Stupid Shit in the Philippines

[Sammon]

All my info in this post are opinions, and from my own BOTG observations. Different fellas in different locations will have different observations (based both on location, and level of ECQ / Alert status from time to time; remember, everything changes).

Yes, they will be strict as to when the sample was drawn. I assume that you mean PCR tests done in your country in order to come to Phils. They typically run in the $50 range. I have had several friends and fam in the home country get PCR tests. Back during the beginning of testing, results took up to 5 days. In the last six months, results are back within 24 hours. I had a PCR (and RAT), PCR results were emailed back in 8 hours.

A friend in the aviation industry says that the tests were difficult to obtain (long lines) during the omicron crunch during the holidays, but before and after that, things are back to normal. He also said at the time that you could bypass the long lines by paying more money at various places. Six months ago I read that some airports were offering the test right there in the airport, so google that up. Obviously you pay extra for convenience. You will have to be PCR tested again in order to fly back to your country from Phils. Several thoughts:

1) In Manila, there are dozens of testing labs that give fast turn-around results, $50-ish USD. Phils Airlines has a testing site next door to their ticketing office, right next to Robinson's Malate (Padre Faura corner Adriatico, just steps from G-Point! They guarantee results in 24 hours or less. Walk-ins or advance appointment welcome. There is an app you must have on your phone, if you don't have it then the guard will show you how to download it. Your airline reservation will have a QR code, the app scans the QR code to verify that you are you, and that your PCR test is for you only.

2) As I reported before, and provided pics, there are bunches of labs that send a nurse to your door to collect a sample. Results guaranteed usually in 24 hours or less (faster for more pesos). $65 USD is typical.

$100-$200 for what length of time? Is that per month?

Yes, all airlines are responsible for checking all flight's inbound documentation requirements. Its often done ahead of time, electronically as much as possible. However, to make it easy on the check-in clerk, when you arrive to check your luggage, on his / her screen, a list of requirements pops up: Passport, PCR test result, tracing app completion, and so on. He / she will verify that you have all of them, and you can not proceed to the security checkpoint without them.

Beavis' list in Stupid Shit seems a good start.

We are all hoping that. But remember who is running the show (not you or me). And the folks running the show might not share your sense of logic.

Depends. There are two categories of fellas coming: Those who are here for 1-2-3 weeks (weekend warriors), and others who stay longer. Number of guests allowed changes with Alert level in hotels. As reported by Steve Nash, he had success bringing girls in. My residences rarely allowed it (for long periods, no guests). The ST hotels never mentioned any medical requirement, but they were often stiff on the girl having a newer, valid ID. When Alert level gets worse, expect to use ST hotels. DO take the time to locate several in your area.

Philippines airlines mentions only these things required to enter Philippines. No mention of Traze or any other apps.

1. PCR test 48 hours before leaving country of origin.

2. Medical coverage in the amount of 35000 dollars minimum. I am quoted 92 dollars for three weeks.

3. Passport valid for six months.

4. Return ticket out of Philippines.

[WestCoast1]

All my info in this post are opinions, and from my own BOTG observations. Different fellas in different locations will have different observations (based both on location, and level of ECQ / Alert status from time to time; remember, everything changes).

1. Covid PCR test. Most cheaper labs take minimum 48 hours for results. Are they strict about when the sample was drawn? Or will accept date of the results which should be 48 hours before leaving own country. There are some labs which charges $250 for fast pcr test in two hours more or less.

Yes, they will be strict as to when the sample was drawn. I assume that you mean PCR tests done in your country in order to come to Phils. They typically run in the $50 range. I have had several friends and fam in the home country get PCR tests. Back during the beginning of testing, results took up to 5 days. In the last six months, results are back within 24 hours. I had a PCR (and RAT), PCR results were emailed back in 8 hours.

A friend in the aviation industry says that the tests were difficult to obtain (long lines) during the omicron crunch during the holidays, but before and after that, things are back to normal. He also said at the time that you could bypass the long lines by paying more money at various places. Six months ago I read that some airports were offering the test right there in the airport, so google that up. Obviously you pay extra for convenience. You will have to be PCR tested again in order to fly back to your country from Phils. Several thoughts:

1) In Manila, there are dozens of testing labs that give fast turn-around results, $50-ish USD. Phils Airlines has a testing site next door to their ticketing office, right next to Robinson's Malate (Padre Faura corner Adriatico, just steps from G-Point! They guarantee results in 24 hours or less. Walk-ins or advance appointment welcome. There is an app you must have on your phone, if you don't have it then the guard will show you how to download it. Your airline reservation will have a QR code, the app scans the QR code to verify that you are you, and that your PCR test is for you only.

