Travel from Philippines to the US (Texas) During Covid

[PWB 213]

K1 Visa has finally been issued, now focus shifts to travel.  What are the requirements for travel and are there any recommendations on airlines?  Is covid testing required?  Please someone with first hand current knowledge only,  too much confusion caused by opinions and rumors,  need the true facts.   Thanks so very much.

[ClioNicole 60]

Omg. Congratulations. I've been a silent reader of your story. It was horrendous but at least now you are on your way. 

 

I'm happy for you.

[PWB 213]

That you.  I want to write a summary of this adventure but will do so only after she is here.  For both of us the joy was stolen and even now we are apprehensive.

[ClioNicole 60]

7 minutes ago, PWB said:

That you.  I want to write a summary of this adventure but will do so only after she is here.  For both of us the joy was stolen and even now we are apprehensive.

I couldn't blame you. You have K1 PTSD!

[Allovertheworld 355]

35 minutes ago, PWB said:

K1 Visa has finally been issued, now focus shifts to travel.  What are the requirements for travel and are there any recommendations on airlines?  Is covid testing required?  Please someone with first hand current knowledge only,  too much confusion caused by opinions and rumors,  need the true facts.   Thanks so very much.

Which airport in Texas is your destination

 

DFW is open for international flights, no testing at the airport.

 

Where is you fiance based? Is she in Manila area already or in the province and will have to travel to Manila to catch a flight

Edited November 24, 2020 by Allovertheworld

[3naD 34]

30 minutes ago, PWB said:

K1 Visa has finally been issued, now focus shifts to travel.  What are the requirements for travel and are there any recommendations on airlines?  Is covid testing required?  Please someone with first hand current knowledge only,  too much confusion caused by opinions and rumors,  need the true facts.   Thanks so very much.

Hi, first of all, congratulations! 😊

 

I’m traveling soon via Philippine Airlines to activate my CR1 visa. PAL has always been my airline of choice flying to the US due to direct flights to LAX, SFO and JFK. This is a plus at this time of COVID - less layovers, less contact. 
 

Covid testing is required only for Filipinos on non-essential travel. 

For documentary requirements for travel, I referred to this chart on PAL’s website (under “Eligible Passengers for International Travel”) https://www.philippineairlines.com/en/ph/home/covid-19/departingfromtheph

 

Also, don’t forget to secure the GCP Certificate from the CFO prior to departure. 
 

Congrats again! 

[PWB 213]

Thanks, she completed CFO training but still needs to get passport stamped.

[PWB 213]

Flying out of Manila and I was thinking Emirates would be best because they fly to Houston.  Emirates does require covid testing and in Manila that is costing about 8,000p.  Philippines air lines is a consideration but they don't fly to Houston which means she would land at LAX and who knows what California is going to be like in the first part of December.  

[JFH 12,189]

*~*~*country-specific question moved to Philippines regional forum*~*~*

[Lemonslice 4,570]

2 hours ago, PWB said:

K1 Visa has finally been issued, now focus shifts to travel.  What are the requirements for travel and are there any recommendations on airlines?  Is covid testing required?  Please someone with first hand current knowledge only,  too much confusion caused by opinions and rumors,  need the true facts.   Thanks so very much.

Facts will need to be confirmed with whichever airline you choose.  Best of luck. 

Personally, if Emirates flies to your final destination, I would go with them; comfort is nice on an long flight. 

[Commish10 427]

1 hour ago, PWB said:

Flying out of Manila and I was thinking Emirates would be best because they fly to Houston.  Emirates does require covid testing and in Manila that is costing about 8,000p.  Philippines air lines is a consideration but they don't fly to Houston which means she would land at LAX and who knows what California is going to be like in the first part of December.  

I'm in Dallas to and hate flying through California. I think given all circumstances your quickest and most direct route to a US POE i.e Lax, SFO (I prefer SFO) is your best bet. 

[user555 196]

9 hours ago, PWB said:

K1 Visa has finally been issued, now focus shifts to travel.  What are the requirements for travel and are there any recommendations on airlines?  Is covid testing required?  Please someone with first hand current knowledge only,  too much confusion caused by opinions and rumors,  need the true facts.   Thanks so very much.

My two US citizen friends flew from Panglao Island (near Bohol) three weeks ago. They had to fly to Manila first and had to get a barangay clearance, LGU clearance, police clearance, and medical clearances. There was no COVID swab test in the U.S. or the Philippines.

What finally convinced the embassy to release your visa? 

I've been looking at JAL to go to LA. Less than $500 one way. Only a 2 hour layover in Japan. No swab test or documentation required for a short layover in Japan.

Edited November 25, 2020 by user555

[3naD 34]

9 hours ago, PWB said:

Flying out of Manila and I was thinking Emirates would be best because they fly to Houston.  Emirates does require covid testing and in Manila that is costing about 8,000p.  Philippines air lines is a consideration but they don't fly to Houston which means she would land at LAX and who knows what California is going to be like in the first part of December.  

Check out Emirates website as the requirements may have changed. https://www.emirates.com/ph/english/help/covid-19/dubai-travel-requirements/tourists/

 

Looks like travelers transiting through Dubai from the Philippines are required to present negative COVID-19 test certificate. I just browed through it so I may be wrong, but there's the link for you. 

 

Good luck and safe travels to your other half!

[top_secret 2,080]

10 hours ago, 3naD said:

Covid testing is required only for Filipinos on non-essential travel. 

 IATF Resolution 80 lifted the COVID testing requirement for outbound non-essential travel.  No test required by the Philippines for any outbound travel unless it is a requirement of the airline or the destination. 

[PWB 213]

43 minutes ago, 3naD said:

Check out Emirates website as the requirements may have changed. https://www.emirates.com/ph/english/help/covid-19/dubai-travel-requirements/tourists/

 

Looks like travelers transiting through Dubai from the Philippines are required to present negative COVID-19 test certificate. I just browed through it so I may be wrong, but there's the link for you. 

 

Good luck and safe travels to your other half!

I think you are right about covid testing and Emirates.  Problem is finding a place in Manila that will do the testing at a reasonable price.  8000peso seems high.