The Philippines has implemented several travel restrictions in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. These limitations include a requirement for quarantine for arriving passengers, a ban on entry for foreign tourists, and a cap on the number of Filipinos and foreigners who can enter the country.
Before joining the nation, visitors must also show negative COVID-19 test results, proof of vaccinations, and other required documents. These actions are intended to stop the virus’s spread and safeguard the Philippines’ public health.
Background information on the Philippines’ travel restrictions
During the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been severe shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE), medications, and other essential medical supplies, significantly worsening the health crisis. We still face a severe and urgent problem of shortages; we expect a second wave to alleviate them.
Many countries have restricted exports in response to shortages to boost domestic supplies. Governments should safeguard their citizens, but doing so through export restrictions degrades international health infrastructure and ultimately fails to stop the coronavirus. At the beginning of the pandemic, nearly 100 countries temporarily stopped or limited the export of medical supplies.
Philippines’ travel restriction measures
Regardless of your vaccination status, you can enter the Philippines without a visa or quarantine if you meet certain conditions. If a person is not fully or partially immunized, a medical professional must administer and certify a COVID-19 Rapid Acceleration Test (RAT) test within 24 hours of their departure.
This requirement may not apply to children. For the most recent guidance, check out the Philippines Department of Tourism. Additionally, you should confirm your airline’s policies because they may vary from airline to airline.
Entry requirements
The tourism sector has been negatively impacted by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The Philippines has opened up to leisure travel, but there are now travel restrictions in place to stop the virus from spreading.
We have gathered the data you require to plan your trip in the new normal for those who wish to visit the newly opened locations and popular tourist destinations in the Philippines. Continue reading to learn which Philippine areas are accessible for leisure travel, and what those locations’ requirements are. And what other limitations and guidelines the federal and local governments have put in place.
- Fully Vaccinated Travelers: Whether foreigners or Filipinos, fully vaccinated travelers, there are no longer required to undergo pre-departure COVID testing.
- Unvaccinated travelers to the Philippines or only partially immunized must have a negative laboratory-based rapid antigen test result within twenty-four (24) hours of the date and time they leave their home country in order to enter the Philippines.
- The passport will be valid for at least six months at entry. Proper visa, if necessary (for those not eligible for visa-free entry into the Philippines and those with immigrant or non-immigrant status). For short-term visitors: a valid onward or return ticket.
Quarantine requirements
Arrivals who can demonstrate their vaccination status upon entry into the nation, whether Filipino or foreigners are NOT subject to quarantine.
But symptomatic travelers might have to submit to COVID-19 tests.
Arrivals with unverified, insufficiently vaccinated, or unvaccinated travel to the Philippines
Any inbound traveler, whether Filipino or a foreign national, which is positive after taking a lab-based Rapid Antigen negative test upon arrival at the Filipino airport. Must follow the most recent DOH quarantine and isolation protocols.
Vaccination requirements
There is no longer a requirement for vaccination before entering the Philippines.
For entry into the Philippines, unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers must present a laboratory-based Rapid Antigen negative test result within 24 hours of the date and time of the departure from the country of origin. In contrast, fully vaccinated Filipinos or foreign nationals are exempt from providing a pre-departure Covid-19 test unless they come from China.
If a traveler has received the second dose of a two-dose vaccine or a single dose more than fourteen (14) days before the date and time of the departure from the country of origin/port of embarkation. They are considered fully protected against Covid-19 in the Philippines.
Testing requirements
According to IATF guidelines, COVID-19 testing facilities may request a copy of your passport and documentation of your place of abode. Such as a current driver’s license from the Philippines, a barangay (neighborhood) certificate, or utility bills.
Before your appointment, kindly inquire about the testing center’s requirements from them and take a look at this list of Philippine DOH-accredited testing facilities.
Typically, U.S. citizens must pay in cash only before getting tested. Costs vary depending on the test performed and the medical facility. If we guarantee to receive test results within 24 hours, they might be higher.
Fully vaccinated arrivals
For entry into the Philippines, both fully vaccinated Filipinos and foreigners allowed to enter the Philippines now from China but must meet the following criteria:
- They are NO LONGER required to take the Covid-19 test before departure to enter the Philippines. They must, however, carry or have any acceptable documentation of their immunizations.
Unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, or unverified vaccination status arrivals
How to stay informed about the Philippines’ travel restrictions
The Philippines Department of Tourism (DOT) makes sure that tourism industry participants adhere to the guidelines and safety precautions established by the World Health Organization (WHO). The Department of Health is in the interest of everyone’s health and well-being (DOH). The DOT also actively encourages the public to adopt essential but valuable habits that will slow the spread of Covid-19.
International Flights Philippines Update Today
Compared to the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, authorities have loosened travel restrictions by waiving some requirements. IATF has listed these documents as requirements for outbound Filipino tourists. However, now that the restrictions are being relaxed, airport authorities may need to check some of these documents.
The Philippine government has allowed non-essential travel and those going abroad as tourists for more than two years. Now that people are beginning to live with the COVID-19 virus, we expect more people to travel again worldwide.
If you’re one of the people who hasn’t traveled since the pandemic and have a trip in 2023. Be aware that you’ll need to gather some extra paperwork.
Authorities have loosened travel restrictions compared to the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic because they have already waived some requirements.
The IATF has listed these documents as requirements for outbound Filipino tourists. Given the recent relaxation of the restrictions, the airport might not screen some of these documents.
In conclusion, the Philippines government’s travel restrictions are essential safeguards against the spread of COVID-19. These restrictions provide incredible protection to the nation’s citizens’ and visitors’ health and safety, even though they may inconvenience travelers.
As of 2023, the Philippines’ travel restrictions are still changing in response to the pandemic’s progress. So keeping up with the most recent rules and regulations is essential. It is also crucial to remember that the Philippine government has implemented several initiatives to revitalize the country’s tourism sector. Including the promotion of domestic travel and the gradual reopening of specific tourist hotspots.
Travelers can still experience the Philippines’ beauty and culture despite the ongoing travel restrictions using virtual tours and other digital tools. Ultimately, the fight against the pandemic and the eventual lifting of travel restrictions depend on everyone’s cooperation and adherence to health protocols.
For a hassle-free and safe trip, be aware of the most recent travel restrictions in the Philippines. Before making any travel arrangements, confirming the most current rules and regulations is essential, given the pandemic situation. Remember to abide by all safety precautions and recommendations to lessen the spread of COVID-19. While exploring the splendor and culture of the Philippines. Let’s all take responsibility for our safety and that of the communities we visit.
