Travel Requirements to USA from Philippines
Traveling post-COVID calls for more preparation than we are accustomed to. Requirements from both your place of origin and your destination are subject to change at short notice and transit requirements for each country may differ. Listed below are the documents I prepared for my recent trip to California from Manila (via Tokyo).
Essential travel documents for flights from Philippines to USA:
1. Passport and US visa
In addition to an active US visa, passports should have at least 6 months validity before the date of departure.
2. Airline Itinerary
Though much more stable than it was during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, the travel industry remains somewhat unpredictable. Flights may be canceled, moved, or rerouted. Save yourself the pain of dealing with third party websites who claim no liability. Use aggregators to find the best deals but book directly with your preferred airline.
3. Proof of Vaccination
Pre-departure COVID-19 testing is no longer a requirement for travel to the USA.
Instead, non-immigrant, non-U.S. citizen travelers are required to be fully vaccinated and to provide proof of vaccination prior to boarding. Travelers are considered fully vaccinated 14 days after they've received their second dose of a two-series vaccine or their first in A single dose vaccine. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination must have personal identifiers (e.g. Full Name, Birthdate, Passport Number), vaccine manufacturer, dates of vaccination, and name of official source issuing the record (e.g. LGU, authorized vaccine provider).
I traveled to the United States with both a VaxcertPH printout and my BOQ-issued ICV since I already had them ON HAND but either one will suffice.
DOH's vaccination certificate portal can be accessed here: VaxCertPH
4. CDC Passenger Disclosure and Attestation to the USA
Though the Passenger Disclosure and Attestation to the United States of America is available at the airport through the airline check-in counter, I prepared one in advance and presented it upon check-in prior to departure. A copy of this document may be downloaded here: Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination for Non-Citizen and Non-Immigrants Passenger Disclosure and Attestation to USA.
5. Departure Card
The departure card is the same one all outbound passengers need to fill out when traveling overseas pre-pandemic and is available past the airline check-in counters, before immigration. You don't have to prepare one in advance but having one pre-filled out helps navigating the queue at immigration quickly and seamlessly.
6. Travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage
Although the United States does not require travel medical insurance to enter, it may still be requested at the airline check-in counter or immigration counter in the Philippines.
I booked through travelinsurance.com.ph. You may request a quote through their website and they will send your options through e-mail. My insurance plan covered Php 1,500,000.00 in personal accidents and medical coverage. I didn't need to file any claims, fortunately, but it was a massive relief to know I was covered.
You may request for a USA travel insurance quote here: Request for a travel insurance quote
Travel Insurance from airline company can compliment your primary travel insurance policy
The credit card I used to book airline tickets offered free travel insurance that covered unforeseen flight cancellations and lost luggage. I figured the more coverage, the better, so I called my credit card company to grab the offer. Check your credit card benefits in case you'll be able to avail of the same or similar offer/ reward.
7. Hotel Booking or Invitation Letter
A print-out of your hotel reservation isn't a requirement for entry to the US but you will likely be asked where you'll be staying by the immigration officer at your port of entry. A digital copy or physical print-out of your hotel booking can definitely help a lot in the event you're asked to substantiate your booking. If staying with relatives or friends, an invitation letter including the address you'll be residing in will do.
Essential document for return to the Philippines
Prior to returning to the Philippines, it is advisable to prepare this document in advance:
8. BOQ e-Health Declaration Card (e-HDC)
Also known as One Health Pass QR Code
The Philippine government requires all arriving passengers, including children, to complete a BOQ e-Health Declaration Card (e-HDC). Presented at airline check-in prior to departure and scanned upon arrival at BOQ counter in Manila, your BOQ e-Health Declaration Card (e-HDC) should be accomplished up to three days before departure from port of embarkation. Make sure to take a screencap of your transaction number and OHP QR Code upon registration as the confirmation email may not arrive on time -- or at all (ours didn't). PH-bound travelers without the One Health Pass QR Code will not be allowed to check-in to their flight.
Won't lie, I was tied in anxious knots before my trip as it was my first time traveling since COVID-19 hit. Getting insurance eased the travel anxiety wrought by whispers of cancelled flights, lost luggage, and sick passengers.
Requesting for a travel insurance quote is easy, simply provide your age, travel duration and destination at travelinsurance.com.ph 's contact page and they will send your options through email.
Navigating the airports was easy and surprisingly fast because I planned ahead and overprepared. So check back with your airline frequently for current travel regulations and requirements, including any stops for connecting flights.
If you are a Philippine passport holder and have an upcoming travel to the USA, preparing these requirements in advance will lead to more convenient airport procedures.
