COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in the Philippines (07 December Update)

Can a resident enter the country?

• Yes

• Citizens and residents can enter the Philippines.

Can a foreigner enter the country?

• Yes with exceptions

• Foreign nationals with an existing valid visa or long term visas are permitted to enter. New visas or visas on arrival facilities are currently suspended.

• Foreigners with a 9(d), 13(a), 13(b), 13(c), 13(d), 13(e), 13(g), 47(a)(2), RA 7919, EO226, EO324 or Native-born visa along with merchant seamen with a 9(c) visa issued by the Philippines are allowed.

• Any individual with a visa issued by Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan, Cagayan Economic Zone Authority, and Clark Development Corporation are exempted from the entry ban.

• Former nationals of Philippines if travelling together with their spouses and children are allowed to enter Philippines.

• Foreign spouses and children of Filipino citizen if travelling together are allowed to enter Philippines.

Is transit allowed through the country?

• No

• Passengers are not allowed to transit.

Is a test required on arrival?

• Yes

• Travellers are subject to health screenings which includes temperature checks.

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

Test certificate required?

• No with exceptions

• Passengers travelling to Davao (DVO) must have a medical certificate with a negative COVID-19 test result issued within 72 hours before departure from the embarkation place.

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. The hotel list can be seen using this link.

Entry form required?

• Yes

• A “Case Investigation Form” will be required by all passengers and can be obtained at this link.

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

Recommended Border App

• Yes

• All passengers must install the app “TRAZE” before departure from the embarkation place.

Airline restrictions

• Moderate

• Airports are open.

• International flights are operating.

• Domestic flights from Siargao Airport have resumed.

• 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.

• The National Capital Region (Metro Manila), Bacolod, Batangas, Iloilo City and Tacloban will be under the General Community Quarantine (GCQ) measures and the rest of the Philippines is under the Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) measures. These measures are subject to change as per the local authorities.

• In Metro Manila, a curfew between 00:00 to 04:00 hours (local time) will remain in effect.

• In Navotas City, a curfew between 20:00 to 04:00 hours (local time) will remain in effect.

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.

• Non – essential travel between different regions are allowed for local tourism purpose.

• 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

• Masks are required in all public places, including on public transportation.

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.

Sfaturi

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.