Is Philippines open for Tourism?
The answer is YES!
Philippines is open fully to vaccinated international tourists and travellers from non-visa countries with negative RT-PCR test taken within 48 hours of departure from their point of origin starting February , 2022. Check the list of the list of the non-visa required countrie on the DFA Website.
Domestic Travelers: Yes ( to re-opened destinations only and with restrictions)
Traveling within Philippines is allowed for domestic tourists but is limited to select destinations and with restrictions. Some destinations only allow leisure travel for local residents.
Can foreign Travel to Philippines?
YES, Foreigners that are fully vaccinated from non-visa countries can enter Philippine starting 10 February 2022, provided they have a negative RT-PCR test result taken within 48 hours prior to their departure from their country of origin.
Are foreigners allowed to enter Philippines?
Starting February 10, 2022, foreigners who are fully vaccinated and citizens of a non-visa country or territory are allowed to enter the Philippines. They must also have a negative RT-PCR test result taken within 48 hours before their departure from their country of origin.
Is it safe to travel to the Philippines now?
In terms of health, the national government and the local government units have safety guidelines in place to lessen the spread of COVID-19. These include the wearing of face masks, social distancing, and the requirement of a negative COVID-19 test result and/or a vaccination card or certificate when crossing local borders. Following these rules will reduce your chances of contracting the disease.
Tourist spots are generally safe, but it’s always best to be alert, make sure all your belongings are secure, and be cautious when interacting with strangers.
Are US citizens allowed to travel to the Philippines?
Yes, but only starting February 10, 2022, for those who are fully vaccinated. This is because the United States of America is one of the non-visa required countries.
What requirements are foreigners required to present to enter the Philippines?
Travel to the Philippines without a visa is restricted. Below are the following requirements for foreigners traveling to the Philippines:
Fully vaccinated foreign nationals of non-visa required countries
Negative RT-PCR test result taken within 48 hours prior to departure from the origin country
Outbound tickets to their origin country or next country of destination
A passport that is valid for at least 6 months at the time of arrival
Proof of their fully vaccinated status. The following are accepted:
An International Certificate of Vaccination (ICV) from the World Health Organization
A VaxCertPH digital vaccination certificate
A national/state digital certificate of the foreign government where they were vaccinated, which has accepted VaxCertPH under a reciprocal arrangement.
Balikbayan
Must come from a non-visa required country under EO 408
Those traveling with their Filipino spouses and parents need to provide proof of filiation
Foreign nationals with valid and existing visas
Valid visa and ACR I-Card
Those with a 9(a) visa are required to present an entry exception document from the country’s foreign post abroad
All inbound travelers are also required to undergo quarantine at an accredited quarantine hotel or facility. The length of the quarantine depends on which classification their origin of country is in and the traveler's vaccination status, but each traveler must present a confirmed booking as part of the requirements for entry.
Green List Countries, Yellow List Countries, and Countries under the Philippine Travel Ban
Starting February 1, 2022, the classification of countries and territories under the Green, Yellow, and Red Lists have been suspended. Instead, all travelers must follow the new testing and quarantine protocols set by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF).
Requirements for fully vaccinated travelers
Fully vaccinated inbound travelers, regardless of country of origin, will no longer be required to undergo facility-based quarantine provided they can present proof of their fully vaccinated status. They can present an International Certificate of Vaccination (ICV) from the World Health Organization, a VaxCertPH digital vaccination certificate from vaxcert.doh.gov.ph, or a national/state digital certificate of the foreign government where they were vaccinated, which has accepted VaxCertPH under a reciprocal arrangement.
They also need to present a negative RT-PCR test result taken within 48 hours prior to their departure from the country of origin. They will still need to self-monitor for symptoms for 7 days from their arrival. Should they have COVID-19 symptoms, they need to report it to the local government unit.
