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Last Update: February 19, 2022.

Finally, we're back! Nelson just flew to Manila on February 18, 2019. As a visa free traveler, he was able to arrive without any issue in the Philippines. The process at the immigration was smooth and organized. The airport isn't too cowded.

The Philippines is reopening to international tourists and we're so happy about it.

Overview

The Philippines has always been a great travel destination. It’s home to white sand beaches such as Boracay, and rich marine life like in Palawan. But as the COVID-19 pandemic emerged, the country had to protect their citizens and prevent the spread of the virus. So, they had to tighten their borders and prohibit international travelers for almost 2 years.

Tourism operations began to gradually return to normal in September 2021. As a result, more establishments reopened and more domestic travelers flocked to major tourist destinations.

Travelers like us were looking forward to this for a very long time.

International travelers were supposed to be allowed to enter the Philippines in December 2021. A slight delay occurred due to the omicron variant.

Can we go to the philippines now?

After nearly two years, the country finally lifted the entry ban last February 10, 2022. The DOT is optimistic that the country’s tourism industry will recover steadily.

The DOT is hopeful that tourism will significantly help the economy recover from the impact of the pandemic. Furthermore, tourism will also help restore the livelihood of thousands of Filipinos in tourism-dependent communities.

Do you plan to visit the Philippines soon? If so, there are a few things you need to know before you travel. Knowing the travel requirements and restrictions will help you have a hassle-free trip.

Who can enter the Philippines?

Those allowed to enter the Philippines are international tourists and business travelers from over 150 countries that have visa-free privileges. That includes Australia, Canada, France, Japan, South Korea, the United States, and more.

What are the travel requirements?

The Philippines government resolution 160B explains the entry rules for foreign nationals to the Philippines.

• Travelers must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within 48 hours of their departure. They also have to monitor themselves for symptoms for seven days upon arrival

• Six months validity on your passport and holding return or onward tickets;

• Proof of vaccination status; Proof of a negative PCR test taken no more than 48 hours prior to departing for the Philippines; and

• Obtain, prior to arrival, travel insurance for COVID-19 treatment costs with a minimum coverage of USD 35,000 for the duration of your stay in the Philippines.

• Register in onehealthpass.com before arrival in the Philippines. Once you arrive at the airport, this is the most requested document. Make sure you are registered and keep the QR code with you.

• Have a return flight ticket with an exit date from the Philippines within 30 days of your arival date.

Do I need to quarantine?

Fully vaccinated travelers that are negative for COVID-19 before arrival don't need to quarantine.

On the other hand, unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers need to be quarantined in a government facility. They will be tested for COVID-19 on the fifth day.

When their results turn out to be negative, they can continue their quarantine at home until the 14th day.

What has changed from previous guidelines?

Travelers from green, yellow, and red list countries

After closing down the borders, the Philippines used to be only open to Filipinos, returning citizens, balikbayans, and foreigners with valid and existing visas issued by the Bureau of Immigration before the borders were reopened.

Eventually, the Philippine Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) have released guidelines for international travelers from green and yellow list countries. Meanwhile, travelers from red list countries were not allowed to enter the Philippines.

Entry restrictions for the green, yellow, and red list countries will no longer be implemented since the reopening of the borders.

COVID-19 Alert Levels

The first pandemic-related restrictions implemented were the social distancing measures and the enhanced community quarantine (EQC).

But as cases rose, quarantine classifications have also evolved to manage the situation. The Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ), Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ), and General Community Quarantine (GCQ) were then created.

However, the guidelines for every quarantine classification has caused confusion among the people and business-owners.

As a result, the IATF has changed the quarantine classifications to Alert Levels 1 to 5 instead.

Alert Levels are based on each area’s COVID-19 cases and transmission. Areas with higher Alert Levels have stricter guidelines.

Announcement from the IATF

According to the IATF, the following areas are under Alert Levels 2 and 3 effective February 16-28, 2022:

Alert Level 3

Visayas:

•   Iloilo City, Iloilo Province and Guimaras

Mindanao: 

• Zamboanga City 
• Davao de Oro and Davao Occidental
• South Cotabato

Alert Level 2

Luzon:

• Abra, Apayao, Baguio City, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga and Mountain Province 
• Dagupan City, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union and Pangasinan 
• Batanes, City of Santiago, Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino 
• Bulacan, Angeles City, Aurora, Bataan, Nueva Ecija, Olongapo City, Pampanga, Tarlac and Zambales
• Cavite, Rizal, Batangas, Laguna, Lucena City and Quezon Province
• Marinduque, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Palawan, Puerto Princesa City and Romblon
• Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Masbate, Naga City and Sorsogon

Visayas: 

• Aklan, Antique, Bacolod City, Capiz and Negros Occidental
• Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental and Siquijor
• Ormoc City, Tacloban City, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Northern Samar, Western Samar, Biliran and Southern Leyte

Mindanao: 

• City of Isabela, and provinces of Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte, and Zamboanga Sibugay
• Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro City, Camiguin, Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental and Misamis Oriental
• Davao City, Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte and Davao Oriental
• General Santos City, North Cotabato, Sarangani and Sultan Kudarat
• Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Butuan City and Dinagat Islands
• Basilan, Maguindanao, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Cotabato City and Lanao del Sur in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao

What are the guidelines for each Alert Level?

Here’s a brief overview of the guidelines for each Alert Level:

Alert Level 1

• Everyone can go out, even those with comorbidity.
• Establishments and activities can operate at full capacity but have to follow minimum health protocols.

Alert Level 2

• People of all ages can go out. However, local government units may impose “reasonable restrictions.”
• Betting shops and other gaming establishments can't operate.
• All other establishments can operate with a maximum 50 percent indoor capacity for fully vaccinated individuals.

Alert Level 3

• People 18 years old and above can go out
• Betting shops, gaming establishments, fun fairs and other play venues for children cannot operate.
• Other establishments and activities can operate at a maximum of 30 percent indoor capacity for fully vaccinated individuals and 50 percent outdoor venue capacity.

Other information

As we all know that the past years have been quite challenging for all of us around the world, and we’re looking for some ways on how we can get back to normal. Well this is just the start of it. 

It is just exciting for us as somebody who loves the Philippines. Of course, health and safety protocols are still implemented as the Philippines reopens to international travelers.

Safety is a high priority so, the Department of Tourism (DoT) actively vaccinates tourism workers nationwide to guarantee the safety of the travelers and host communities.

As of January 2022, at least 89% or over 288,000 tourism workers are vaccinated against COVID-19.

The Philippines is a haven of beautiful islands, crystal clear beaches, delicious food and endowed with one of the most breathtaking views and wildlife in the world. Maybe you could try going to Boracay.

Now that the country has reopened its borders, it's ready to welcome tourists again with open arms.

Sources:

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1163894

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1167741

https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2022/1/28/PH-entry-fully-vaxxed-passengers-non-visa-required-countries-tourism-business.html

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