COVID-19: Philippines Travel Updates

Updated 15th May 2022.

• Also see: Southeast Asia Travel COVID-19 Overview
• Also see: South America Travel COVID-19 Overview

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LATEST PHILIPPINES COVID-19 NEWS:

• 25th March 2022 – The Philippines has eased border requirements once more. From April 1st, fully vaccinated travellers will be able to enter without an exemption document. Source.
• 11th March 2022 – The Philippines has further eased border requirements. From April 1st, all fully vaxxed international tourists will be able to enter the country, with pre-departure antigen test. Source.
• 10th February 2022 – The Philippines reopens to fully vaccinated international tourists after two years. Source.

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Disclaimer: COVID-19 travel restrictions are changing every day and the following information reflects South East Asia’s Backpacker’s understanding of the current rules for entry. While we update this article regularly to ensure the information is as current as it can be, we cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions.

Can you travel to the Philippines right now?

Yes. The Philippines officially reopened to international tourists on 10th February 2022.

Vaccinated Travellers:

Fully vaccinated travellers can enter if they are from one of 150 countries that have visa-free travel to the archipelago.

Please see here for the Philippines’ list of recognised vaccines. 

Unvaccinated Travellers:

Unvaccinated foreign travellers were banned from entering the Philippines after 16th February 2022. There are exemptions to this rule though. These apply to foreign diplomats, children and people who are unable to be vaccinated due to health reasons.

Entry Requirements

Before you enter the Philippines, you will need:

Required Entry Documents

• A valid visa or be eligible for visa-free entry
• One Health Pass QR code
• Covid vaccination certificate
• Onward travel no later than 30 days after your arrival
• Travel insurance
• RT-PCR test 48 hours prior or lab-based ATK test taken within 24 hours

Insurance 

You must have travel insurance that covers COVID-19 hospitalisation and treatment. This must total at least $35,000USD. We recommend SafetyWing for travellers.

COVID-19 Tests Required 

You will be required to provide a negative COVID-19 test result (PCR taken no earlier than 48 hours prior to your departure or lab-based ATK taken within 24 hours of departure) to the Philippines and be able to show this at the airport counter.

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Upon Arrival

Quarantine Period

Fully vaccinated travellers no longer need to quarantine on arrival in the Philippines. However, they should self-monitor for the first 7 days of their trip.

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Local COVID-19 Rules and Regulations

The rules and regulations below are only meant to serve as a guide and the situation is prone to change rapidly without warning. For more information on local rules and restrictions visit the Philippines Government Inter Agency Task Force Quarantine Guidelines.

• FACE COVERINGS – Face coverings are mandatory in all public places. Also see: Best face masks for travel. 
• SOCIAL DISTANCING – This is still mandatory across the country.
• CURFEWS – Not at present.
• PUBLIC TRANSPORT – Masks should be worn. You must be fully vaccinated to use public transport in Manila. You should carry proof of your vaccination status at all times. The ‘Traze Contact Tracing’ app will need to be used if you are boarding a flight at Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
• VENUES AND GATHERINGS – Hotels and guesthouses in the Philippines are open though operating in many areas with less staff. Contact the relevant Philippine Tourism Department Office for advice on local accommodation options.
• MOVEMENT OF PEOPLE – Restrictions differ depending on the city/barangay. Check the Philippines Department of Tourism for the most up to date advice.

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Resources: 

• US Embassy in the Philippines.
• Philippines Government Inter Agency Task Force Quarantine Guidelines.
• Facebook Group: Philippines Visas and Immigration for Foreigners in the Philippines.
• The Humanitarian Data Exchange
• https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/downloads/2022/02feb/20220203-RESO-160B-RRD.pdf