Philippines eases travel barriers to encourage tourism

Recently, the Philippines has loosened barriers to prevent Covid-19 to encourage tourism development. Fully vaccinated travelers to this country are no longer required to present a negative PCR test or rapid antigen test upon entry.

In an online press conference, Acting Deputy Spokesperson of the Presidential Palace and Deputy Communications Minister Michel Kristian Ablan said that the new regulations included in the resolution have been approved by the Inter-agency Task Force on the Management of Public Security. Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) approval on May 26.

According to Resolution 168 of the IATF-EID, visitors do not need to present a PCR test, provided they are 18 years of age or older and have at least one dose of the Covid-19 booster vaccine.

Travelers are also exempt from the pre-departure PCR test requirement if they are between the ages of 12 and 17 and receive two shots of the Covid-19 vaccine, as well as those under 12 traveling with a parent or guardian. have been fully vaccinated.

The latest resolution has helped ease existing travel regulations. Travel insurance is no longer required for incoming passengers, but is recommended. However, travelers must present proof of vaccination and a passport valid for at least six months at the time of their arrival.

For temporary guests, they must have a valid air ticket back to the place of origin or the next place, no later than 30 days from the date of arrival.

Acceptable documents for Covid-19 vaccination include the World Health Organization’s International Certificate of Immunization and Prophylaxis, VaxCertPH, a foreign national or state digital certificate that accepts VaxCertPH, and other documents. other proof of immunization authorized by the IATF-EID.

Meanwhile, travelers who have just had a single shot or haven’t had the vaccine are required to present a negative PCR test performed within 48 hours or a negative laboratory-based antigen rapid test result. Place of issue of test certificate must be administered and certified by a healthcare professional, taken within 24 hours prior to the date of departure from the country of origin or the first air port of entry during the journey to Philippines.

They must also undergo quarantine in the Philippines until the release of a negative PCR test result performed on the fifth day of their arrival in the country. In addition, these visitors must also undergo home quarantine until their 14th day here.

The Philippines’ Department of Tourism welcomes the easing of travel requirements. The department is expecting an increase in tourist arrivals in the coming weeks after entry requirements into the country are further relaxed.