philippine travel online

Philippines eTravel Requirements for US Citizens

Philippines one-stop etravel declaration application from the united states.

Traveling to the Philippines from the United States? To ensure a smooth entry, it's vital to understand the Philippines Electronic Travel Registration (eTravel) Requirements .

Here we clarify the entry requirements for US citizens and the Philippine One-Stop Electronic Travel Declaration System application procedure .

We also break down other essential documents you'll need for a hassle-free visit.

Can US Citizens Travel to the Philippines Right Now?

Yes, US citizens are permitted to travel to the Philippines at the moment.

However, you must first make sure you meet the Philippine entry requirements for US citizens.

Do US Citizens Still Need eTravel for the Philippines?

Yes, US citizens are still required to complete the eTravel Declaration for the Philippines to both enter and leave the country . It’s now officially known as the Philippine One-Stop Electronic Travel Declaration System.

Initially introduced as a COVID-19 safety measure and called the eArrivalCard, the eTravel system now serves as a health declaration for the Philippines. It also replaces the paper-based arrival/departure card for the Philippines.

Where Can I Register for the eTravel Philippines as a US Citizen?

US citizens can complete our Philippines eTravel Electronic Traveler Declaration form completely online using any device with an internet connection.

Here's a simplified guide to the application process:

• Access the eTravel Philippines application form
• Choose Your Travel Type : Indicate whether you are arriving (Entering the Philippines) or departing (Exiting the Philippines)
• Select Transportation Type : Choose between Air or Sea transport, and specify if you are disembarking by sea
• Provide Dates : Enter your Date of Arrival (for entry) or Date of Departure (for exit)
• Email Submission : Enter your email address for communication and verification purposes. Sign a declaration confirming the accuracy of your information
• Wait for Approval : Your application will undergo review. If approved, you will receive a PDF of your eTravel QR code via email

Once approved, you can either print the QR code or take a screenshot on your mobile device for presentation upon arrival in the Philippines or when departing the country.

Information US Citizens Need to Declare on the Philippines eTravel

When completing the eTravel Philippines application, you need to provide the following information :

Registration details/Transport Information

• Passport details (Number, Sex, Birth Date, Citizenship, Country of Passport, Occupation)
• Mobile Number (with country code)
• Permanent Country of Residence (Address details)

Travel Details

• Date of Arrival/Departure
• Country of Origin/Destination
• OFW status (if applicable)
• Flight/Vessel details (Name, Number, Airport/Seaport)

Destination Upon Arrival in the Philippines

• Address of accommodation in the Philippines (or select "Transit" if applicable)
• Contact information for the chosen accommodation

Health Declaration

• Information about your current health status and recent exposure to communicable diseases

Additionally, you need to pay the eTravel Application processing fee to submit the form for consideration. Please ensure all details are accurate to prevent processing delays or refusal of your request .

Should I Register for eTravel Philippines before Departing from the US?

You can complete your eTravel form for the Philippines as soon as you know your travel plans . We’ll submit it for official processing at the correct time.

Apply with philippinesetravel.com and your request will be processed in 1 to 2 days . There is also a priority service for delivery in 1 hour.

Benefits of Applying for the Philippine eTravel for Americans with Us

There are several benefits to registering with us over the government Philippine One-Stop Electronic Travel Declaration System application.

What Are the Philippines Entry Requirements for US Citizens?

US citizens can enter the Philippines visa-free for a stay of up to 30 days . To gain entry, they must have the following:

• Passport : Ensure your American passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay. You must have at least one blank page for an entry stamp
• Return or Onward Ticket : You'll need to show proof of a return or onward ticket to another destination
• Approved eTravel Declaration : All international travelers must complete the Philippines eTravel Electronic Traveler Declaration form before arrival and departure by air or sea.

Note : The Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI) may penalize and detain you if you stay in the country after the "admit until" date that immigration officials have printed on your passport.

