Anyone travel to the Philippines from the USA latelty?

I am planning on taking a vacation trip to the PI this summer with a friend and not sure of the process. This will be the first time I have traveled internationally so I am a little nervous. If anyone has recently traveled from the US to the PI, I would really appreciate a little info on their experiences. Such as documents that I would need for departure, whats the process at the airport, experiences at plane changes in different countries, arriving in the PI, getting visas, and departure from the PI. I would appreciate and feedback to calm my nervse a little. LOL

Thanks

there's nothing to it. it's pretty much like going to new york from chicago. if you're an american citizen you don't even need a visa. just your passport and round-trip ticket and you're good to go.

have fun....

All you need is your passport. In PI you get to stay for 21 days visa free. Do NOT change all your money at the airport... you get had at a bad exchange rate. Rate right now is around 41Peso = $1. Do most of your money changing at the malls, or ATM if you have a card.
There's not much more to add. Just word of caution... don't flash your money, don't give anything to beggars don't flash your cell fone around, and if you're surrounded by 50 people, all of them trying to sell you the same thing, just say (sounds like) "Ah yoh ko" which means I don't want any and half of them go away.

PI is really very nice and has a number of tourist areas. some are:
Baguio, Subic, Angeles, Tagaytay, Boracay and Cebu area. I'd stay away from Mindanao, even tho it has a number of safe places.

My wife and I have recently traveled to the Philippines from the USA. In fact we do it annually because we have a home in the Philippines and one in the states. (www.ricexpats.com)

The individual who posted "there's nothing to it. it's pretty much like going to new york from chicago. if you're an american citizen you don't even need a visa. just your passport and round-trip ticket and you're good to go" Part of their answer is incorrect. You do require a Visa if your stay in the Philippines is longer than 21 days. Even the US State Department web site is incorrect. It is important you follow the guidelines outlines in the Philippines Government Bureau of Immigrations.

From 28 years of travel it is my experience in most cases if your stay in the Philippines is longer than 21 days and this is indicated on your round trip ticket return, the Airlines that you are flying with can deny boarding if you do not have the correct Visa. All of the airlines have an Immigration book with guidelines from various countries and suppose to go by them. Some times the airlines fail to do their job and check for Visa's when checking a passenger in.

I suggest you contact the nearest Philippines Embassy or Consulate that services your area. You can find this by using the popular internet search www.google.com They will give you the correct scoop.

My e-mail address is kenvernon@hotmail.com if you have any other Philippines related questions or personal concerns.

I went in June 2007 to visit my filipina girlfreind in Manila. She's now my fiancee with a K-1 in the works. That aside, the two week trip went great. Getting there was easy like you've already read. If you're not good with 12 hour flights (mine was Chicago to Tokyo), that might be the hardest part. I went online to see the layout and expected procedures for making a connecting flight (in Tokyo, I had to change terminals) at the airports and airlines I was using. My anxiety was all for nothing as there were people to assist at every turn. That along with my online research made it an easy adventure. Even getting through customs was not hard.

Since I was accompanied the whole time by my gf, getting around was a snap too. So if you are going to meet someone you trust, I think you shouldnt have problems there. I was told that, like every big city, there are places to go and places to stay away from. The people I met in Manila were wonderful. All of her friends and co-workers were friendly, warm hearted, sweet people.

We spent 3 days on Boracay for a getaway before my departure. It was a beautiful island with a beautiful lady.

If your flights have a layover in Japan (Narita), you can even find a place where you can take a shower for a reasonable price....

Have a great trip! If I can be of further help, just give me a shout!

I just returned from there 2 weeks ago. I was there for 5 weeks and got engaged to a great woman. I will be happy to give you all the info you want. Email or Pm me anytime. I was apprehensive to but it was a breeze. Only thing that sucked was standing in the immigration like at Manila international. Was a great trip though, I will be returning in July.