2) As I reported before, and provided pics, there are bunches of labs that send a nurse to your door to collect a sample. Results guaranteed usually in 24 hours or less (faster for more pesos). $65 USD is typical.

2. Travel insurance with min $35000 medical coverage. Easy to get. There are a bunch of companies charging 100 to 200 dollars.

$100-$200 for what length of time? Is that per month?

Now the caveat is does the immigration or the airline has time to check and make sure you are allowed in.

Yes, all airlines are responsible for checking all flight's inbound documentation requirements. Its often done ahead of time, electronically as much as possible. However, to make it easy on the check-in clerk, when you arrive to check your luggage, on his / her screen, a list of requirements pops up: Passport, PCR test result, tracing app completion, and so on. He / she will verify that you have all of them, and you can not proceed to the security checkpoint without them.

Beavis' list in Stupid Shit seems a good start.

I am hoping by April process will be simplified and just need to know one verified certificate to enter.

We are all hoping that. But remember who is running the show (not you or me). And the folks running the show might not share your sense of logic.

Some of the girls say they have not had vaccine. Will the hotel check? How easy to get them vaccinated? Or will end up in hourly motels to have fun?

Depends. There are two categories of fellas coming: Those who are here for 1-2-3 weeks (weekend warriors), and others who stay longer. Number of guests allowed changes with Alert level in hotels. As reported by Steve Nash, he had success bringing girls in. My residences rarely allowed it (for long periods, no guests). The ST hotels never mentioned any medical requirement, but they were often stiff on the girl having a newer, valid ID. When Alert level gets worse, expect to use ST hotels. DO take the time to locate several in your area.

[WestCoast1]

The App Thailand developed 'morchana' has so many bugs its laughable. They want you to scan QR codes wherever you go so if someone comes up positive for Covid when you were there or just after they can contact you (somehow). When I hit my 'scan qr' button I get a blank screen. And a new article in the Bangkok post says the gov't wants to track you better for future tourists. How do you track tourists if you don't provide them with sim cards? And what I found out was that I can 'pause' the app so it doesn't eat up the battery trying to track my visits. This is Thailand, they love their Apps. And I can't imagine the Philippines running anything flawlessly whatsoever.

My experience in Phils is different. The apps (Traze is common, but some biz and government offices use others, you don't have a choice if you want to enter) have all worked fine at the biz door. Your thought that they want to contact you in case someone in that location around that time of day that you were there, so they can test or isolate you, is exactly the point. Phils DOH is sometimes crazy about contact tracing.

I had a neighbor in my residence (only 3 foreign men live in my residence) who got a call from the Brgy health clerk. The clerk told him that an infected person was in a business when the neighbor was there. She asked him to come to the Brgy hall for a test. This is exactly what those tracing forms (or apps) are for. He went and his RAT was negative. They did not ask him to return for another test, even though it was possible that his possible infection acquisition was recent and it was too soon to tell if he had a viral load. Can one say 'possible' twice in the same sentence? Contact tracing: Good job! Wrong time to test: Fail.

Also for those on the outside who have not seen the massive number of biz contact tracing forms filled out at the door each day, a biz like jolliebee will easily fill a cardboard box full of those daily. A Jolliebee manager in the province told me that she is not allowed to throw them away. "Sometimes the government comes and takes a box. Or they don't come by for months. They tell me not to throw them out. What do I do with all the boxes of forms?" Its a hassle for the businesses also.

[Sammon]

Booked to go and try my luck getting into Philippines in April. Got a reasonably priced Air ticket from JFK to Manila paying $870 round trip on Turkish airlines website. I had planned to visit Istanbul last trip which was cancelled. This one gave me a layover in Istanbul approx 24 hours to get out and do one day sightseeing. Ofcourse turkey needs visa which can be done online.

Now to navigate list of complicated things to be done to get into Philippines.

1. Covid PCR test. Most cheaper labs take minimum 48 hours for results. Are they strict about when the sample was drawn? Or will accept date of the results which should be 48 hours before leaving own country. There are some labs which charges $250 for fast pcr test in two hours more or less.

2. Travel insurance with min $35000 medical coverage. Easy to get. There are a bunch of companies charging 100 to 200 dollars.

3. I have not tried but All the required apps can be downloaded and info can be uploaded.

Now the caveat is does the immigration or the airline has time to check and make sure you are allowed in. I am hoping by April process will be simplified and just need to know one verified certificate to enter.