Depending on the length of your stay, you may also require an approved visa . Please check Philippine visa requirements in advance to see what you need according to your travel plans.

Entering the Philippines as a US Citizen with eTravel

When planning your trip to the Philippines as a US citizen with an eTravel Declaration, you have the flexibility to select from numerous entry points . These include major international airports and seaports.

The Philippines is well-connected to the United States. Here are some of the main flight routes and their estimated journey times:

• Los Angeles to Manila: Direct flights are available and typically take approximately 13-15 hours
• San Francisco to Manila: Non-stop flights are an option, with an average travel time of around 15-17 hours
• New York to Manila: While flights from the East Coast may have layovers, the total travel time is approximately 18-20 hours

Please note that the journey times mentioned are approximate and can vary based on factors such as flight availability , layovers, and specific flight routes.

It's advisable to check with airlines for the most current schedules and travel durations when planning your trip to the Philippines.

Traveling to the Philippines: How to Get eTRAVEL QR CODE Online (Arrival Card)

Are you traveling to the Philippines? ALL incoming international travelers including Filipino citizens and foreigners, adults and children, must secure an eTravel QR code online 72 HOURS or THREE DAYS before your arrival.

Just like the old One Health Pass and eArrival Card, this new eTravel QR system serves as an all-in-one online platform for the arrival card, health declaration, and contact tracing.

But don’t worry, it’s easy to get one. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process one step at a time. Here’s how to do it.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

1. Go to eTravel official website.

The official website is https://etravel.gov.ph .

Make sure it’s the legitimate website. Note that eTravel QR Code is FREE of charge. If you landed on a website requiring you to pay for the service, it’s a scam.

2. Start your registration.

On the home page, you’ll see the registration section. For Filipino citizens, click the PHILIPPINE PASSPORT HOLDER box. Then, start entering the following details:

• Transportation Type
• Date of Arrival
• Email Address

Tick the DATA PRIVACY AND AFFIDAVIT OF UNDERTAKING box. It’s easy to miss because the tick box is quite small, but you’ll find it before the CONTINUE button.

When you check that, a page will pop. Read first, then click the YES, I AGREE button.

Finally, hit the CONTINUE button.

3. Provide your Personal Information.

Enter the following details:

• Passport Number
• Citizenship
• Country of Birth
• Mobile Number

If the system detected that you belong to the (legal) working age group, it will require you to answer the OCCUPATION section. Choose your professional field. If you can’t find it in the choices, select OTHERS . When you are done, click NEXT .

4. Enter your address.

You will be asked to provide your specific address down to house number or unit number.

If you live in Metro Manila, choose National Capital Region or NCR.

5. Submit your travel details.

Enter the following travel information:

• Arrival Date
• Country of Origin
• Purpose of Travel
• Flight Number
• Seat Number (optional)
• Name of Airline
• Airport of Arrival
• Traveller Type (aircraft passenger or flight crew).

When you are done, click NEXT .

6. Accomplish the Health Declaration Form

This includes your Vaccination Details. If you are fully vaccinated, answer NO for the section asking if you have a negative Antigen Test result. After that are the usual ‘Yes or No’ questions about history of exposure and if you’ve been sick in the past 30 days. After answering all the items, click ‘NEXT’.

7. Review the information you encoded.

Read the summary of all the details you provided. If you need to change or correct something, just click the pencil symbol on the upper right portion of the category you want to edit. If you are good and you have nothing to correct, click SUBMIT .

8. Download your QR Code.

Congratulations! You will instantly receive your QR Code.

Don’t forget to download or screenshot it! You’ll be presenting it upon arrival in the Philippines.

• If your QR Code page is GREEN , it means you met the travel requirements and you can directly go to express lane where you will have the BOQ officer scan your QR Code.
• If your QR Code page is RED , you have to let the Quarantine Officer manually verify the required additional documents to determine if you are compliant with the entry protocols set by the Philippine government. Travelers who usually get RED-marked QR Code are the unvaccinated and the partially vaccinated. Again, check the entry guideline set by the Philippine Government first before traveling to the Philippines.