Requirements for unvaccinated and partially vaccinated travelers
Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated inbound travelers, regardless of country of origin, are required to present a negative RT-PCR test result taken within 48 hours prior to their departure from the country of origin. They are also required to undergo facility-based quarantine until they get a negative result from the RT-PCR test to be taken on the 5th day. Afterward, they are also required to undergo home quarantine until the 14th day from their arrival. The local government unit will be monitoring those under home quarantine.
Starting February 16, 2022, unvaccinated and partially vaccinated foreign nationals will not be allowed entry into the country except for the following cases:
Children below 18 years old
People medically unable to receive the vaccine as certified by a public health authority from their country of origin
Foreign diplomats and their dependents/9(e) visa holders
Requirements for children below 12 years old
Children below 12 years old who cannot be vaccinated will follow the protocols of their parents or accompanying guardian.
Is an International Certificate of Vaccination (ICV) required by the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) to enter the Philippines?
An International Certificate of Vaccination (ICV) is accepted as proof of a traveler’s fully vaccinated status, but other documents may also be accepted in its place. These include a VaxCertPH digital vaccination certificate or a national/state digital certificate of the foreign government where they were vaccinated, which has accepted VaxCertPH under a reciprocal arrangement.
How to get an ICV
ICVs are issued by the country where you got the vaccine. If you got your vaccines in the Philippines, you can get your ICV by booking an appointment via icv.boq.ph. It costs PHP300, and a PHP70 convenience fee will also be charged. Alternatively, you can apply for a vaccination certificate via vaxcert.doh.gov.ph to prove your fully vaccinated status when entering the Philippines.
What to Do Upon Arrival at a Philippine Airport
After you land in the Philippines, you need to follow the guidelines set by the IATF. These include wearing face masks and face shields, filling up a Case Investigation Form (CIF), and using the Traze Mobile App. For the complete requirements and procedures for each airport, check this arrival guide.
Is quarantine required for international travelers entering the Philippines?
Yes, unvaccinated or partially vaccinated international travelers are required to undergo facility-based quarantine for 6 days and will be released when they get a negative result from the RT-PCR test to be taken on the 5th day. They will also need to undergo home quarantine afterward until the 14th day from their arrival. The local government unit will be monitoring those under home quarantine.
Quick Guide on Manila Quarantine
However, starting February 16, 2022, unvaccinated and partially vaccinated foreign travelers will not be allowed entry except for children below 18 years old, people medically unable to receive the vaccine as certified by a public health authority from their country of origin, and foreign diplomats and their dependents/9(e) visa holders.
What To Do During the Stay at the Quarantine Hotel
From the airport, you need to go directly to your quarantine hotel. Wait for the confirmation of the schedule of your test. Should you exhibit symptoms before your scheduled test, you need to inform the hotel staff immediately so a medical officer can assess you.
On the day of your test, present your passport and the other required documents. If your test results are negative, you will be released for home quarantine. However, if your test results are positive, you will be transferred to a hospital for treatment.
During your stay at your quarantine hotel, you won’t be allowed to leave your room, so make sure to pack your own entertainment and bring it along with you! Guide to the Philippines has Manila hotel quarantine packages with airfare from US and Canada that come with free virtual guided tours and interactive activities like the Intramuros Tour, Palawan Tour, Cordillera Tour, Filipino Language Class, Baybayin Class, Kapampangan Cooking Class, and Juan Luna Mystery Game.
For more details, please check this arrival guide
Airlines Flying to the Philippines
These airlines have flights to the Philippines:
Philippine Airlines - The flag carrier currently has flights from Australia, Canada (including Vancouver (YVR) to Manila), Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Vietnam, and the USA, including Los Angeles (LAX) to Manila, San Francisco (SFO) to Manila, Hawaii (HNL) to Manila, and New York (JFK) to Manila routes.
All Nippon Airways (ANA) - The airline has flights from Japan.
AirAsia - The airline has flights from China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand.
