Philippine tourist visa update: Philippine tourist visa is still not open, only such people can enter the country

The Presidential Palace of the Philippines stated on October 14 that although COVID-19 infections are on a downward trend and some movement restrictions have been relaxed, foreign tourists are still not allowed to enter the Philippines.

"We still do not allow foreign visitors, only long-term visa holders," presidential spokesman Harry Roque told a news conference.

The Inter-Agency Working Group on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) recently approved revised guidelines for travelers from countries, regions or jurisdictions on the "green" list or classified as low-risk.

For fully vaccinated foreigners, a negative RT-PCR test must be performed within 72 hours before leaving the country of origin. Upon arrival, they are not subject to facility-based isolation, but passengers should self-monitor for any symptoms until the fourteenth day.

Fully vaccinated Filipinos can choose to undergo facility-based quarantine until the RT-PCR test performed at the quarantine facility on arrival is negative. However, if their RT-PCR test results within 72 hours before leaving the country of origin are negative, they do not need to do so. They should also self-monitor any COVID-19 symptoms until the 14th day.

Individuals who are not vaccinated, partially vaccinated, or unable to independently verify their vaccination status, and individuals who are vaccinated but fail to comply with pre-travel testing requirements must undergo facility-based isolation until the published RT-PCR test results are negative for the fifth day.

Foreigners will need to ensure hotel reservations for at least six days.

In addition, unvaccinated or partially vaccinated minors traveling with fully vaccinated parents or guardians must comply with quarantine protocols applicable to their vaccination status. The parent or guardian shall accompany the child in the isolation facility throughout the period of isolation.

Roque noted that the United States is still on the "yellow" list or medium-risk countries.