One QR Code is issued per transaction and per entry. You can only use it once and you need to register again and get a new QR Code the next time you travel to the Philippines.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

I want to change something after generating the qr code. how to correct it.

You can still edit your info if you noticed a typo error or you entered wrong data. However, note that you can only do this BEFORE it gets validated or verified by the BOQ officer upon your arrival sa Pilipinas. Ensure that you make your corrections before your flight to the Philippines.

To do this, just go to the main page or home page of eTravel, then click the UPDATE REGISTRATION button. Provide your reference number or transaction number and birth date.

At what point of the airport process should I present the QR code?

From the team’s experience, we were asked to present our QR Codes at these stations:

• Check-in Counter, before departure abroad (at the country of origin)
• Bureau of Quarantine Area, after deplaning and before the Immigration counters in the Philippines. The staff/officers will be scanning the QR code. It’s a very quick and smooth process if you have a green QR code.

The staff may also ask for it at the boarding gate (country of origin/abroad), so just ready your copy during these times.

ATTENTION! Travel requirements change from time to time, so it’s best to check with the government of the country you want to visit the updated travel restrictions and requirements before you travel. For the Philippine’s updated entry requirements, you can check the official eTravel website: https://etravel.gov.ph/entry-guidelines.

Do I still need to accomplish One Health Pass and eArrival Card?

No need. The eTravel has officially replaced the now obsolete One Health Pass and eArrival Card starting 2 December 2022.

To be honest, all these systems are very similar. The changes are not too drastic. Some items were removed such as the Philhealth Number, and then some required items are now optional. The noticeable difference is not really the content but the appearance or the user interface.

Do I have to pay for eTravel QR Code? How much is the charge?

No, you don’t need to pay anything for the eTravel QR Code. It is FREE of charge. If you landed on a website requiring you to pay for the service, it’s a scam.

Is there a Tagalog version of this article?

Yes. Ganito Friend has a Tagalog video version on YouTube. You can find it here .

More Tips on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Is this post helpful to you?

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what option should I choose after my vacation in let’s say Japan, and I’m just going back home to the Philippines?

purpose of travel: what option should I choose after my vacation in let’s say Japan, and I’m just going back home to the Philippines?

I’m vaccinated with j&j. do I need to have booster for my etravel application

Hi Mary Grace, ‘yan ung 1 dose lang po ano? Afaik, hindi na required ang booster now.

yes po.color blu3 nging color ng qr code ko then n/a Yung lumabas dun sa health survey.ok lng po b yun?

ohhh.. for departure pala ung Blue QR code.. ung health declaration daw will be edited for Arrival na.

naku blue din ung sa akin.. nagskip siya sa health declaration na part. tapos di naman ma-edit. weird.

hello po ano po update sa color blue na qr code po? color blue rin po sakin

nakaalis naman po kayo ng walang issue sa blue QR code?

Ay. Naku di ko po alam pag blue yung QR code. Green and red lang po ung naeencounter namin. Green is diretso na, tas pag red, need pa ng additional docs to verify. Pero pag blue po, hindi ko po alam. :(

Manila to cebu need pa ba etravel again? If Foreign passport holder

Hi just to clarify, do employees fall under worker/labourer? Ty

Pano ung unvaccinated ..no chance po ba mkatravel po? Salamat po sa sasagot?

Wat if the qr code or reference# can’t save immigetly and the fillup form back again for signing? Please helo

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Philippines Travel Guide: The Ultimate 3-week Itinerary

Imagine remote islands with palm trees leaning over pristine white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. The Philippines is a country consisting of 7641 islands that not only offer tropical beaches but also rice terraces, hiking, surfing, and great diving. An interesting mix of Spanish, American, and Chinese cultures formed Filipinos into the extremely welcoming people they are today. Discover the best of the country in this Philippines Travel Guide.

