Mojito

On 3/13/2022 at 4:37 PM, TO285 said:

Planning to head to the Philippines in August to see the Fiancee / get married (if we don't get married online before then.) I need to find travel insurance that meets the requirements to enter the PH. Anyone have any recommendations?

 

Allianz was offered by the airline but it was expensive and didn't cover much.. Was looking at Tinleg, Seven Corners and some others.

I just paid $25 to Seven Corners for 18 days of coverage with $100,000 medical emergency coverage (covid 19 medical coverage is included). Best deal I found. Trip is upcoming in April. I think it was called roundtrip basic package. It was through SquareMouth.com 

24 minutes ago, IWander said:

Plenty of places.  We went to UC Med in Mandaue.  Most labs are open every day.  Some require pre-registration, some are walk in.  We did the rapid antigen test and results were in 4 hours.  We actually tested positive and had to isolate and reschedule our flights but we are home now

Is anything like more tests needed to fly from Manila to Davao, or Cebu to Davao? I got to get to Mindanao from MNL most likely. 

12 minutes ago, IWander said:

No issues at all

Hi. Where did you go to get your RT-PCR test before you came back to America from the Philippines? And what days of the week were they open, and how long did it take to get your results? 

17 minutes ago, MarJhi said:

I saw this story on a couple of dozen media sites on the internet 12 hours ago, seems 100% legit. I took a look at Expedia and they removed the "look here for Covid travel restrictions for your destination" tab when I searched for flights/hotels. However, looks like the flights were already filling up and the prices were pretty high. Maybe once they get everyone back to work and a normal pre-covid flight schedule up and running the prices will come back down to earth.

I just checked February-March prices and its around $4,000 round trip minimum in coach right now.  It was as low as $1200 round trip in 2019. Ouch. Waiting for the air competition to reduce these prices, its like $10,000 round trip in 1st class now. 

I want to book a flight right now, but need full details to make sure there are no gotchas and this is legit. The negative PCR test in 48 hours has me wondering where to go for this flying out of TPA. 

We just got approved! ❤️

Hang in there August group your time is near.

NOA1 August 31, 2020

NOA2 March 25, 2021

9 minutes ago, Loren Y said:

Feel your pain on this. Was supposed to return to Thailand with my wife last month. Since we are married I was able to secure everything I needed from the Thai embassy in LA, the only issue was American Airlines canceled the flight ( Ironically one I used points on), so I was unable to go. This was back in September none the less, and American still hasn't refunded my points or cash portion of my airfare. They keep telling me they have 60 days to refund my money and points, or something like 2 billing cycles. Since you brought this up, looks like I'll be calling them Monday to get on them again, as I think it has been over 60 days now. Love how they can hold my points and money hostage, but when I book they want their money and points right NOW!. They didn't wait 60 days to charge my card or take my points, think I'm done with American Airlines, they really did me dirty this time around. When and if I get my point back, I'll transfer them elsewhere.

Yes it seems like they would be bending over backwards at this pandemic time to get it right. It's not like a bunch of people are actively booking international flights. That is a lot of points for 2 people to Southeast Asia, and back too. But they are doing the exact opposite. I would be frustrated too. It's mid November, they should have been able to refund your points by now, especially since THEY cancelled your flight. I'd be interested to know how you can transfer those points elsewhere.  I guess you must have a credit card that can do that. I hear Chase Sapphire is really good for doing things like that. I think I'm stuck with my air points and cant move them since I just got those points by flying on either American or Delta. 

P.S. I love when I get those American emails and they ask, "Where would you like to go?" I'm screaming PHILIPPINES at my computer. LOL. 

6 hours ago, payxibka said:

It is unfortunate discussion like this, that  WAS many years ago, that causes uneeded worry about today.

Thanks I think. Just wanting to be ready for her to use the points as soon as she can. Not exactly a worry, more just trying to get some clarification from those that used airpoints for their fiance's. The lockdown situation will change sometime. In fact, she could use them now if she were able to get a travel visa, just I couldn't go there. Bummed because we had a trip planned for November/December and as you are aware, unmarried Americans cant go to the Philippines. Somehow this cluster*** will get resolved. When is always the question. 

6 hours ago, Loren Y said:

I earn a lot of points, and book a lot of flights with points. In this case if you want to be safe, a copy of your passport ID page, and also a copy of your summery page from your points account would probably be the same as showing a copy of the credit card. But, I think since a credit card was never used, it would never come up honestly. This would definitely be airline specific as it is their points, not a credit card companies. Maybe just double check the miles/points redemption rules to make sure nothing crazy is required. My one card allows me to transfer points between airlines, and my Sky miles points are good on like 22 different airlines. Since You have Delta, that is Sky miles, and good on many different airlines. Since they are so wide spread the sky miles program is really easy to use, and there are almost no restrictions. whenever I used sky miles they always took them, and I never had any issues, so I am sure you will be fine, and I have bought tickets for many different people with different names every time using points, and I never heard of them getting questioned at all.

