My experience flying to Philippines today

[Grace29 37]

I just arrived in the Philippines today to visit my wife. I posted in another forum about securing a visa first and that was less painful than expected. I flew on PAL from JFK to Manila. In New York the airport was empty and check in was fairly quick. They just ensured that I had a Valid visa before issuing my boarding pass. They also have you fill out a health declaration form you hand in at the checkin counter. I flew business class and the lounge was closed so they gave a $25 food voucher which could only be used at Hudson News since everything else was closed.

 

The flight boarded a little early and left early too. On board they announced that masks and face shields were required at all times except when eating and they handed out face shields to all passengers. I noticed only about 50% of passengers wore the face shield on board and they did not enforce it. I was surprised that business class was 100% full. The flight itself was similar to other flights I have taken with them. The food was basically the same except it wasn’t plated and still in the containers it was heated in and covered and plastic utensils and cups were used. Before landing they handed out 5 different forms to fill out. Two were the normal customs and immigration forms and the other 3 were for health and contact tracing. Upon landing we were told to remain seated as the Coast Guard would board to give us instructions.
 

I was expected chaos when deplaning and figuring out where to go for the COVID test. To my surprise it was very well organized. You first go to a booth to pay for the test which was $86. Be aware that you do have to register for the Covid test 3 days before your flight and present a QR code you receive by email. Next you go to the next booth for the test. After that it is on to immigration. A word of caution that despite having a Visa they asked for the marriage certificate and entered all that information into their system. Very few questions were asked and it was off to get my bag. The bags were all off of the carousel and ready to be picked up. Next it was off to the hotel registration desk where they ask for your booking confirmation and they take down the details. They offered a private car to the hotel which I know is more than a taxi but in light of the circumstances I thought it was best. I got in the car and was in my hotel in short order. To my surprise I got my Covid result in about 8 hours by email. Next I had to apply for my quarantine certificate. I did that online and am waiting for that. You need both the certificate and negative test result before the hotel will let you check out. I did confirm after I get that I can check out and go be with my wife in Makati for the remaining 14 day quarantine period. Happy to answer any questions you have.

[Adventine 3,196]

Thanks very much for the detailed post. Glad to know your travel went well. Enjoy the time with your wife!

[Allovertheworld 355]

37 minutes ago, Grace29 said:

Next I had to apply for my quarantine certificate. I did that online and am waiting for that. You need both the certificate and negative test result before the hotel will let you check out. I did confirm after I get that I can check out and go be with my wife in Makati for the remaining 14 day quarantine period. Happy to answer any questions you have.

So after certificates and negative result the remaining quarantine period is "Self Quarantine"?

[Grace29 37]

31 minutes ago, Allovertheworld said:

So after certificates and negative result the remaining quarantine period is "Self Quarantine"?

Yes, that is what I have been told both at the airport and the hotel. I heard conflicting information before arriving, but it seems clear you are free to self quarantine after those two items are obtained.

[Snorkel378 38]

So for a hotel booking, would it be sufficient to just book 3-4 days? And would you be able to get on a flight to elsewhere on the Philippines? My wife wants to go next year and check on family in Mindanao but it seems so unclear, all the requirements.

[Snorkel378 38]

And was the test provided by PAL, or provided by NAIA, as a lot of the visa applications mention finding a testing provider.

[Grace29 37]

1 hour ago, Snorkel378 said:

So for a hotel booking, would it be sufficient to just book 3-4 days? And would you be able to get on a flight to elsewhere on the Philippines? My wife wants to go next year and check on family in Mindanao but it seems so unclear, all the requirements.

I actually booked 14 nights thinking it was necessary and 2 people at the airport asked if it was refundable since I shouldn’t be there more than 3 days assuming a negative result so 3-4 days should be more than fine. Once she gets the quarantine certificate she should be able to fly but I know each province has different rules so you should check with the authorities where she is going just to make sure.

 

45 minutes ago, Snorkel378 said:

And was the test provided by PAL, or provided by NAIA, as a lot of the visa applications mention finding a testing provider.

The test is provided through NAIA it seems, but all the registration is done through PAL. I read the same thing as you and that is why I booked through PAL even though I would have preferred another carrier so I could use my frequent flyer miles for the ticket. I didn’t want to chance it since I’m not really sure what the process would be for another carrier.

[payxibka 10,045]

47 minutes ago, Snorkel378 said:

So for a hotel booking, would it be sufficient to just book 3-4 days? And would you be able to get on a flight to elsewhere on the Philippines? My wife wants to go next year and check on family in Mindanao but it seems so unclear, all the requirements.

Don't compare today's process with next year's.   Could all change tomorrow 

[Snorkel378 38]

34 minutes ago, payxibka said:

Don't compare today's process with next year's.   Could all change tomorrow 

I certainly hope so, but I’d like an understanding in case they do not. 

[Carpe Vinum 2,327]

On 10/25/2020 at 6:02 AM, Grace29 said:

I just arrived....

Thanks for taking the time to update us on the current process. All the best.

[flicks1998 1,044]

18 hours ago, Grace29 said:

I actually booked 14 nights thinking it was necessary and 2 people at the airport asked if it was refundable since I shouldn’t be there more than 3 days assuming a negative result so 3-4 days should be more than fine. Once she gets the quarantine certificate she should be able to fly but I know each province has different rules so you should check with the authorities where she is going just to make sure.

