International travelers coming to the Philippines will follow new COVID-19 protocols starting Feb. 1 as the government scraps the "Green-Yellow-Red List" system in favor of restrictions that are based on vaccination status.
The new rules cover Filipinos and eligible foreigners, regardless of their country of origin, when Metro Manila and several other areas shift to a more relaxed Alert Level 2 starting February. Those from visa-free countries will be allowed to enter the Philippines as long as they are fully vaccinated starting Feb. 10.
By Feb. 16, only fully-vaccinated foreign nationals will be allowed to enter the country, acting Presidential Spokesperson Karlo Nograles said.
Here's your guide:
For the fully-vaccinated
What do I need to show as proof of vaccination?
- WHO International Certificates of Vaccination and Prophylaxis
VaxCertPH - National/state digital certificate of the foreign government which has accepted
- VaxCertPH under a reciprocal agreement unless otherwise permitted by the IATF
Do I still need to present a negative RT-PCR test before departure?
Yes. The test should be taken within 48 hours prior to departure from the country of origin.
Do I need to quarantine upon arrival?
Not anymore. Travelers need to self-monitor for any signs or symptoms for seven days with the first day being the date of arrival.
They also need to report to the local government unit of destination should they show any symptoms.
I am a tourist arriving on Feb. 10. What are the requirements?
Fully-vaccinated nationals from visa-free countries will be allowed to enter beginning Feb. 10. Visit this page to know if your country of origin is visa-free.
These are the requirements:
1. Holders of passports valid for at least six months at the time of arrival, and with return or outbound ticket to their country of origin or next country of destination.
2. They must have the following proofs of vaccination against COVID-19:
- WHO International Certificates of Vaccination and Prophylaxis
VaxCertPH - National/state digital certificate of the foreign government which has accepted
- VaxCertPH under a reciprocal agreement unless otherwise permitted by the IATF
3. Children below 18 years of age are exempted from the requirement of full vaccination and providing proof of vaccination status prior to boarding.
4. They need to observe the existing testing and quarantine protocols in place for fully vaccinated international arriving passengers.
For the unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, and those whose vaccination status cannot be independently verified
Do I still need to present a negative RT-PCR test before departure?
Yes. The test should be taken within 48 hours prior to departure from the country of origin.
Do I need to quarantine upon arrival?
Yes. Unvaccinated or partially-vaccinated travelers are required to undergo facility-based quarantine until the release of their negative RT-PCR test taken on the fifth day.
After that, they need to undergo home quarantine until the 14th day with the date of arrival being the first day. The local government in their destination and their respective barangay health response teams are tasked to monitor those arriving passengers undergoing home quarantine.
I am medically unable to receive the vaccine. Can I still travel to the Philippines?
Starting Feb. 16, these people are exempted from the requirement for full vaccination:
- Children below 18
- People medically unable to receive the vaccine, as certified by a
competent public health authority in the country/port of origin - Foreign diplomats and their qualified dependents/9(e) visa holders
ALSO READ:
Metro Manila Downgraded to Alert Level 2 from Feb. 1, What Will Change?
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