Philippines Travel Itinerary

Traveling in the Philippines takes time because all islands are divided by the ocean. Experiencing the entire country in 3 weeks is impossible. However, this 3-week route takes you along some of the country’s highlights. This Philippines Travel Guide includes extra time meant as travel time.

Day 1: Manila

Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is where your incredible journey starts. Most people have a love-hate relationship with this city and spend one or two nights here. If you want to explore the city, book a tour visiting the city’s highlights and tasting local food.

Tip: Grab Taxi is a great way to get reliable transportation around the city.

Where to Stay in Manila

Hotels in manila 😴.

Makati is the area where you need to spend the night and find all the trendy restaurants and bars.

Here are all your hotel options in Makati.

Day 2 – 3: Coron

The small fishing village Coron is all about hopping from one stunning island to the other. On the morning of day 2, fly from Manila to Busuanga island, followed by a 30-minute drive to Coron town.

Once you arrive, relax, hike up Mt. Tapyas before sunset, and go island hopping by boat ( book online ) on day 3. You can arrange this in advance or at the harbor.

Must-Try! The Philippines has the most delicious mangos. Don’t miss these!

Where to Stay in Coron

Hotels in Coron are available for every kind of budget, whether you want something more luxurious or something that’s more budget-friendly.

Hotels in Coron 😴

Tip: The best place to stay is in the center of town; this has the most options, with the only downside that you won’t have any beach near your hotel.

Day 4 – 6: El Nido

A 4-hour ferry from Coron ( find tickets ) takes you to one of the most stunning locations in your Philippines Travel Guide. El Nido is located on the northern tip of Palawan Island, offering pristine white beaches and paradise islands. You can visit these places by joining an El Nido Island Hopping Tour .

Book your island-hopping tour in advance here

Where to Stay in El Nido

Choose a hostel or hotel on one of the beautiful beaches in El Nido, with incredible views over the turquoise waters.

Hotels in El Nido 😴

Tip: You could also choose to stay in El Nido town. Although the town itself used to be a little underwhelming, it has been developing fast and now has some great hotels and restaurants.

Day 7: Puerto Princesa

From El Nido, drive down to Puerto Princesa to spend the night before catching your flight to Cebu.

Find your flight to Cebu

Getting to El Nido is possible by van or public transport. In Puerto Princesa, we highly recommend visiting the Iwahig Open Prison and having dinner at Kalui.

Good to know: Unfortunately, the standard Filipino kitchen isn’t that great. Rice and pork or BBQ chicken are the typical dishes. However, at popular restaurants, it is an entirely different world.

Where to Stay in Puerto Princesa

Puerto Princesa has plenty of hotels to choose from that are perfect for spending the night before your journey to Cebu.

Hotels in Puerto Princesa 😴

Did you know? Puerto Princesa is known as ‘the city in the forest’ because of its luscious greenery and tropical atmosphere.

Day 8 – 9: Cebu

Cebu is one of the main islands and transport hubs of the Philippines. Arrive in Cebu by airplane from Puerto Princesa in the morning of day 8. Directly hop into the bus or car and make your way down to Moalboal. The following day, go Canyoneering in Badian and jump off the Kawasan Falls!

Where to Stay in Cebu

You can stay in Moalboal or Cebu City for your canyoning trip. Moalboal is the most convenient as it is very close to Badian, but keep in mind that this cheaper option can be fully booked due to the lack of accommodations.

Hotels in Cebu 😴

Alternatively, stay in Cebu City, which, although quite far away from Badian (around a 3-hour drive), has the option of free pick-up and drop-off (with Island Trek Tours).

Day 10 – 12: Bohol

Discover the unique landscapes of Bohol with rice terraces, chocolate hills, and white sand beaches. But what makes Bohol unique is the Philippine Tarsier. Tiny, monkey-like animals that move during the night. Book a day tour to explore all the highlights of Bohol. It is a short 2-hour ferry ride from Cebu to Bohol.

