossed back to San Diego and assessed the situation.  Lufthansa had a hot potato on their hands since although she previously held a multiple entry Schengan visa, it was expired so she was inadmissible in Germany and there simply was not any options at all back to Manila immediately.

 

So discussing it, the best idea I came up with was fly her from Frankfurt to Sao Paulo Brazil, I would fly from Los Angeles and meet her in Sau Paulo and we would go to Rio de Janiero together.  Actually unusually cheap and her United Frequent flyer mile award ticket was rebookable for free on the return so I found award ticket availability Sau Paulo to Addis Abba Ethiopia to Manila on Ethiopian Airlines (Star Alliance member)in a couple of weeks and simply rebooked her return at that.

 

Whereas Mexico was about the worst travel experience ever, and that kind of experience leaves a bitterness that may last a lifetime, Brazil was very gracious and welcoming to both Filipinas and Americans and we didn't have the slightest problem and had a really awesome visit.  Even in the height of all this coronavirus mess I could not say enough nice things about Brazil, or enough mean things about Mexico.  

 

Oh yea, Mexico City held her luggage for a week and when we finally got it back from the airline in Rio de Janeiro it was completely destroyed.  Not sure if they ran over it with a forklift or broke it apart looking for smuggling compartments or something.  

 

She made it back safely to Manila.  Passed her COVID test and quarantine hotel in Manila.   Made it home safe and sound no problems.  But she is now stuck in the Philippines until outbound travel is allowed again.   It was a really nice visit and a big adventure but a one time loophole we used to get her out that time.  If and when IATF opens the door a crack again, If you got a ton of frequent flyer miles and can do it on an award ticket.  Brazil is a good option as a neutral third country if you are bold.  Mexico sucks.

 

Just... wow. 

[angeljolie 188]

I'm not sure how strict the people at the airport are now but I was able to travel to Maldives for a 2-week holiday in August. My ticket was bought in August as well (a day before the flight) but no one asked anyway. I called the Bureau of Immigration a week before and the lady who answered said they won't let me leave out. But my husband was very persistent that we try, so we did, which proved to be worthy.

 

Would I recommend for your gf to try traveling abroad? Yes! Buy rebookable tickets though (and keep your hopes to a minimum). If she has a US visa, she could try visiting you there. Good luck! 

 

[Chancy 6,241]

3 minutes ago, angeljolie said:

I'm not sure how strict the people at the airport are now but I was able to travel to Maldives for a 2-week holiday in August. My ticket was bought in August as well (a day before the flight) but no one asked anyway. I called the Bureau of Immigration a week before and the lady who answered said they won't let me leave out. But my husband was very persistent that we try, so we did, which proved to be worthy.

 

The outbound travel restrictions are less of an issue for you and I as we are married to USCs, unlike the OP and his gf who are not yet married.  I heard that "family reunification" is considered under the exception for humanitarian reasons for travel, so I called the BI office at NAIA yesterday to confirm.  The lady who answered had no complaints when I mentioned that I'll be traveling on a tourist visa to visit my USC husband.

 

[angeljolie 188]

Just now, Chancy said:

 

The outbound travel restrictions are less of an issue for you and I as we are married to USCs, unlike the OP and his gf who are not yet married.  I heard that "family reunification" is considered under the exception for humanitarian reasons for travel, so I called the BI office at NAIA yesterday to confirm.  The lady who answered had no complaints when I mentioned that I'll be traveling on a tourist visa to visit my USC husband.

 

I actually traveled with my husband as he lives here. I don't know if that's the reason they allowed me to travel abroad but the lady at the BI who answered my call said they would let my husband leave out but not me. So... I don't know.  When did you travel? 

[Chancy 6,241]

2 minutes ago, angeljolie said:

I actually traveled with my husband as he lives here. I don't know if that's the reason they allowed me to travel abroad but the lady at the BI who answered my call said they would let my husband leave out but not me. So... I don't know.  When did you travel? 

 

I'm still planning for my pre-Thanksgiving trip actually, and calling BI was on my to-do list.  From that call and what I've heard from others online, "USC spouse" seems to be a magic ticket out of the travel restrictions.  Sadly not an option yet for the OP's gf.