Marcy MinianoAfter nearly two years since it closed its borders, the Philippines reopens to international travellers from around the world. We’re sure many of you are looking forward to visiting again. Hence, here’s everything you need to know in preparation for your trip — including Philippines travel restrictions and up-to-date requirements.
Philippines entry requirements
All foreign visitors — as well as returning Filipino nationals — who are fully vaccinated are allowed to enter the Philippines without quarantine. Those who are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated will not be allowed to enter.
Foreigners aged 17 and below are also not allowed, with the exception of children of returning Filipino nationals and residents (including balikbayans, OFWs, and such). However, these children must be accompanied by at least one parent who holds or used to hold a Philippine passport.
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Pre-arrival documents for travel to the Philippines
All fully vaccinated travellers must meet the following Philippines travel requirements:
- Passport with at least six months validity
- Valid visa
- For those who hold passports from visa-required countries. Click here to see if your country is visa-exempt.
- Return ticket to their country of origin or an outbound ticket to their next country of destination
- Proof of full vaccination against COVID-19. Only these documents will be accepted:
- World Health Organization International Certificate of Vaccination and Prophylaxis
- VaxCertPH
- National or State digital certificate of the country/territory which has accepted VaxCertPH under a reciprocal arrangement. Full list here.
- Other proofs of vaccination permitted by the Philippine IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force).
- Negative RT-PCR test result taken within 48 hours before departure
Note: For accompanied minors, we recommend bringing a birth certificate as proof of parentage. For parents of accompanied minors, we strongly suggest bringing your marriage certificate and either your birth certificate or old Philippine passport.
Arrival in the Philippines
All vaccinated travellers will be subject to health screening protocols upon arrival at the airport. As of writing, there are international commercial flights for Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Clark International Airport, Mactan-Cebu International Airport, and Davao International Airport. However, there’s still a daily cap on the number of incoming flights, and the flight availability varies per airport.
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Philippines – Singapore VTL travel requirements
Starting 3 Mar 2022, VTL travel from Singapore to the Philippines will be in place. For returning Singapore citizens and residents, and for those travelling to Singapore via the VTL from the Philippines, you can check the complete list of VTL requirements here.
However, keep in mind that the Singapore-Philippines VTL only covers flights to Manila (MNL) at the moment.
Note: Some airlines might have additional travel requirements to Manila for VTL flights. Make sure to check with your respective airline about these.
Also read: UK Travel Restrictions: All You Need to Know Before Visiting
During your stay
Social distancing and mask-wearing are required throughout the country. For foreign visitors, make sure to bring your passport and proof of vaccination with you wherever you go.
It’s also recommended for those travelling in the Philippines to download the Stay Safe application on their mobile phone. This contact-tracing app generates a QR code that will give you easier access to various commercial establishments around the country.
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There are no more restrictions on inter-city or inter-province travel. Some places in the Philippines have removed COVID-19 testing requirements for domestic travel, such as Manila, Boracay, Albay, Iloilo, and Cebu. For the updated list, click here.
There is also no curfew in place at the moment, but there may be future changes based on the current situation.
Also read: 10 Reasons the Philippines Is Worthy of Your #TravelGoals in the New Normal
With the Philippines now open for tourism, click here to get started with some travel inspiration.
Featured image credit: WaSZI via Canva Pro