Get your boat tickets in advance

The endangered Tarsiers are extremely sensitive to light and sound. Only visit the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary, where you’re not allowed to touch, talk to, or photograph them with flash. If you see tarsiers in cages, that’s not OK! Learn more about responsible wildlife tourism .

Philippines

Are you interested in visiting churches? Bohol has plenty! Did you know? The Philippines is the only Christian nation in Asia.

Where to Stay in Bohol

Bohol’s beauty makes it a hotel paradise! From luxury spas to cute guesthouses, there’s something for everyone on the island.

Hotels in Bohol 😴

Day 13 – 15: Siquijor

Majestic waterfalls, the friendliest Filipinos, and beautiful local life. The island of Siquijor is stunning to explore by motorbike in a 2-hour drive. Read about all the things to do in Siquijor .

From Bohol, take the 1.5-hour ferry to Siquijor.

Book your tickets for the ferry here .

Where to Stay in Siquijor

Most hotels are located on the western coastline of Siquijor or in the town of San Juan (which has the yummiest restaurants!).

Hotels in Siquijor 😴

Day 16: Travel day

While you’re still buzzing from the incredible last 15 days, it’s time to head back to Cebu to catch a flight to Siargao. Getting back to Cebu is a long trip, but it’s worth it for the next part of your itinerary.

• Catch the boat from Siquijor to Dumaguete (30 min; book your tickets here ).
• At Dumaguete, take the boat to Liloan Port, Cebu (20 min).
• From Liloan Port, catch the public bus to Cebu City (4 hours).

Spend the night in Cebu City and fly out to Siargao the next morning. Please note: If you’re planning to fly to Siargao, keep in mind that evening flights are often canceled. The Siargao runway does not have lights yet (April 2019).

Day 17 – 20: Siargao

Welcome to the ‘Most Beautiful Island in Asia’. Siargao has the perfect island vibe with great beaches, surfing, scenic drives, island hopping, incredible food, and a chilled vibe. You could easily spend a week in Siargao.

Read more: best things to do in Siargao

Where to Stay in Siargao

There are three main tourist towns: General Luna, Dapa, and Pacifico. Dapa and Pacifico are quieter, and General Luna offers the best restaurants.

Hotels in Siargao 😴

Day 21: Manila

Spend your last day in Manila. We recommend you be back in Manila at least 10 hours before your international flight back home leaves. Why? Most flights in the afternoon are delayed. We have been to The Philippines twice and had just two flights leaving on time or too early, haha.

Food rec: On your last day, visit Hummus Elijah in Makati!

Additional Philippines Travel Itinerary Options

If you have more or less time available, use one of the following options in your Philippines Travel itinerary.

• Visit the rice fields in the north of the Philippines (4-week route)
• Skip Puerto Princesa and fly directly from El Nido to Cebu (more relaxed)
• Skip Siquijor and spend your time in Cebu and Bohol (more relaxed)

Your Budget for the Philippines

The Philippines is a budget travel country. It is affordable to get around, and there is accommodation for every kind of budget. However, the prices for accommodation are a little higher compared to Indonesia or Thailand . If you’re on a tight budget, take the overnight ferry instead of an airplane and travel by bus. The currency in the country is the Philippine Peso (PHP, ₱).

Costs of Traveling in The Philippines

Travel on a budget in The Philippines, from $180 − $350 USD weekly per person, mid-range $320 − $180 USD, and high-end from $180 − $240 USD. However, costs depend on factors like accommodation, transportation, and activities. We did not include flights. Check flight prices here

• Hostels: $10 − $15 USD Check available hostels
• Transport: $5 − $50 USD Book public transport
• Food: $2 − $10 USD
• Activities: $5 − $15 USD See tickets & tours
• Sim: $1 − $3 USD Get an eSIM or SIM here
• Travel Insurance: $2 − $6 USD Get Travel Insurance

Wifi and SIM Cards in the Philippines

Wifi is something you cannot relate to in the Philippines. It is unstable, and if they offer it, it’s usually not fast. We always recommend getting a SIM card to use Google Maps or make phone calls in emergencies. It is best to get a GLOBE or SMART SIM card (9GB for 1000 PHP) and top it up once you’re out of data.

