It’s the third calendar year into the pandemic, international tourism might seem like more and more distant past every day. However, some countries are opening up and welcoming foreign tourists. The Philippines, for example, are opening up following the decreasing COVID new case numbers in the country.
Can’t wait to enjoy the tropical island life in the Philippines? Read this article first!
Entry requirements
Of course, they are not just welcoming tourists without safety precautions. According to the Philippines’ Department of Tourism, here are the COVID-related entry requirements:
All arriving tourists must be fully vaccinated
Now, what counts as being fully vaccinated? The Philippines specify that a person is fully vaccinated if has received the second dose of their vaccine (if they choose a two-dose) or their single-dose shot more than 14 days before departure.
For the trip you will need a proof of vaccination against COVID-19 that is recognised by the WHO or Philippines government. Your national jab will be OK if it meets these requirements.
Negative PCR test result
No booster shot but you still want to go to Philippines? In this case, you must show a negative PCR test result taken no earlier than 48 hours before your departure.
Do we still need to quarantine?
Quarantine may be the biggest hampering factor in international tourism after the closing of borders itself, as staying inside and doing nothing in a foreign country is not fun, to say the least. Not to mention the costs!
Thankfully, tourists no longer need to quarantine upon arrival in the Philippines. However, tourists must monitor themselves for symptoms for the first seven days of being in the country and report to local authorities should they develop any symptom COVID-19.
What about children?
Children add another layer to consider when it comes to requirements, as different countries have different rules regarding vaccination age limits. There are two scenarios based on the age of the children:
- Children of Filipino parent(s) below the age of 12 are allowed to follow the same health protocols as their Filipino parent(s).
- Children of foreign citizens below the age of 12 may travel ahead with their parents.
- Children of foreign citizens between the age of 12 and 17 must be vaccinated
Who needs a visa?
The Philippines is a very welcoming country. Citizens of 160 countries are entitled to cross the border without any entry permit. Citizens of 152 countries, from Andorra to Zimbabwe, can enter the Philippines without a visa for up to 30 days.
However, if you plan to stay longer than that, you will need to apply for a visa.
Even citizens of China and India (who normally are required to apply for visa) can go there without it if they have a valid UK, US, Schengen, Canada or Australia visa.
If you’re in the country for purposes other than tourism, you also do not need a visa if your stay will not exceed 30 days. Otherwise, you have to apply for an appropriate visa.
Be aware of other health risks
Every country has its own health risks, including the Philippines. For example, the threat of dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis (JE), and the chikungunya virus is present all year round. The risk of dengue fever is especially high during the rainy season.
While the risk of contracting the above diseases may be low in places that cater to tourists, it is still useful to be wary of it, especially if you’re the adventuring type.
Follow all the health requirements and prepare yourself well in all regards and you are in for a blast in the Philippines! As they say: it’s more fun in the Philippines, and we agree!