Aseana Airlines -The airline has flights from South Korea.
Cebu Pacific - The airline has flights from Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and United Arab Emirates.
China Airlines - The airline has flights from Taiwan.
Emirates - The airline has flights from the United Arab Emirates.
Etihad Airways - The airline has flights from the United Arab Emirates.
Japan Airlines - The airline has flights from Japan and the USA.
JetStar - The airline has flights from Singapore.
Korean Air - The airline has flights from South Korea and the USA.
Malaysia Airlines - The airline has flights from Malaysia.
Qatar Airways - The airline has flights from Qatar.
Singapore Airlines - The airline has flights from Singapore.
Thai Airways - The airline has flights from Germany, India, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Pakistan, Sweden, and Thailand.
Turkish Airlines - The airline has flights from Turkey.
Vaccines accepted in the Philippines
There are currently 8 COVID-19 vaccines which have Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Here is the list:
Pfizer-BioNTech
AstraZeneca
Sinovac-Coronavac
Sputnik V
Janssen
Covaxin
Moderna
Sinopharm
Which Philippine destinations don't have an RT-PCR test requirement for fully vaccinated travelers?
If you are vaccinated can you travel without COVID test?
Yes, fully vaccinated travel is available in the Philippines, but not for all destinations. Several destinations in the Philippines have opened to fully vaccinated tourists, exempting them from the requirement of obtaining a negative RT-PCR or rapid COVID test for travel.
Here is the list of destinations fully vaccinated travelers may visit without having to undergo a COVID-19 test:
Destinations in Luzon without RT-PCR for fully vaccinated:
Albay
Baguio City
Bataan
Batangas
Benguet
Bulacan
Camarines Norte
Camarines Sur
Cavite
Clark
Ilocos Sur (including Vigan)
Laguna
Metro Manila
Nueva Ecija
Nueva Vizcaya
Occidental Mindoro
Oriental Mindoro
Pampanga
Pangasinan
Rizal
Subic Bay Freeport Area
Tagaytay
Tarlac
Zambales
Destinations in Visayas without RT-PCR for fully vaccinated:
Aklan
Biliran
Bohol
Boracay
Cebu
Dumaguete City
Eastern Samar
Guimaras
Leyte
Negros Oriental
Ormoc
Romblon
Siquijor
Tacloban
Destinations in Mindanao without RT-PCR for fully vaccinated:
Bukidnon
Camiguin
Cotabato
Davao City
Davao de Oro
Davao del Norte
Davao del Sur
Davao Oriental
General Santos City
Misamis Occidental
Sarangani
Sultan Kudarat
Sulu
Zamboanga del Norte
Zamboanga Sibugay
Will you be able to travel without COVID vaccine?
Yes. Some destinations in the Philippines only require travelers to present a government-issued ID to enter, but others still have a negative RT-PCR test or antigen test result as part of the requirements before you can board a domestic flight in the Philippines. Some destinations also require a mandatory quarantine for travelers, as well as a negative test result after a number of days in the destination.
Which Top Philippine Destinations Have Opened for Domestic Travelers?
Here is a list of the top destinations in the Philippines that are now accepting domestic travelers including fully vaccinated individuals. Take note of their travel requirements for entry:
Coron, Palawan Island
While Coron is separated from mainland Palawan, it has the same natural wonders the province is famous for, like stunning beaches, beautiful islands, and breathtaking limestone cliffs. It’s also known for its clear freshwater lakes and wreck diving spots.
Coron, Palawan Island travel requirements for leisure travelers:
Fully vaccinated individuals* are allowed to enter Coron for leisure purposes. They must present a vaccination card as proof of their fully vaccinated status. They also need to present a negative antigen test result taken within 24 hours from arrival.
Unvaccinated minors are allowed entry provided they are traveling with a fully vaccinated parent or guardian. They must also present a negative RT-PCR test result taken within 72 hours before their arrival.