Get your Sim Card here

How to get around the Philippines?

Transportation in the Philippines is well-arranged and affordable but time-consuming. Travel overland by taxi, tricycles, jeepneys, buses, and minivans and go from island to island by boat or airplane.

Flights Flights go as often as buses in the Philippines to cross to another island. Flight delays are common, so it is recommended never to book too tight with connecting flights or activities.

Boats and buses Ferries to cross to a different island are very common. Taking an overnight ferry can reduce costs on your travel budget. Booking boats and long bus rides in advance is common.

Book your tickets online in advance

Tricycle To cover short distances, a tricycle is very convenient. The vehicle is kind of a 3-wheeled tuk-tuk. You have to bargain with this kind of transport. Our rule of thumb was 100 PHP for 2 persons, including luggage for a 10-minute drive.

Motorbike In the main tourist areas (not cities), we recommend renting a motorbike and driving around by yourself. The price for tourists is about 400 – 600 PHP (±9 USD) per day, depending on the season.

Best Time to Visit the Philippines

From December to April, during the dry season, is the best time to visit the Philippines. Where March to May are the busiest and most expensive months. It is best to avoid traveling there from July to October when the typhoon season is active.

Always do your research per location. For example, El Nido and Siargao have two completely different seasons at the same time of the year.

Is the Philippines safe to travel?

Through media, the Philippines is commonly illustrated as unsafe and a no-go destination. However, that’s not true. The deep southern tip (Mindanao area) of the Philippines is the only no-go area due to possible terrorism. The rest of the Philippines is safe.

Travel Insurance Don't forget a travel insurance for your Philippines trip! Heymondo covers medical emergencies, theft, delays, cancellations, lost luggage, and more, with 24/7 worldwide assistance and medical chat. As a Salt in our Hair reader, we've got you 5% off! Check Heymondo here

It breaks our hearts to hear that people don’t visit the Philippines because of these stories. Why? The Filipino people are some of the friendliest in Southeast Asia. Although Tagalog is their first language, everyone understands and speaks English, which makes it even easier.

Visa for the Philippines

Most nationalities will receive a 30-day Visa on Arrival when flying to the Philippines. The only requirements are that your passport is valid for at least 6 months and that you must have an outbound ticket that will show you’re leaving the country within those 30 days. A standard visa is extendable up to 60 days.

Check online if you need a Visa

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The most beautiful Resorts & Hotels in El Nido

Canyoning in cebu: jump off waterfalls in the philippines, 9 x best things to do in siquijor (travel guide).

Looking for more travel information? Plan a chat with us for personalised travel advice or get an answer from the Salt in our Hair Travel Community on Facebook.

It is recommended to only pack in a backpack? We are planning a trip to the Philippines , leave this week. My husband is thinking that us two plus our 10 year old son need to pack in 1 backpack so when we rent a motorbike that we can just have that for luggage and make it easy getting around.

Hi Ashley, we typically travel with a big bag each. There are many taxis, tricycles, jeepneys, buses, and minivans that can transport you and your luggage to your accommodation, then hire a motorbike once you’ve dropped your bags off. Have an amazing trip! :)

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Entry Visas for the Philippines

Entry requirements for the Philippines : All travelers need to obtain the eTravel One-Stop Electronic Travel Declaration System (originally the One Health Pass) to enter the Philippines. This mandatory entry requirement has been introduced by the Government of the Philippines. You can apply here .

Before booking a trip, it is necessary to verify the entry requirements and visa conditions for the Philippines .

Not all travelers must obtain a visa to the Philippines . However, foreign nationals who want to visit the country for short-term stays for tourism, transit, business, study, or employment should apply for a visa in advance.