Thank you very much for your reply. I haven't ever used points for anyone but myself and appreciate the feedback. You are right, maybe I can look at the Sky Miles and One World partners for other options too. Since you have bought tickets for others with your points its good to know they weren't questioned. It's always good to prepare to avoid potential problems is how I view travel related items. And to hear others experiences with points usage a bit outside the norm is valuable. Sooner or later the K1 approvals will occur and when ours does, I want to be knowledgeable and ready to go ASAP, especially with airlines tickets essentially paid for already potentially with points.  Always like your posts as you try to help people where you can. 

I'm planning to use either my American or Delta Airline points to buy my fiance's flights. Would she need anything besides her passport and visa to show at the airlines check-in counters if it was bought by me, in her name? There would not be any of my credit card info to show as it's my points. 

1 hour ago, rchan72 said:

August released.... so few across the board:

 

Non Immigrant Visa

https://travel.state.gov/content/dam/visas/Statistics/Non-Immigrant-Statistics/MonthlyNIVIssuances/AUGUST 2020 - NIV Issuances by Post and Visa Class.pdf

 

Immigrant Visa:

https://travel.state.gov/content/dam/visas/Statistics/Non-Immigrant-Statistics/MonthlyNIVIssuances/AUGUST 2020 - NIV Issuances by Post and Visa Class.pdf

 

Stay strong and keep hope all!

The links appear to be the same. Both Non-Immigrant. 

4 hours ago, Greenbaum said:

I gave you the link in my reply to find this information out. If you ask for help and then you don't take the time to use the help, what does that help become?

Here is the answer to your questions.

 

1. US President

2. DOS - Secretary of State

3. Embassy (when they get the all clear from the foreign government where the embassy is located. Currently Manila has been in lock down both within the country and the airports remain locked down for travel)

 

Can a US Senator be contacted for help putting pressure on "whoever decides" to get the K1 process moving in the Manila Embassy?  Yes, you can contact a Senator, but they can't "push a case forward" as USCIS, NVC and the Embassy MUST do their due diligence in properly vetting the visa application.

 

Just who is in charge of getting the US Manila Embassy opening and processing K1 visa's is unclear to me.   Many entities are involved in opening an embassy but the ultimate responsible lies with the Ambassador who reports to the U.S. Department of State for the reopening of their embassy.

 

Can I share somethings with you that I learned long ago about this process?

    • "the man with the gold makes the rules"
    • it will take as long as it will take 
    • no one with any certainty can tell you when some process will be completed
    • Your sense of urgency will never be equaled to what USCIS, NVC or your embassy demonstrates
    • Your journey is not going to mirror someone else's experience - yours and theirs are not the same
    • They only promised you a YES or NO answer. Never an exact time that their decision would be completed
    • Lowering your expectations will make you a much more relaxed individual

Good luck on your journey 
 

Thank you for the response. Greenbaum you have put out very much valuable information all over VJ and it is appreciated. Opening the Embassy has to be the K1 communities highest priority to get things moving from NVC to pre-covid shutdown K1 visa on hand levels in a timeframe similar to pre-covid. Understanding what can be done to get it open was my curiosity. Thanks again for your work here. 

7 minutes ago, GinaCarterWebster said:

The Philippines hasn't stopped processing K1 visas!  They have the MOST K1 approvals in all the world - 119 in July alone!

Thank you for the response. Where did you find that information? Are they all of the "expedited" type of approval or are any of the regular typical non assisted K1 type? I have read the USEM is closed for ordinary K1 from many posters. I assume that if any K1 did get processed there, it was from people who had expedite ability. 

8 minutes ago, GinaCarterWebster said:

  22 minutes ago, Mojito said:

Who determines when a US Embassy (for instance in the Philippines) will open for K1 visa processing? Is it officials in the Philippine government or officials in the US government? If it is the US government, who in particular decides? Can a US Senator be contacted for help putting pressure on "whoever decides" to get the K1 process moving in the Manila Embassy? Just who is in charge of getting the US Manila Embassy opening and processing K1 visa's is unclear to me. 

Thank you, 

3 hours ago, Greenbaum said:

To better understand what is transpiring in your country become a part of the conversation. Go to the blue ribbon above, select "forums" then scroll about 3/4 of the page down and select the region that most represents where your country is located. There you will get the "boots on the ground" information for what is occurring at the Mumbai consulate.

