Part 1  - AS A FORMER NATIONAL (BALIKBAYAN) AND HOW TO BE UPDATED FOR THE LATEST TRAVEL RULES.

BALIKBAYAN DEFINITION

i.   A Filipino citizen who has been continuously out of the Philippines for a period of at least one (1) year;

ii.  A Filipino overseas worker;

iii. A former Filipino citizen and his family who had been naturalized in a foreign country and comes or returns to the Philippines. --- This is moi as in me at ako! 

b. Immediate family members (spouse and children) of the Balikbayan, who are nationals of countries falling under EO 408, travelling together with the Balikbayan.

source: http://www.immigration.gov.ph/faqs/visa-inquiry/balikbayan-privilege

March 6, 2021/ 9:59PM / Quarantine Hotel

I decided to write about my journey going back to the Philippines because it's been six years since my last visit and I am traveling during the pandemic. Yay! Exciting. I was able to go because I am considered as a former national of the Philippines. So, all this experience is based on that reason why I was able to be here. 

I booked my flight around December 2020. I took a year off from work and 2021 will be the perfect time for me to see my family and friends. I miss them so much! So, I wanted to do something for my birthday hence the reason why I booked my flight on the month of MARCH! (hint! hint!) 

As you know, the Philippines always changing their travel rules every minute and it was nerve wracking waiting for your trip because you'll never know if you are allowed to enter or not. I am saying this because, January 2021. Philippines put a travel ban to 46 countries which includes USA (due to the new covid-19 variant) and even if you are former national, if you come from these lists of countries you are not allowed in the Philippines. Yes. OMG!

I didn't cancel my flight. Not giving up. Next month for sure it will be different (I was saying this to myself!). A little tip (that helped me to be updated) - YouTube was my bestfriend to keep me up to date about travel restrictions. I am not in anyway paid or sponsored by this vlogger but I am doing this because her content is / was always up to date and  clear. Here is her YouTube Link - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxHH6fo_k6IGJDChtlTdNpw

Thanks Jennifer Teri! Helped me a lot how to be ready for my trip.

February came and the travel ban was lifted and Balikbayans are now allowed to enter the Philippines. Yay! #rightontime

THAT'S THE BEST THING YOU CAN DO. BE INFORMED. SO, YOU'LL HAVE STRESS FREE TRIP!

Link for Part 2 - https://www.xoxohannahmichael.com/2021/03/part-2-how-to-travel-to-manila.html