What Is a Philippines Tourist Visa?

A Philippines tourist visa is a travel permit granted to a foreign passport holder by a consular officer at a Philippine Embassy or Consulate. A traveler visa for the Philippines will be issued after the visa application has been properly examined.

The Philippines visitor visa (a tourist permit) is an entry requirement for citizens of several countries . A tourist visa holder can travel to the Philippines and present their documents at any port of entry.

However, the visa issued is not a guarantee that its holder will be automatically admitted into the country. The final decision is up to the immigration officers at the border.

According to the Philippines Government, a "foreign tourist" is defined as a person reaching the Philippines for a legitimate, non-immigrant purpose such as sightseeing, sports, health, visiting family, training, short-term study (excluding enrollment in a school in the Philippines to pursue a title or degree), religious pilgrimage, business, cultural and scientific activities.

Standard Procedure Requirement for a Philippines Tourist Visa

Foreigners who need a tourist visa for the Philippines must apply in person at an embassy or consulate .

Those who need a tourist visa for the Philippines from an embassy can choose the type of visa depending on the length of validity and number of entries the traveler requires, either:

• Single entry valid for 3 months
• Multiple entry valid for 6 months
• Multiple entry valid for 12 months

However, all of these embassy visitor visas allow a total stay of 59 days in the Philippines , regardless of the number of entries or period of validity.

Applications for minors may be made by a parent or guardian. The minor, with the exception of an infant, will also be required to attend an interview at a Philippines mission along with the person who has presented the application on their behalf.

The following are the minimum requirements for applying for a temporary Philippines visitor visa:

• Passport /travel document (alongside a photocopy of the same) valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended period of stay in the Philippines
• Fully completed visa application forms (incomplete forms will be rejected)
• Passport-size photo of the traveler taken within the previous 6 months , with the applicant’s signature attached to the front of the picture
• Photocopy of a travel itinerary for return or onward journey to the next port of destination.

Applicants will also need a valid payment method to cover the visa fees .

Other document requirements for a visit visa

Additionally, all visa applicants are required to supply proof of sufficient funds to cover the stay in the Philippines. For example:

• Print-out of last credit card/bank account statement
• Deed of ownership of real estate property

Other documents showing the applicant’s ability to financially support themselves while in the Philippines may also be accepted. Please note that it is necessary to supply two or more of these types of documents .

In order to determine whether a visa can be issued, the visa officer can request additional documents at their own discretion.

Do You Need a Visa to Travel to the Philippines?

The visa policy of the Philippines is based on your nationality . Some passport holders can enter the country for a certain period of time without a visa, while others must always have a visa to enter.

Nationalities who can travel to the Philippines without a visa are part of the country’s visa waiver program . These passengers only need their passports to enter.

Countries that do not require a visa for the Philippines for stays of up to 59 days:

Nationalities that do not require a visa for the philippines for stays of up to 30 days:.

All European Union citizens :

• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• United Kingdom

Other Countries :

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Burkina Faso
• Central African Republic
• Republic of the Congo
• Cote d'Ivoire
• Dominican Republic
• El Salvador
• Equatorial Guinea
• Guinea-Bissau
• Liechtenstein
• Marshall Islands
• New Zealand
• Papua New Guinea
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Sao Tome and Principe
• Saudi Arabia
• Solomon Islands
• South Africa
• South Korea
• Switzerland
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Turkmenistan
• United Arab Emirates
• United States
• Vatican City

Show more >>

Nationalities that do not require a Philippines visa for stays of up to 14 days:

The philippines visa information for short-term stays, the philippines visa on arrival.

The Philippines also offers a visa on arrival (for a fee), that grants a stay of up to 59 days .

The visa on arrival for the Philippines is available to citizens of all countries except the following :

• Afghanistan
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• North Korea
• Sierra Leone
• South Sudan
• Timor-Leste

The Philippines Online Visa (e-Visa)

The Philippines has soft-launched an online visa (e-Visa) with the intention of streamlining the visa application process. The electronic visa allows eligible travelers to apply for their Filipino travel permit completely online, through a simple digital form.