 

The test is provided through NAIA it seems, but all the registration is done through PAL. I read the same thing as you and that is why I booked through PAL even though I would have preferred another carrier so I could use my frequent flyer miles for the ticket. I didn’t want to chance it since I’m not really sure what the process would be for another carrier.

Thanks for the update, that was extremely helpful.  For the flight, you mentioned business class was full, but do you know approximately how many people were at the gate waiting to board?  Im just curious what the rest of the plan looked like.

 

Also, how long was the process at NAIA, from the gate until you got out to the car?

 

Ive heard the same thing from other travelers that the process is really well run at NAIA which is good to hear.  If your staying in Manila, it seems there is a rather "loose" 14 day quarantine but going to the provinces may have a different quarantine in place, I believe Samar and Leyte have 3 weeks quarantine (2 at a government facility and 1 week at home), although this process could change.  

 

Also, one important question and probably the most important.  How long is your health certificate and COVID test results good for?  I have heard its 72 hours which if this is the case and you change condos or hotels, etc, you would have to take another COVID test plus get another health certificate but if you stay in one place this wont be an issue.  Also, I have heard pricing for subsequent PCR tests are around 3800-8000p.  You do have the option to take the Rapid test which is cheaper, but I wouldnt recommend this as the false positives (and negatives) are quite high and if you get a false positive, you will need to then do the PCR test at another cost.

 

Ill send in my documents for the visa tomorrow and if all goes well should be on the November 26th flights from JFK to Manila. 

 

 

 

 

Edited October 26, 2020 by flicks1998

[Grace29 37]

1 hour ago, flicks1998 said:

Thanks for the update, that was extremely helpful.  For the flight, you mentioned business class was full, but do you know approximately how many people were at the gate waiting to board?  Im just curious what the rest of the plan looked like.

I would say the gate area looked like it was about 1/2 full. I fly a lot for work so I think my estimate is pretty accurate.

 

1 hour ago, flicks1998 said:

 

Also, how long was the process at NAIA, from the gate until you got out to the car?

Shockingly only about 20 mins total, that is after about 15 mins waiting on the plane after landing for authorities to arrive to go over procedures.

 

1 hour ago, flicks1998 said:

 

Ive heard the same thing from other travelers that the process is really well run at NAIA which is good to hear.  If your staying in Manila, it seems there is a rather "loose" 14 day quarantine but going to the provinces may have a different quarantine in place, I believe Samar and Leyte have 3 weeks quarantine (2 at a government facility and 1 week at home), although this process could change.  

 

Also, one important question and probably the most important.  How long is your health certificate and COVID test results good for?  I have heard its 72 hours which if this is the case and you change condos or hotels, etc, you would have to take another COVID test plus get another health certificate but if you stay in one place this wont be an issue.  Also, I have heard pricing for subsequent PCR tests are around 3800-8000p.  You do have the option to take the Rapid test which is cheaper, but I wouldnt recommend this as the false positives (and negatives) are quite high and if you get a false positive, you will need to then do the PCR test at another cost.

My positives about the process are tainted now. I’m still waiting for my quarantine certificate as I cannot check out of the hotel without it. They have phone numbers to follow up that either do not work or are always busy. Also they have an email address to follow up with for which I have done with no reply. This is the Philippines I expected. Still not sure why you need that certificate when you have a negative test. I have not heard the test is only good for 72 hours and the condo I’m going to after the hotel has already accepted my test so I don’t think another will be needed. As for the cost that is about the range I have seen as well.

 

 

 

[flicks1998 1,044]

33 minutes ago, Grace29 said:

I would say the gate area looked like it was about 1/2 full. I fly a lot for work so I think my estimate is pretty accurate.

 

Shockingly only about 20 mins total, that is after about 15 mins waiting on the plane after landing for authorities to arrive to go over procedures.

 

My positives about the process are tainted now. I’m still waiting for my quarantine certificate as I cannot check out of the hotel without it. They have phone numbers to follow up that either do not work or are always busy. Also they have an email address to follow up with for which I have done with no reply. This is the Philippines I expected. Still not sure why you need that certificate when you have a negative test. I have not heard the test is only good for 72 hours and the condo I’m going to after the hotel has already accepted my test so I don’t think another will be needed. As for the cost that is about the range I have seen as well.

 

 

 

OK great thanks.  Yes the condo should accept that test result for sure, but they will also request the certificate you are waiting on.  I believe if you were to change condos, then the new condo would require another test, but this may not be at every condo and the restrictions, etc are due to change in a few days anyway    I think they will be loosening restrictions more.

 

That was the same question I asked a few people there was what is the purpose of the certificate when I have the negative test results.  Nobody could answer that one, I was just told it was needed.    

 

Have fun and glad everything so far has been relatively easy.  

[miggyab 20]

Sorry, this may be a silly question, but where did you book your COVID tests ahead of time? I didn't know you could do that, and I'd like to get that done before we fly out next week. Thank you!

[Grace29 37]

32 minutes ago, miggyab said:

Sorry, this may be a silly question, but where did you book your COVID tests ahead of time? I didn't know you could do that, and I'd like to get that done before we fly out next week. Thank you!

If you are flying PAL there is a link on their website to register for the test and you print out the QR code provided and it is scanned when you pay for the test (this is the first step after deplaning). If not flying PAL I’m not sure really as I couldn’t find any answers to that question and this is the main reason I booked with PAL.