Philippines Tourism Reopening 2022 - New Normal Philippine Travel Guide for Foreign Tourists [Immigration guidelines & Updates for Foreigners]
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Temperature checks, hand sanitation, online reservation, and remember to PDA (Physical Distancing Always) when you ride in the authorized transportation services.
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Welcome to the Philippines!
The Philippines is excited and ready to warmly welcome visitors from foreign nations starting February 10, 2022! Fully-vaccinated tourists from visa-free countries no longer have to undergo quarantine.
WHO CAN VISIT THE PHILIPPINES
Fully-vaccinated foreign nationals from visa-free countries, including their children, can visit the Philippines starting February 10, 2022.
You are considered fully-vaccinated when you have received the 2nd dose in a two-dose series or a single dose vaccine more than 14 days prior to the date of departure from the country of origin.
The vaccine used must be one that is authorized by the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the World Health Organization (WHO). Children below 12 years old, regardless of vaccination status, can also travel to the country. They will follow the protocol for the accompanying fully-vaccinated foreign parent.
For the list of visa-free countries and allowed length of stay, please see below:
Nationals from countries listed below who are traveling to the Philippines for business and tourism purposes are allowed to enter the Philippines without visas for a stay not exceeding thirty (30) days, provided they hold valid tickets for their return journey to port of origin or next port of destination and their passports valid for a period of at least six (6) months beyond the contemplated period of stay. Nationals from the following countries are allowed to enter the Philippines without a visa for a period of stay of thirty (30) days or less:
Andorra
Angola
Antigua and
Barbuda
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Bahamas
Bahrain
Barbados
Belgium
Belize
Benin
Bhutan
Bolivia
Botswana
Brazil*
Brunei Darussalam
Bulgaria
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cambodia
Cameroon
Canada
Cape Verde
Central African Republic
Chad
Chile
Colombia
Comoros
Congo
Costa Rica
Cote d’Ivoire
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Denmark
Djibouti
Dominica
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
El Salvador
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Estonia
Ethiopia
Fiji
Finland
France
Gabon
Gambia
Germany
Ghana
Greece
Grenada
Guatemala
Guinea
Guinea Bissau
Guyana
Haiti
Honduras
Hungary
Iceland
Indonesia
Ireland
Israel*
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kiribati
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan
Lao People’s
Democratic
Republic
Latvia
Lesotho
Liberia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Madagascar
Malawi
Malaysia
Maldives
Mali
Malta
Marshall Islands
Mauritania
Mauritius
Mexico
Micronesia
Monaco
Mongolia
Morocco
Mozambique
Myanmar
Namibia
Nepal
Netherlands
New Zealand
Nicaragua
Niger
Norway
Oman
Palau
Panama
Papua New Guinea
Paraguay
Peru
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Republic of Korea
Romania
Russia
Rwanda
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Samoa
San Marino
Sao Tome and Principe
Saudi Arabia
Senegal
Seychelles
Singapore
Slovak Republic
Slovenia
Solomon Islands
South Africa
Spain
Suriname
Swaziland
Sweden
Switzerland
Tajikistan
Thailand
Togo
Trinidad and Tobago
Tunisia
Turkey
Turkmenistan
Tuvalu
Uganda
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
United Republic of Tanzania
United States of America
Uruguay
Uzbekistan
Vanuatu
Vatican
Venezuela
Vietnam
Zambia
Zimbabwe
*Brazilian and Israeli nationals are given fifty-nine (59) days stay based on existing agreements.
The following are allowed to enter the Philippines without a visa for a stay not exceeding fourteen (14) days:
1. Holders of Hong Kong Special Administrative (SAR) passports.
2. Holders of Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR) passports.
The following are allowed to enter the Philippines without a visa for a stay not exceeding seven (7) days:
1. Holders of Macau-Portuguese passports
2. Holders of Hong Kong British passports.
Important Note:
Nationals who are subjects of deportation/blacklist orders of the Department and the Bureau of Immigration shall not be admitted to the Philippines. Further inquiries may be addressed to the Visa Division (Telephone numbers:556-0000 and ask the operator to connect you to Visa Division), Department of Foreign Affairs, 2330 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City or to any Philippine Embassy or Consulate abroad.
