Philippines: Prior PCR test still a must for international travellers
Quarantine ends for fully-vaccinated as borders reopen to international visitors
Highlights
- From March 1, 2022, alert level in Manila and 38 other destinations downgraded to lowest rung.
- A pre-departure COVID-19 PCR test is still required for all in-bound travellers to the Philippines 48 hours before flight.
- The new guidelines apply to passport holders from non-visa required countries, foreign nationals with valid visas and entry exemption documents.
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
- Passport valid for at least six (6) months at the time of arrival;
- A return or outbound ticket to their country of origin or next country of destination;
- Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 recognised under existing IATF regulations:
- (i) World Health Organization International Certificates of Vaccination and Prophylaxis;
- (ii) VaxCertPH; or
- (iii) National/state digital certificate of the foreign government which has accepted VaxCertPH under a reciprocal arrangement (unless otherwise permitted by the IATF); and
- (4) Shall present a negative RT-PCR test taken within forty-eight hours (48 hours) prior to departure from the country of origin.
Here's the summary of travel requirements:
Fully-vaccinated nationals
- Negative RT-PCR test result taken within 48 hours prior to departure from the country of origin.
- No facility-based quarantine required.
- Self-monitor for any sign or symptom until the 7th day from arrival.
- Proof of Vaccination [Note: Fully vaccinated Filipino Nationals shall not be included in the arrival quota set by the Department of Transportation (DOTR) and its One-Stop-Shop (OSS)]
Unvaccinated, partially-vaccinated, unverified nationals
- Negative RT-PCR test result taken within 48 hours prior to departure from the country of origin.
- Facility-based quarantine until the release of the negative results.
- 5th day swabbing.
- Self-monitor for any sign or symptom until the 14th day from arrival.
Unvaccinated minors
- Children below 12 years old who cannot be vaccinated shall follow the quarantine protocols of the parent/s or the accompanying adult/guardian traveling with them.
- Filipino nationals from 12 years to 17 years old shall follow the classification and procedures based on their vaccination status.
- Foreign or Filipino parents can accompany the minor during their facility-based quarantine.
Fully-recovered nationals with positive RT-PCR pre-separture test results
- Positive RT-PCR test result taken within 48 hours prior to departure from the country of origin
- Medical Certificate from a licensed physician stating that the traveler: was an asymptomatic, mild, moderate, severe or critical case of COVID-19 has completed the mandatory isolation period, is no longer infectious; and has been allowed free movement/travel.
- Positive RT-PCR test taken 10-30 days prior to departure from the country of origin.
For fully vaccinated
- No facility-based quarantine required.
- Self-monitor for any sign or symptom until the 7th day from arrival.
- Proof of Vaccination.
Unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, unverified nationals
- Facility-based quarantine until the release of the negative results
- 5th day swabbing
- Self-monitor for any sign or symptom until the 14th day from arrival
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.
Php 600 - cost of antigen test, with results released in 30 minutes.
(Senior Citizen and PWD discounts apply, according to the latest update from the Philippine Airlines)