Essentials for First Time Traveling Abroad from the Philippines

 First Time Traveling Abroad from the Philippines

Traveling abroad for the first time is an exciting yet nerve-wracking experience, especially when you’re navigating all the documentation requirements. As a Filipino, there are some essential steps and documents you'll need to prepare before you can get that much-awaited stamp on your passport. I recently had my first international trip, and I’m here to share my journey, from getting the necessary paperwork to the questions asked during the immigration process.

Step 1: Preparing the Documents

The first time I traveled abroad, I prepared several documents to ensure everything was in order. Here’s a checklist of the documents I had to prepare:

1. COE (Certificate of Employment) – This document proves I’m employed and will be returning to work after my trip.
2. Company ID – A valid ID issued by my employer to establish my professional identity.
3. Payslip (last 3 months) – A proof of income to show that I’m financially stable for my trip.
4. BIR Income Tax Return – A tax document proving that I pay my taxes, ensuring I’m a responsible citizen.
5. Itinerary – My travel plans, including dates, destinations, and any activities I would be doing abroad  -I DIY this and it was fine.
6. Round Trip Tickets – Proof that I plan to return to the Philippines, ensuring I won’t overstay.
7. Paid Hotel Bookings – Documentation showing that I have accommodation arranged for the duration of my stay.
8. eGovPH App – This app helps you manage your government transactions, including any travel-related tasks.
9. Gcash Card – This makes international transactions and payment more convenient. I read from other blogs that GoTyme works as fine as Gcash. No international charges when withdrawing. 
10. Approved VL (Vacation Leave) Documents – Since I’m employed, I needed approval for my time off, which showed I had permission to take leave during my trip.

Step 2: Immigration Interview – The First Time

When I went through immigration for the first time, I was a bit nervous, but the officer was professional and straightforward. I was asked a few important questions to verify my trip’s authenticity:

• How long have you been with the company, and what is your position? 
• Is this your first time traveling abroad?
• Who are you traveling with?

I provided all the documents they asked for, and the whole process took about 10 minutes or less. The questions were fairly simple and didn’t feel intrusive, but I did feel the need to be thorough with my answers. Once my documents were verified, I was cleared for departure.

Step 3: Second Time – A Smoother Process

Fast forward to my second international trip. This time, the process was significantly smoother and faster. I still prepared the same documents but the only things I was asked to provide were:

• Passport 
• Boarding Pass
• Where did you go the first time? 

This time, the immigration officers barely took a few minutes to verify my documents. The second time around, everything felt more routine and familiar, so I wasn’t as nervous as my first experience.

Conclusion

Traveling abroad for the first time as a Filipino requires preparation, patience, and the right set of documents. I’ve learned that having all your paperwork in order not only makes the process easier but also gives you peace of mind. While the questions may seem repetitive, they’re meant to ensure that you’re traveling with the proper intentions. For anyone planning to travel internationally for the first time, make sure you have all the necessary documents and be ready for a few questions. And don’t worry, after the first time, it only gets easier!

I hope my experience can help guide your first international travel journey and make the process a little less stressful! Safe travels, and don’t forget to enjoy the adventure.