REQUIREMENTS BEFORE YOU GO
Visitors must be fully-vaccinated with any of the following proofs:
- WHO International Certificates of Vaccination and Prophylaxis VaxCertPH
- National/ state digital certificate of a foreign government that has accepted VaxCertPH under a reciprocal arrangement
- Other proofs of vaccination permitted by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF)
- Your Passport must be valid for at least six (6) months at the time of arrival to the Philippines.
- Obtain a travel insurance for COVID-19 treatment costs, with a minimum USD35,000 coverage for the full duration of your stay in the Philippines.
- Register at onehealthpass.com.ph/ at least three (3) days prior to departure to get a QR Code.
The following are the documents to be submitted:
- Proof of vaccination (except for children below 12 years old, who will follow the protocol for the accompanying parent or guardian)
- Confirmed bookings from hotels or accommodation establishments that are accredited by the Philippines’ Department of Tourism (DOT)
- Return flight tickets to your port of origin or next destination, which should be not later than 30 days from date of arrival in the Philippines
- Negative result of RT-PCR Test taken within 48 hours prior to departure. Only children who are three (3) years old and below are exempted from this requirement.
UPON ARRIVAL AT THE AIRPORT
Visitors must be fully-vaccinated with any of the following proofs:
- Submit your One Health Pass QR Code and vaccination card to the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) personnel for validation.
- Have your Passport and travel documents validated by the Bureau of Immigration (BI).
Claim your baggage.
- Exit at the Arrivals Gate for airport taxi service or previously arranged pickup service with your hotel or travel agency.
- NO QUARANTINE NEEDED but self-monitor for any COVID-19 sign or symptom*** for seven (7) days.
***If you exhibit COVID-19 symptoms, immediately report to your hotel or accommodation for proper coordination with the local government unit of your destination.
VISA INFORMATION
To know more details about visa, please contact the Visa Division of the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs at telephone number +63 2 556-0000 or any Philippine Embassy or Consulate abroad.
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The Philippines received the World Travel and Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Safe Travels Stamp for its adoption of health and hygiene global standardized protocols, and thorough inspection and assessment of tourism establishments to ensure that only those who are accredited are operating.
Nearly all of the tourism workers in the country have been fully vaccinated, covering hotel employees, tour operators and other establishments.
Book only with DOT-accredited accommodations and establishments. You may check the list at Philippines.travel/accreditation.
Expected ‘first wave’ of foreign tourists families, loved ones of Filipinos
MANILA, Philippines 10 February 2022 —The Bureau of Immigration (BI) said that it expects at least a 30% increase in arrivals on the first day of the opening of the country’s borders to foreign tourists.
According to BI Port Operations Division (POD) Chief Atty. Carlos Capulong, they are expecting almost 7,000 arrivals today, a significant increase from February 9’s 4,816 arrivals.
Most of the expected travelers to the country are Filipinos, while they project around 27% will be foreign nationals.
The BI earlier announced the opening of the country to international tourism starting February 10. Fully vaccinated foreign nationals may be allowed entry, subject to the presentation of required documents as set by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID).
BI Commissioner Jaime Morente instructed port personnel to remain vigilant, and ensure only eligible aliens will be allowed entry.
Morente shared that they expect that families, loved ones, and partners of Filipinos will be among those who will arrive on the first wave of tourist arrivals.
“Many unmarried couples and families have long lobbied for the reopening of our borders for them to be reunited with their loved ones,” said Morente. “We expect that some of the first to arrive here will be those who wish to be together with their families,” he added.
Morente said that the BI projects that the numbers could rise up to 10-12k arrivals per day in the succeeding months.
“Hopefully everything goes well as we transition towards the new normal,” said Morente. “We see this as the start of the recovery of the tourism industry which we hope will renew its vigor as in the previous years,” he added.
The Philippines reopening to tourism in February 2022
The Philippines will grant entry to visitors vaccinated against Covid-19 from February 10, its government said on January 28, in an effort to boost a tourism sector decimated by the pandemic.
