Thinking About Returning to US. Questions

moonunit0103 wrote:

Hi,

I live in Ormoc City, Leyte, and there has been an local transmission outbreak of CV19 cases, and, rather than to be shut-in another 3 or 4 months, I am thinking of returning to the US, mainly for medical care I have been postponing, due to being unable to travel to Cebu to see my endocrinologist.

I was hoping my wife could travel with me, and she is awaiting a US Visa interview, but they have been suspended since March, and there is no idea when interviews will resume.

I have a few questions, if someone answer, that would be great.

1.  What is needed to travel to the airport to get on the plane?  I have an ACR-I Card and an NBI Clearance to pick up in Tacloban, but unable to travel with the outbreak.

2.  How reliable are the airlines?  Have read where Expats were at the airport, but flight cancelled at last moment, and were unable to get a hotel room, meals, etc.

3.  What are the 15 hour flights like, with CV19?  Will I have to wear a mask the entire trip?

4.  Will I be able to return to the Philippines?  What documents (Marriage Certificate?) would be required?

Any advice would be appreciated.

HI Moonunit,

Personally I would not travel internationally at this time, but of course you have to weigh that out. I do not know your health situation, but I can tell you the Covid-19 situation in the US is really bad. Hospitals are full with no ICU beds in several states. That means if you catch it on the way back you might be SOL. Definitely wear the mask!

Have you considered trying to get your care in Cebu instead?  I know you mention not being able to leave Ormoc but I believe the barangay can issue a medical pass.

All that being said, some answers might be found in this thread, if you haven't read it already, although at the time that Mugtech traveled the Covid situation was worse in the Philippines. It should be easier to get out now.

https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=892260

And of course the current Sticky on going to Singapore has a lot of info on the ECC and such.

I think the flights are better now, the biggest hassle would be getting to Manila (or Cebu) . You will also need a swab test before the flight of course. Sounds like PAL may offer that.

Yes, you would be able to return to the Philippines.

I went ahead and bought a ticket.  My last visit to my endocrinologist in Cebu, he asked when was I returning to the US.  ACTH, needed for a blood test, came from Manila. One of my labs was sent to Manila because they lacked equipment in Cebu to do it.

I will update as I go along.

Good luck, interested to see what it takes.