 

 

We need a little housekeeping on your end. Many of our answers are predicated on the information you supply in your profile. When we look at the left column and can't determine your timeline OR your Embassy it's hard for us to give you a factual answer. Our answers will sometimes be tailored to a specific Embassy hence the reason for you to complete your profile. If you look at the profile of others here, they have a flag for their country, so it makes it easy for us to reply as we can quickly determine their Embassy. The country that should be used is the country where the interview will take place.
 
So, if you could help yourself out and complete your profile that sure would help us out when we want to reply to your question with factual information.

 
Timeline: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RTx4pIFfcIXyW15L-nyLuBGzwqYRx5lI/view?usp=sharing

Country and Visa Type: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RyJiLo_7WTmqvkzXXqLuOlVHm9oyhAES/view?usp=sharing

 
Once you finish that then return and you will see a flag in your profile. Select it and see what wonderful information will open up for you.
 
Thanks 

Who determines when a US Embassy (for instance in the Philippines) will open for K1 visa processing? Is it officials in the Philippine government or officials in the US government? If it is the US government, who in particular decides? Can a US Senator be contacted for help putting pressure on "whoever decides" to get the K1 process moving in the Manila Embassy? Just who is in charge of getting the US Manila Embassy opening and processing K1 visa's is unclear to me. 

Thank you, 

Hotels I have stayed at in metro Manila:

Conrad-Awesome if you have points to cover it. It's right there at MOA/seaside and is super convenient

Hyatt City of Dreams-Another great place if you have points to cover it. Casino area is fun to be around. 

Golden Phoenix-Near to the convention center is a plus. It isn't near as nice as the others I mentioned, but the rooms are big and it is clean overall. 

Crowne Plaza Galleria- In Ortegas and is very nice. Metrowalk is not far and Robinsons is connected. 

IM Hotel-Makati-Has an awesome see-through glass bottom pool I think its on the 3rd floor, and great evening music scene on the rooftop, fun place. 

Seda Vertis North-near Quezon City-really a good hotel if up north right by SM North and another mall up there I forgot the name. 

Cheers!

13 minutes ago, payxibka said:

I just read your timeline.   The world will be a much different place next summer, which is when you most likely get an interview appointment 

Unfortunately, I agree about the interview not until next summer and the world being very different then. Probably 9-10 months or even 11 months from my NOA1 to Visa on hand completion seems a realistic timeline. Reading about priority being put on K1 is encouraging but with the backlog already I'm thinking 10 months total. Thanks for the feedback too. P.S. One of my good friends is in Minneapolis. Lots to do. 

4 hours ago, boris64 said:

I agree.  If you schedule it right you will have a 3-4 day stay in Manila for the medical and interview. Visa issuance is another matter. It can take 4 days to several weeks depending on circumstances. I think in most instances it will be cheaper to have the visa delivered to her in Davao and then make another trip to fly to the US. On a side note I lived for years in Godfrey, IL. I enjoyed living there. It has the least crowded and most luxurious Walmart Supercenter I have ever seen))) I take the occasional trip there from St. Louis so I can shop in peace)

Small, small world my friend! Thank you for the information and the info on your time in Godfrey  I'm semi-new to the area and have been enjoying it. The last Mister Donut in the USA is here in Godfrey, the maple long john donut is to die for  . Really appreciate the feedback on the timeframe. It's such a gray area with flight uncertainty and how both governments restrictions will be at that time related to covid. FIngers crossed all goes well with no RFE delays added too as the process is really long right now without any "self-imposed" delays. Take care. 

5 hours ago, payxibka said:

 

 

you certainly don't need 2 weeks between medical and interview,  more like 2 or 3 days.  Visa issuance can be 2 to 4 weeks (or longer)  after visa issuance.  In our case we hit an unexpected snag and it took 6 weeks.

 

Depending on where ticket prices are, I think your plan would actually be more expensive considering she theoretically only needs to make one short trip to Manila for the medical and visa process 

 

 

Thank you very much for the information! Right now short notice flights between MNL and DVO appear to be only about every 3 days at best (AirAsia,CebuPacific,PAL) and about $100 USD one way at best. I have some time to see how things adjust nearer her time frame pre-medical. But really appreciate knowing your times from medical to visa on hand. When to start scheduling everything is our uncertainty at this point. Thanks again. 

How many nights are needed in hotel near the Embassy if you are coming up from Davao for the medical, then the interview, then waiting to pickup the Visa and fly to America from Manila? It seems more expensive to keep flying back and forth from Davao to Manila, vs. staying in an inexpensive hotel. I'm thinking its 3 weeks. 2 weeks between medical and interview and 1 week after interview to pickup the Visa. Any other opinions? Thank you in advance.