On 18 November 2020, we asked @travelgeela, the owner of Bhumi Hostel, to share what it was like to travel during the pandemic. @travelgeela travelled in October 2020 and stayed in Manila for a while before returning to Jakarta.
Yes, in general travellers from Indonesia are restricted from entering Manila but I could enter under the restricted terms and conditions.
Before departing Jakarta, I had to fill in a few forms online re: health declaration, which was required by the Philippines. And I had to make a booking for a PCR test at the Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). Payment for the test needs to be made prior to departure. This was unfortunately not covered by insurance or the government and borne by the traveller.
Then, I needed to make an advance booking for my hotel quarantine in Manila and I was required to arrange my transportation with the quarantine facility too.
Do have all this information on hand and printed out for easy processing when travelling. It is important that you know your rights and you have the necessary documents before departing your home country.
Boarding the plane and leaving Jakarta was pretty easy and smooth. The plane was fairly empty and everyone kept a safe distance.
Once I landed in Manila, I was presented with MORE forms to fill. After these forms filled, I had to pass them back to the Airport officers.
Next, I had to show the Airport officers the confirmed booking and payment for the PCR test in order to proceed. After doing the PCR test, I was directed to Immigration for the usual checks. I did not need to wait for my PCR results at the airport.
After Immigration, I went straight to the quarantine facility table to register my quarantine facility information. Once that was done, I was able to collect my luggage and finally leave the airport.
After leaving the airport, I was required to head straight to quarantine facility where I waited for my PCR results. The test results didn’t take very long. I was tested at 7 AM at the airport and I got back my results by lunchtime. Thankfully, my results came back negative.
Once cleared, you can leave the quarantine facility and proceed with your own travel itinerary. However, do note you need to adhere to the local Covid-19 and SOP restrictions. In Manila, you must wear a face mask and a face shield at all times.
Surprisingly, yes! In order to return to Jakarta, I needed to get a PCR test done 7 days before my departure date in an accepted establishment in Manila. And of course test negative for.
Upon arriving Soekarno–Hatta International Airport (CGK), I needed to fill out additional health forms and show my PCR results letter to the airport officer.
Once cleared, you may continue the immigration process as usual. There are several checkpoints through-out CGK to check the PCR results letter and collect back the health declaration forms.
Walking through CGK
https://marketing-prod.trutrip.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/VID_499320523_011237_471-1.mp4
Follow @travelgeela on Instagram
@travelgeela
If you’re planning to travel and are anxious about it? Use Covid Entry Check to navigate through all that travel restrictions, green lane and travel route information. And when you’re ready to start booking, head over to TruTrip.co.
Covid Entry Check is powered by TruTrip, a powerful, customisable travel management platform that streamlines all the tools needed to manage business travel your way. With a free-to-use entry level platform, we aim to serve businesses of all sizes. Learn more about TruTrip at TruTrip.co
TruTrip streamlines booking, management, and reporting for hassle-free business trips.