Some of the girls say they have not had vaccine. Will the hotel check? How easy to get them vaccinated? Or will end up in hourly motels to have fun?

I guess those mongers on the board will post reports of their experience before I go.

[Mahku]

You have posted some sensible advice, and others contemplating coming here would do well to heed it. I don't know the extent to which my comments about Davao, where I live, are generalizable to the rest of the country, but here at least restrictions are still in place: everyone is masked at all times outside of the house; bars and restaurants may not sell alcohol; public indoor venues may only accommodate a fraction of their full capacity, and people here comply with the rules. Any foreigner coming here thinking that the rules will not apply to him is in for an unpleasant surprise. My advice to anyone considering coming here is to wait for another 4-6 weeks during which time the rules may be relaxed slightly and recreational facilities may start to open again. Right now, this city is not a lot of fun.

GE.

The more I hear the more I'll have to give a big no thank you to this supposed grand opening. From the sound of it there's just too much annoying nonsense still being forced on people: Have to get 'crop dusted' to enter certain places, have to wear silly face diapers even outdoors in the 95 degree heat, have to fill out 'health forms' all the time, still lots of interference in the freedom of travel between provinces and islands, lots of places still closed or on reduced operations, many hotels as well as condos and AirBnBs not allowing guests unless they get a PCR test. In all this euphoria over finally opening up lots of people are neglecting to research what they will actually find when they get there.

For my 6 weeks off in April / May Mexico is looking better and better. They've implemented little of this silliness and surprise, surprise. They're no worse off than most places. I'm also hearing good things about El Salvador. Perhaps Costa Rica from March onward, though they may still have the insurance requirement, which might be a good idea in any case. Possible Dominican Republic although I'm reading there could be a curfew. Philippines? Hopefully later in the year but even then I'm not counting on it.

Thanks to GE and others who tell it like it is on the ground.

[Breadman]

It is a tracking app. It is used for contact tracing. You make an account in the app. Then, at many biz / gov offices, to enter you can either fill out the contact tracing form (your name, address, phone number, age), or alternately you can open your app and show it to the door guard. I believe that reports your location and time of day to the government (probably the DOH) for tracing purposes. At least one airport required showing the app, and the Intramuros BI uses Traze or an alternate similar app. You must log into it and show it to the outside guard in order to go inside.

The App Thailand developed 'morchana' has so many bugs its laughable. They want you to scan QR codes wherever you go so if someone comes up positive for Covid when you were there or just after they can contact you (somehow). When I hit my 'scan qr' button I get a blank screen. And a new article in the Bangkok post says the gov't wants to track you better for future tourists. How do you track tourists if you don't provide them with sim cards? And what I found out was that I can 'pause' the app so it doesn't eat up the battery trying to track my visits. This is Thailand, they love their Apps. And I can't imagine the Philippines running anything flawlessly whatsoever.

[Beavis]

Hi Beavis,

What is this traze app? And for covid insurance I signed up with safetywing.com which lists covid coverage but no "certificate". Do you think I will get hassled? Arriving Feb. 17. Thanks.

If you can show them proof of insurance it should get you in fine. There will probably be more apps required by the 17th. Be glad when all of this nonsense is over.

[Steve Nash]

It is a tracking app. It is used for contact tracing. You make an account in the app. Then, at many biz / gov offices, to enter you can either fill out the contact tracing form (your name, address, phone number, age), or alternately you can open your app and show it to the door guard. I believe that reports your location and time of day to the government (probably the DOH) for tracing purposes. At least one airport required showing the app, and the Intramuros BI uses Traze or an alternate similar app. You must log into it and show it to the outside guard in order to go inside.

Yes, some guards might ask you some others don't.

I was asked by the Manila airport guard last weekend.

BTW going to Royal Club (a popular disco in Makati), I was asked last Saturday for a Makati traze certificate only, they didn't accept my Traze certificate, because the bar code won't approved, it only approved a Makati Traze certificate.

I guess now Makati has their own trazing certificate, but I went to other bars and they didn't ask for it. Only Royal Club asked me. It was funny seeing everyone (with no exceptions) filling up the form on their phone at the club entrance, it was easy to fill up and it didn't take 5 minutes to do it.

[WestCoast1]

In the YouTube video the girl says 'apply for tourist visa at Philippine embassy'. Am I the only one who thought WTF? The Thai pass and the Cambodian visa for example. All done online. Will Philippine embassy's really have the manpower to process all of these visas?

Great question. This is different than a VOA. The VOA (step off the airplane, walk thru airport Immigration, as most of us are used to) is good for 30 days. Applying at the embassy, the visa is a pre-visit visa (laminated onto one complete page of your passport), and is good for 59 days.