The archipelago nation of more than 7,000 islands had planned to reopen in December 2021, but that was aborted over concerns about the Omicron variant.
Citizens of 150 countries that have visa-free entry to the Philippines will be allowed to enter. Countries on that list include the UK, Japan, Canada, Australia, Italy and the United States.
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced that the country will be opening its borders to the entry of foreign tourists starting February 10.
In an advisory, BI Commissioner Jaime Morente said that, in compliance with the resolution from the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID) issued on Thursday, fully vaccinated nationals of non-visa required countries under Executive Order No. 408 s. 1960 as amended, shall be allowed to enter the Philippines.
A total of 157 countries are considered visa-free, including the United States of America, South Korea, Japan, Australia, Canada, UK, Malaysia, and Singapore.
Arriving tourists are required to present a passport valid for at least 6 months, and the required proof of vaccination against Covid-19.
Accepted proofs of vaccination are World Health Organization International Certificates of Vaccination and Prophylaxis, VaxCertPH, or national/state digital certificate of the foreign government which has accepted VaxCertPH under a reciprocal arrangement unless otherwise permitted by the IATF-MEID.
Additionally, according to the resolution, starting February 1, arriving passengers must submit a negative RT-PCR test valid for 48 hours prior to departure from country of origin.
Those fully vaccinated are no longer required to undergo facility-based quarantine, but shall self-monitor for 7 days. On the other hand, unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, and those whose vaccination status cannot be confirmed shall undergo the required quarantine protocols as implemented by the Bureau of Quarantine and the local government units.
Minors are exempted from providing proof of vaccination.
“The opening of our borders to foreign tourists is a welcome development,” said Morente. “We see this as a giant leap towards the rebound of the tourism and international travel sector,” he added.
List of countries whose nationals are allowed to enter the Philippines without a visa
Bureau of Immigration says not all alien tourists can enter PH without a visa beginning February 10.
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) clarified that only fully-vaccinated foreigners coming from more than 150 countries listed in an executive order can enter the Philippines without a visa starting on February 10.
In an advisory, BI Commissioner Jaime Morente said foreigners whose country of nationality is not listed under Executive Order No. 408 cannot avail of the visa-free privilege, thus they are required to secure visas before traveling to the Philippines.
Under the said EO, nationals from 157 countries may be admitted into the country without a visa for an initial stay of 30 days.
Said countries include Canada, Japan, Singapore, USA, New Zealand, Malaysia, and South Korea.
The list of countries whose nationals are allowed to enter the Philippines without a visa are those listed under EO 408 and can be found in this link: https://dfa.gov.ph/list-of-countries-for-21-day-visa
Morente said that foreign tourists from countries not listed under EO 408 need to secure a 9(a) visa and an entry exemption document (EED) through any of the Philippine embassies or consulates abroad.
“They should also be fully vaccinated, or they will be denied entry even if they have valid 9(a) visas and EED,” he added.
The BI Chief stressed that all foreigners entering the country are now required to present the appropriate proof of full vaccination as set by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID), or they will be turned back at the airports and booked on the first available flight to their port of origin.
Morente, meanwhile, explained that former Filipinos qualified to avail of the one-year Balikbayan privilege should also be fully vaccinated before they could enter the country.
The Balikbayan program allows former Filipinos, including their foreign spouse and dependents who are traveling with them, to enter the country visa-free for one year.
The IATF-MEID also ruled that arriving alien tourists are required to present a negative RT-PCR test, taken at least 48 hours prior to their departure from their country of origin, a return ticket, a passport valid for at least 6 months, and a travel and health insurance for Covid-19 with a minimum coverage of US$35,000 valid for the entire duration of their stay.
Lists requirements and protocols for arriving foreign leisure guests
“The new guidelines issued by the IATF are an indication that, while the country has opened its borders to fully vaccinated business and leisure visitors, it is doing so with utmost care and with full regard for the health and safety of both visitors and the general public.”, Puyat said.
