Philippines: Prior PCR test still a must for international travellers

Manila: Visitors travelling to the Philippines are still required to present a negative swab test taken prior to departure, according to the latest travel guidelines.

Those who are fully-vaccinated, however, will no longer undergo a facility-based quarantine. They will only be required to self-monitor for any sign or symptom until the 7th day from arrival date.

The Philippines relaxed travel rules and reopened the country’s tourism sector to international travellers from February 10 — but has kept pre-departure reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test as a key requirement.

Negative PCR test within 48 hours prior to departure

According to the current travel rules, a negative RT-PCR must be taken within 48 hours prior to departure from the country of origin.

This was contained in the updated guidelines issued by Interagency Task Force (IATF) Resolution No. 159 dated January 27, 2022 and 160-B dated February 3, 2022.

International travellers 

The guidelines apply to passport holders from non-visa required countries and foreign nationals with valid visas and entry exemption documents.

At least 14 local destinations have already scrapped PCR test for fully-vaccinated domestic visitors. From Tuesday, March 1, 2022, Manila and 38 other regions shifted to the lowest level of a five-step pandemic alert system. Most health restrictions were lifted.

Residents age 18 and above are still required to present evidence of vaccination and the wearing of face masks outdoors and in indoor establishments. The new protocols (under Alert Level 1) remains in place till March 15, 2022.

Free: swab test for OFWs

The PCR test is free for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), whether they land in Manila, Bohol, Cebu, Clark, Davao, Subic, or Laoag.

Only non-OFWs are required to pay for the COVID-19 RT-PCR Test. (Fees are below)

One Health Pass: Swab test upon arrival

Visitors must also take a swab test upon arrival in the Philippines as part of the protocol for inbound travellers.

Registration with the One Health Pass prior to arrival in the Philippines is still required for ann in-bound passengers.

Travellers are also urged to register in advance and pre-book their hotels to avoid any inconvenience and experience faster processing upon arrival.

Swab test for children

For asymptomatic minors 3 years and below, they shall not be required to present a negative RT-PCR test result; for symptomatic minors 3 years and below, they shall be subject to the usual testing, and quarantine procedures for international arriving passengers.

They must also complete the registration process and pay a separate testing fee. Infants will be swabbed through the mouth.

Connecting flights

Domestic to international, domestic to domestic, international to international, and international to domestic connections are allowed.

For international-to-domestic routes, only passengers who will not undergo the required facility-based quarantine are allowed to connect to their onward domestic destination. Connection should be within same day or should be within 12 hours upon arrival.

Requirements for international travellers

Here's the summary of travel requirements:

Fully-vaccinated nationals

Unvaccinated, partially-vaccinated, unverified nationals

Unvaccinated minors

Fully-recovered nationals with positive RT-PCR pre-separture test results

For fully vaccinated

Unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, unverified nationals

Travel requirements are subject to change at short notice by the issuing government authority. As such, visitors are advised to confirm requirements directly with the offices/websites of your place of origin and destination.

All passengers are encouraged to follow the guide, register in advance and pre-book their hotels as necessary to avoid any inconvenience and experience faster processing upon arrival.