Approved travel application from s-pass.ph
Pre-booking in any of the DOT-accredited Coron hotels and resorts and tour agencies
A StaySafe.ph QR code for contact tracing while in Coron
*A fully vaccinated individual is someone who has more than or equal to 2 weeks after having received the second dose in a 2-dose vaccine; or more than or equal to 2 weeks after having received a single-dose vaccine
El Nido, Palawan Island
Thanks to its pristine beaches, clear turquoise waters, and limestone cliffs, El Nido is known as one of the best island destinations in the world. A popular activity among travelers is exploring its islands and lagoons via an island-hopping tour.
El Nido, Palawan Island travel requirements for leisure travelers:
For tourists coming from outside Palawan:
Fully vaccinated* individuals must present a vaccination certificate from vaxcert.doh.gov.ph or a vaccination card and a negative antigen test result taken within 48 hours prior to arrival in Palawan.
Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated travelers need to present a negative RT-PCR test result taken within 48 hours prior to arrival
Children aged 11 years old and below who are traveling with fully vaccinated parents or guardians need to present a negative antigen test result taken within 48 hours prior to arrival. Children aged 12 and above who are traveling with fully vaccinated parents or guardians need to present a negative RT-PCR test result taken within 48 hours prior to arrival
All children aged 17 and below who are traveling with unvaccinated or partially vaccinated guardians or parents must present a negative RT-PCR test result taken within 48 hours prior to arrival
Pre-booking at DOT-accredited El Nido hotels and resorts
Roundtrip flight tickets
Registration and Travel Permit from s-pass.ph
For Palawan-based tourists:
Starting November 22, fully vaccinated* individuals are exempted from presenting a negative COVID-19 test. They must instead present a vaccination certificate from vaxcert.doh.gov.ph or a vaccination card.
Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated travelers need to negative antigen test result taken within 48 hours prior to arrival.
Pre-booking at DOT-accredited El Nido hotels and resorts
Registration and Travel Permit from s-pass.ph
*A fully vaccinated individual is someone who has more than or equal to 2 weeks after having received the second dose in a 2-dose vaccine; or more than or equal to 2 weeks after having received a single-dose vaccine
Cebu Province
The island province of Cebu is well-known for its cultural and natural landmarks, pristine beaches, and unique experiences like Monad Shoal thresher shark diving in Malapascua, Badian canyoneering to Kawasan Falls, and sardine run in Moalboal.
Cebu Province travel requirements for leisure travelers:
Valid ID
Medical certificate indicating that the traveler does not exhibit symptoms of the COVID-19 disease at the point of origin. The medical certificate should be issued within 24 hours before arrival.
Fully vaccinated* individuals are exempted from presenting a medical certificate. They must instead present a vaccination card or certificate that shows their fully vaccinated status.
Lapu-Lapu City travel requirements for leisure travelers:
Valid ID
Mandaue City travel requirements for leisure travelers:
Valid ID
Fully vaccinated individuals* are exempted from presenting a negative COVID-19 test result. They should present a COVID-19 domestic vaccination card issued by a legitimate vaccinating establishment or a Certificate of Quarantine Completion showing the holder’s vaccination status.
Negative RT-PCR swab test result taken within 72 hours before arrival or a negative Antigen Test Result taken within 48 hours before arrival
*A fully vaccinated individual is someone who has more than or equal to 2 weeks after having received the second dose in a 2-dose vaccine; or more than or equal to 2 weeks after having received a single-dose vaccine.
Which Philippine Destinations are Open for Residents only?
Abra
Apayao
Banaue
Batanes
Butuan City
Cagayan De Oro
Dinagat Islands
Ifugao Province
Isabela
Lanao del Sur
Masbate
Misamis Oriental
Northern Samar
Surigao del Sur
Tacurong City
Tawi-Tawi
Who are allowed to travel under the different Community Quarantine tiers in the Philippines?