Waiting to hear from anyone who has done the VOA in the past few days. We still don't know if new VOA's can be extended.

[WestCoast1]

What is this traze app?

It is a tracking app. It is used for contact tracing. You make an account in the app. Then, at many biz / gov offices, to enter you can either fill out the contact tracing form (your name, address, phone number, age), or alternately you can open your app and show it to the door guard. I believe that reports your location and time of day to the government (probably the DOH) for tracing purposes. At least one airport required showing the app, and the Intramuros BI uses Traze or an alternate similar app. You must log into it and show it to the outside guard in order to go inside.

[Breadman]

You will find out that you do need it.

All incoming travellers to the Philippines are mandated to use the One Health Pass registration system. This applies to:

Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs)
Non-OFWs, and
Foreign Nationals
In short, all passengers bound for the Philippines from abroad regardless of their nationality or profession must apply for the One Health Pass registration to get a QR code and present it to authorities.

Now you have read it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyiKis0v3y8

In the YouTube video the girl says 'apply for tourist visa at Philippine embassy'. Am I the only one who thought WTF? The Thai pass and the Cambodian visa for example. All done online. Will Philippine embassy's really have the manpower to process all of these visas?

[D Cups]

LMAO and no it isn't readily available as pertinent info, but people that are showing up to the airport are having to spend extra time while checking in, to download the app and register. I posted the process to be helpful but it seems that since there isn't a direct link on the internet it is deemed as false or unsubstantiated. If you have ever read any of my posts from many different countries they are always factual. Nobody has ever said that Beavis lied. LOL. Spend 10 minutes at home and do what I am advising (and yes I agree it is stupid) or show up at the airport hungover and / or tired and do it then. Beavis isn't a pot stirrer, he tries to help people. I live in the Philippines and report from first hand reports that come from people that have been there, done that.

Checklist that might be useful if travelling to Philippines.

Passport with at least 6 months validity.

PCR test with printed result certificate with sample taken within 48 hours before your plane leaves. Result certificate must have a QR code on it.

Covid Travel Insurance with certificate printed.

One health pass certificate, with printed QR code..

Hi Beavis,

What is this traze app? And for covid insurance I signed up with safetywing.com which lists covid coverage but no "certificate". Do you think I will get hassled? Arriving Feb. 17. Thanks.

[Beavis]

Goodness another hoop to jump through. Are these girls worth all of this?? Well after 50 trips since 2004 my answer is ABSOLUTELY.

LMAO and no it isn't readily available as pertinent info, but people that are showing up to the airport are having to spend extra time while checking in, to download the app and register. I posted the process to be helpful but it seems that since there isn't a direct link on the internet it is deemed as false or unsubstantiated. If you have ever read any of my posts from many different countries they are always factual. Nobody has ever said that Beavis lied. LOL. Spend 10 minutes at home and do what I am advising (and yes I agree it is stupid) or show up at the airport hungover and / or tired and do it then. Beavis isn't a pot stirrer, he tries to help people. I live in the Philippines and report from first hand reports that come from people that have been there, done that.

Checklist that might be useful if travelling to Philippines.

Passport with at least 6 months validity.

PCR test with printed result certificate with sample taken within 48 hours before your plane leaves. Result certificate must have a QR code on it.

Covid Travel Insurance with certificate printed.

One health pass certificate, with printed QR code.

Traze app on your phone, pre registered.

Proof of Vaccination, printed with QR codes.

Proof of Return flight within 30 days.

Passes for Transit airport if transiting.

[Nightrider1]

You will find out that you do need it.

All incoming travellers to the Philippines are mandated to use the One Health Pass registration system. This applies to:

Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs)
Non-OFWs, and
Foreign Nationals
In short, all passengers bound for the Philippines from abroad regardless of their nationality or profession must apply for the One Health Pass registration to get a QR code and present it to authorities.

Now you have read it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyiKis0v3y8

Goodness another hoop to jump through. Are these girls worth all of this?? Well after 50 trips since 2004 my answer is ABSOLUTELY.

[Beavis]

I don't recall reading that we have to register with www.onehealthpass.com/ph in any of the requirements I have read. I will if need be but am not going to if its not needed.

You will find out that you do need it.

All incoming travellers to the Philippines are mandated to use the One Health Pass registration system. This applies to:

Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs)
Non-OFWs, and
Foreign Nationals
In short, all passengers bound for the Philippines from abroad regardless of their nationality or profession must apply for the One Health Pass registration to get a QR code and present it to authorities.

Now you have read it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyiKis0v3y8