- Acceptable proof of vaccination
- Negative RT-PCR Test Taken within forty –eight hours (48 hours) before the date and time of departure from the country of origin / first port of embarkation in a continuous trip to the Philippines, excluding lay-overs for their return journey
- Valid tickets for their return journey to the port of origin or next port of destination not later than thirty (30) days from the date of arrival in the Philippines
- Passports valid for a period of at least six (6) months at the time of their arrival to the Philippines
- Travel insurance for COVID-19 treatment costs from reputed insurers, with a minimum coverage of USD 35,000 for the duration of their stay in the Philippines
Bureau of Immigration, Republic of the Philippines
“The opening of our borders to eligible foreign visitors and the rebound of the tourism industry can only mean the restoration of the livelihood of millions of Filipinos working in tourism-related establishments and businesses who have been displaced by the pandemic. It will contribute greatly to the eventual revival of the Philippine economy”, Puyat added.
The New Normal for Transportation
On May 3, 2020, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) issued Guidelines for Public Transport Operations covering Aviation, Maritime, Road Transport and Railways Sectors.
Under this guideline, strict protocols shall be observed pertaining to health and sanitation with emphasis on reduced seating capacity, limiting the contact points, social distancing, proper handwashing, use of protective gears such as face mask, face shield and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), body temperature check in multiple locations, disinfecting of facilities, visible posters as reminders and health documents may be required whenever necessary.
Update on the use of Faceshields in the Philippines
Wearing face shields on top of face masks is voluntary. Currently, face shields are voluntary in areas under Alert Levels 1 to 3. In areas under Alert Level 4, the face shield policy is left to the discretion of local government units (LGUs) and private establishments.
For more information on COVID-19 situation in the Philippines, you may click here.
For any concern, inquiry, or clarification, travelers may message the DOT Official Facebook page or call the DOT hotline at 1-386.
Currently, there are travel protocols and other health measures in place in key areas and locations to reduce the risk of imported cases and community transmission.
DOT receives SafeTravels Stamp from the world tourism body
The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has given the Department of Tourism (DOT) a SafeTravels Stamp in recognition of its adoption of “health and hygiene global standardized protocols” that will ensure safe travel during the COVID-19 pandemic.
SafeTravels is the stamp of approval given by the international organization to certify compliance with its global health standards to allow for safe travels.
Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said the DOT shall continue to uphold sustainability and safety in its programs and projects geared toward the tourism industry’s recovery.
“The Department has also intensified the accreditation of establishments, continuing thorough inspection and assessment, to ensure that only those accredited with the Department of Tourism, and issued with a Certificate of Authority to Operate, are allowed to open and receive guests. These efforts made us confident to pursue our application to use WTTC’s Safe Stamp, compelling us to align with WTTC’s health, safety and hygiene global standardized protocols. This will further restore tourist confidence and serve as an assurance to our guests that it is safe to travel in the Philippines. The way forward to our recovery is marked by strengthened partnerships with the private sector, our stakeholders and with other national government agencies,” she said during the recent WTTC Members Task Force Call.
The WTTC is an international organization representing leaders of the global travel and tourism industry, which accounts for 10 percent of the global gross domestic product and employment.
As a user of the stamp, the DOT will have the opportunity to assume the role of a SafeTravels ambassador to the stakeholders, advocating the implementation and full compliance of protocols.
Eligible companies such as hotels, airlines, restaurants, tour operators, attractions, transportation and airports will use the stamp as a guarantee that they conform to health and safety protocols required by the WTTC.
“The DOT is one with the global tourism industry in prioritizing health and safety of travelers. In support of this shared advocacy, we will constantly improve our protocols, to make sure that our stakeholders, communities, and workers in the Philippines that rely on tourism can resume their livelihood safely once travel restrictions are eased,” Puyat said.
The DOT earlier released “new normal” health and safety protocols for hotels, resorts, other accommodation establishments, restaurants, tourist land transport services, beach and island destinations and meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions (MICE) facilities and organizers.
Puyat added that travelers also have a shared responsibility in the process of keeping tourism in the Philippines safe.
“The concept of responsible traveling should no longer be limited to keeping our destinations and attractions clean and preserved. In the new normal, travelers will have a bigger role to play. The success of health and safety measures will rely also on their cooperation," she added.
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