Ready to jet set off to the tropical paradise that is my homeland, the Philippines? Well, before you pack your bags and head to the airport, make sure you’re up-to-date on the latest travel requirements for 2023. With the pandemic still looming, it’s essential to know what you need to do to ensure a hassle-free and safe trip. So here is the most updated travel requirements to the Philippines from a well-traveled Filipino herself.

At least we can say it’s post-mid-pandemic travel (confusing I know, it’s there, but it’s not there), and the world is gradually getting back on its feet. So let’s dive into what you need to know to have a stress-free Philippine adventure!

As of September 2022, it is no longer mandatory for international travelers headed to the Philippines to undergo facility-based quarantine or present a pre-departure negative COVID-19 test result (RT-PCR/Antigen Test).

However, in order to comply with these guidelines, you must register individually to the eTravel platform (mandatory) and be able to provide proof of registration both upon check-in/boarding and upon arrival in the Philippines. The One Health Pass is officially replaced with the electronic Travel (eTravel).

The following guidelines are in accordance with IATF Resolution No. 2 (s. 2022) on the entry, quarantine, and testing requirements for inbound travelers to the Philippines:

A. FULLY VACCINATED (Filipino and Foreign Travelers)

• No pre-departure COVID-19 test required.
• The traveler must have received the second dose in a two-dose series or a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to departure from the country of origin or port of embarkation.

IMPORTANT TIP: your vaccination card is like a mid-pandemic passport. So bring it with you in case there are random health inspections on the spot to prove you’re fully vaccinated.

B. UNVACCINATED or PARTIALLY VACCINATED (Filipino and Foreign Travelers)

1. Travelers who are 15 years or older must present a remotely supervised/laboratory-based Rapid Antigen Test, administered and certified by a healthcare professional in a healthcare facility, laboratory, clinic, or similar establishment, taken 24 hours prior to departure from the country of origin/first port of embarkation on a continuous travel to the Philippines, excluding layovers. The traveler must not have left the airport premises or been admitted to another country during the layover.
   
2. Travelers 15 years and older who fail to present a negative pre-departure test result shall undergo a laboratory-based Antigen Test upon arrival at the airport.
   
3. Accompanied minors below 15 years of age who are not vaccinated for any reason shall follow the quarantine protocols of their parents or an accompanying adult/guardian traveling with them.
   
4. Unaccompanied minors below 15 years of age who are not vaccinated for any reason shall follow the protocols in Section B (1) and (2) above.

Important Note

Any inbound traveler, whether Filipino or foreign national, who tests positive for COVID-19 through rapid antigen testing shall be subjected to the latest prevailing quarantine and isolation protocols of the Department of Health (DOH).

In summary, fully vaccinated travelers are not required to undergo pre-departure testing, while unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers must present a negative pre-departure test result. Any traveler who tests positive for COVID-19 will be subject to quarantine and isolation protocols mandated by the DOH.

Now, I’m Ready. Where Should I Go?

As someone who exhaustively traveled her homecountry for almost ten years, I can say there are so many beautiful places in the Philippines that don’t reach the radar of foreign travelers. But I do understand comfort is subjective, and I have to say the following islands have the most comfortable, convenient, and relaxing to stay for the first time. If you need someone to map out and plan your holiday in the Philippines, message me for my travel planning services. Email is jonastravelplanningservices@gmail.com.