The national government in the Philippines, through the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), has imposed tiers of quarantine (community quarantine) per region which are also the basis for which industries and activities are allowed to open/operate.
Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ)
Health and emergency frontline service personnel
Government officials and frontline personnel
Humanitarian assistance actors (HAA) with authorization
Persons traveling for medical/humanitarian reasons
Persons going to the airport for travel abroad
Repatriated Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) and Overseas Filipinos (OF) returning to their residence
Other persons transported through the efforts of the national government.
Priests, Pastors, Imams, or other religious ministers conducting necrological services
Immediate family members of the deceased (from non-COVID causes) attending the wake
Individuals who are working in veterinary clinics
Individuals who are working as security personnel in operational industries
Persons who will report to work for industries that are allowed to operate
Persons who need emergency medical aid or assistance
Persons with quarantine passes who will get essentials like food and medicine
Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ)
Health and emergency frontline service personnel
Government officials and frontline personnel
Humanitarian assistance actors (HAA) with authorization
Persons traveling for medical/humanitarian reasons
Persons going to the airport for travel abroad
Repatriated Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) and Overseas Filipinos (OF) returning to their residence
Other persons transported through the efforts of the national government.
Priests, Pastors, Imams, or other religious ministers conducting necrological services
Immediate family members of the deceased (from non-COVID causes) attending the wake
Individuals who are working in veterinary clinics
Individuals who are working as security personnel in operational industries
Persons who will report to work for industries that are allowed to operate
Persons who need emergency medical aid or assistance
Persons with quarantine passes who will get essentials like food and medicine
General Community Quarantine (GCQ)
Health and emergency frontline service personnel
Government officials and frontline personnel
Humanitarian assistance actors (HAA) with authorization
Persons traveling for medical/humanitarian reasons
Persons going to the airport for travel abroad
Repatriated Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) and Overseas Filipinos (OF) returning to their residence
Other persons transported through the efforts of the national government.
Priests, Pastors, Imams, or other religious ministers conducting necrological services
Immediate family members of the deceased (from non-COVID causes) attending the wake
Individuals who are working in veterinary clinics
Individuals who are working as security personnel in operational industries
Persons who will report to work for industries that are allowed to operate
Persons who need emergency medical aid or assistance
Persons who will get or buy essentials like food and medicine
People traveling within the country with a secured Travel Authority document
Individuals attending important gatherings with 10 or fewer people
Individuals traveling to places under GQC and areas not under quarantine, except for leisure purposes
Students going to school once face-to-face classes are allowed
Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ)
Movement for people in areas under MGCQ with the enforcement of required minimum health standards
Resumption of all work in the private and public sectors at full capacity with the enforcement of required minimum health standards
Public transportation with the enforcement of required minimum health standards
Use of private vehicles, motorcycles, and bicycles
Resumption of all flights will resume with the enforcement of required minimum health standards.
Work operations in government offices with the enforcement of required minimum health standards
Normal physical classes in schools with the enforcement of required minimum health standards
Gatherings (including religious gatherings) of up to 10 people with the enforcement of required minimum health standards
Tips for Traveling in the Philippines during COVID-19
Traveling during a pandemic can be challenging because of the travel requirements and restrictions imposed. Here are some helpful tips you can take note of when traveling in the Philippines during COVID-19:
1. Prepare your documents in advance based on the travel requirements of your destination's local government.
2. Pre-book your DOT-accredited hotel or resort or book Philippines package deals that include accommodations, flights, and transfers. For international travelers, we recommended pre-booking Manila Quarantine hotel packages that include airfare, hotel stay for the mandatory quarantine, daily meals, RT-PCR swab test, and airport transfer.
3. Not all local destinations have government-arranged transfers to/from the airport. You can book private transfers to/from the airport in advance.
4. Pre-book tours and activities with DOT-accredited tour operators only.
For Activities & Transportation: Lagum Adventure Tour
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