Coronavirus (COVID-19) travel restrictions in the Philippines – updated 19 January 2021

A ban on non-Philippine citizens arriving from countries officially reporting cases of the new COVID-19 variant remains in effect through 31 January 2021.

Filipino nationals, spouses or children of nationals, and residents returning from abroad are exempt from the entry ban, and may be subject to quarantine for a maximum of 14 days or COVID-19 testing upon arrival. These costs are covered by passengers. Everyone must fill out a Case Investigation Form online.

Before you travel, check to see if the airport you are arriving at has specific requirements in place.

Face masks are recommended inside all airports. 

Categories of eligible travelers to the Philippines

Foreigners must secure a pre-booked accredited quarantine facility and COVID-19 testing provider, and must cover their own costs of quarantine and/or testing.

Foreign nationals with existing long-term visas are allowed to enter the Philippines, subject to certain conditions:

• The visa must be existing at the time of entry – no new entry visas will be accepted. Visas must fall under one of the following categories:
  • A non-immigrant visa issued under Section 13 of the Immigration act (Section 13 series visa: a,b,c,d,e,g)
  • Anyone who acquired resident status under Republic Act 7919 or Alien Social Integration Act (RA 7919 visa)
  • Anyone who falls under Executive Order 324 or Alien Legalization Program (EO 324 visa)
  • Native-born foreign nationals (Native-born visa).

These travelers are permitted to enter, so long as a valid visa is secured through the Embassy of the Philippines located in your country of residence:

• A foreign spouse of a Filipino national
• A minor child of a Filipino
• Children of a Filipino with special needs, regardless of age
• Foreign parent of minor Filipinos, and foreign parent of Filipino children with special needs, regardless of age.

Details on the Philippines Embassy locations can be found on the Department for Foreign Affairs’ website.

Useful resources

• The Department of Tourism website outlines local quarantine guidelines in place for high and low-risk areas, and you should become familiar with how these health measures may affect you
• Philippine Airlines provides information on flights and new normal procedures for passengers
• Follow the Department of Health in the Philippines for the latest information on COVID-19 statistics
• Check the World Health Organization (WHO).

Credit to: World Nomads