COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in the Philippines (19 November Update)

Can a resident enter the country?

• Yes

• Citizens and residents can enter the Philippines.

Can a foreigner enter the country?

• No with exceptions

• Foreign nationals are not allowed to enter the Philippines, except for those travellers in the categories listed below. No new visas will be issued, and previously-granted visas are cancelled.

• The following people are allowed entry into the Philippines:

• Holders of visas granted under MCL-07-021 (Chinese nationals married to Philippine citizens) and MCL-08-003 (South Korean nationals married to Philippine citizens);

• Holders of 9(e), Temporary Resident Visas, and 13(a) visas;

• Foreign spouses, children, parents of Filipino nationals;

• International organization and foreign government officials accredited by the Philippines (diplomatic visas); and

• Foreign crew members.

Is a test required on arrival?

• Yes

• On arrival, passengers will have an RT-PCR test performed at the airport at the traveller’s expense.

Test certificate required?

• No

• A COVID-19 test certificate is not required on arrival.

Is quarantine required on arrival?

• Yes

• Quarantine is required for 14 days in a government-controlled hotel/facility. Individuals granted permission to enter the Philippines must have a confirmed booking for at least two days at a hotel accredited by the Philippine Tourism and Health Agencies while waiting for their COVID-19 test results.

Entry form required?

• Yes

• Prior to travel, travellers must register here. The traveller will receive a confirmation and a QR code.

Airline restrictions

• Moderate

• Airports are open.

• International flights are operating.

• Domestic flights are operating on a limited basis.

• Some domestic flights require a negative COVID-19 certificate issued within 72 hours of departure.

Border restrictions

• Significant

• Entry to the Philippines may be refused if a traveller cannot produce evidence of return or onward travel.

• The Philippines has lifted the ban on non-essential foreign trips by Filipinos.

Curfew restrictions

• Significant

• Some cities are imposing age restrictions on people permitted to leave their residence for non-essential reasons. These age restrictions vary by region.

• A General Community Quarantine (GCQ) has been extended until 30 November in:

• Luzon – National Capital Region (Metro Manila), and province of Batangas; 

• Visayas – cities of Bacolod, Iloilo, and Tacloban; and

• Mindanao – Iligan City and Lanao del Sur.

• Curfew hours may be shortened (from midnight to 3:00) in Metro Manila from 1 December.

• Security officials are strictly enforcing any lockdown protocols. Police have arrested thousands for not observing restrictions, such as curfews or for not wearing masks.

Social distancing restrictions

• Moderate

• People must maintain social distancing and a face mask is mandatory.

• Mass gatherings are limited to ten people. Gatherings in the areas under quarantine measures will remain prohibited.

• People who are non-compliant with Philippine rules about social distancing, movement restrictions, and face mask or face shield wearing, may be arrested or fined.

Internal travel restrictions

• Moderate

• Masks are required.

• In areas that are under quarantine, movement is not allowed except for an emergency.

• Public transit is operating at reduced levels. In some areas, public transit may be reserved for essential service workers and for those who have to go to a workplace.

• Taxis are limited to the number of passengers they can take.

• Several checkpoints have been established at the borders of the provinces.

Non-essential shops open?

• Yes

• Shopping malls are open with COVID-19 public health restrictions.

Accommodations open?

• Yes

• Hotels are now open in Manila with full capacity.

Restaurants open?

• Yes

• Restaurants are open with strict COVID-19 protocols.

Events allowed?

• No

• Entertainment venues will remain closed across the nation.

Masks required in public?

• Yes

• A face mask is mandatory.

Other

• Some services, industries, and government offices are allowed to operate with reduced capacity.

• People age 60 and over, those with medical conditions, or those under medical treatment are advised to stay home.

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The COVID-19 epidemic is changing constantly worldwide. This information is subject to change as the situation evolves. Travel and border restrictions may change with little or no notice. Some countries are beginning to remove some restrictions gradually. Check with your airline, booking agent, or country’s embassy for information on your specific travel plans.