Currently only citizens of China can use the e-Visa system , however it’s expected that it will become available to more countries in the future.

The Philippines Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

Citizens of Taiwan may apply for an entry permit by completing a form through the Philippines Electronic Travel Authorization System .

The Philippines eTA is different to a visa . The application process is more straightforward, and it allows the holder to enter the Philippines visa-free.

Update April 12, 2024

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Philippines Travel Advisory

Travel advisory july 24, 2023, philippines - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution to the Philippines due to  crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping.  Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do Not Travel to:

• The Sulu Archipelago, including the southern Sulu Sea, due to  crime, terrorism, civil unrest,  and  kidnapping .
• Marawi City in Mindanao due to  terrorism  and  civil unrest .

Reconsider Travel to:

• Other areas of Mindanao due to  crime, terrorism, civil unrest,  and  kidnapping .

Country Summary : Terrorist and armed groups continue plotting possible kidnappings, bombings, and other attacks in the Philippines. Terrorist and armed groups may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities. The Philippine government has declared a “State of National Emergency on Account of Lawless Violence in Mindanao.”

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to the Philippines.

If you decide to travel to the Philippines:

• Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
• Avoid demonstrations. 
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.   
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .   
• Review the  Country Security Report  for the Philippines.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

The Sulu Archipelago and Sulu Sea – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Terrorist and armed groups continue to conduct kidnappings on land and at sea for ransom, bombings, and other attacks targeting U.S. citizens, foreigners, civilians, local government institutions, and security forces.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in the Sulu Archipelago and Sulu Sea as U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization to travel to those areas.

Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .

Marawi City in Mindanao – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Civilians are at risk of death or injury due to conflict between remnants of terrorist groups and Philippine security forces in Marawi.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Mindanao as U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization to travel there.

Mindanao – Level 3: Reconsider Travel

The Philippine government maintains a state of emergency and greater police presence in the Cotabato City area, and in the Maguindanao, North Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat provinces.

Terrorist and armed groups continue to conduct kidnappings, bombings, and other attacks targeting U.S. citizens, foreigners, civilians, local government institutions, and security forces.

Travel Advisory Levels

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Philippines travel requirements 2024: What travelers need to know

We aim to keep this post updated about Philippines travel in 2024 with official Philippines travel restrictions, requirements, and health and safety guidance. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions so you can travel confidently, safely, and responsibly in this new post-pandemic world of ours.

As restrictions can vary based on the traveler’s citizenship, we will focus primarily on rules affecting U.S. citizens.

Last update: February 21, 2024. Originally published: October 2020.

Disclosure: This post contains some affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of our links, we may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you.

* Get our free Post-Pandemic Travel Checklist *

February 2024:  “Our main requirement for travel to the Philippines was completing an online form within 72 hours of arriving. Our airline reminded us to do the same process before departing the Philippines as well. The form asks for flight info, countries visited in the last 30 days, and whether you have been sick or exposed to someone ‘known to have communicable/infectious disease’ in the past 30 days. We then received a QR code to show at the airport. We did not need to show the QR code upon arrival or departure (airline staff told me it’s actually for Philippine passport holders only). At immigration they had no questions for us on arrival or departure.” – Michelle & Jedd, Intentional Travelers, American digital nomads

Photo credit: Anwar Y January 2024: “I visited the Philippines for 3 weeks in January with visits to places on 4 major islands across the country [Luzon, Bohol, Cebu, and Palawan]. Overall tourism was open and accessible within the country, flights between islands were the easiest, with long overland travel times (due to local-roads / lack of highways). We did not experience any travel restrictions while within the country. There is a pre-arrival form that must be filled out that is used for tracing but really we didn’t find it used much beyond immigration. There were requirements for providing hotels for contact tracing but it was haphazardly enforced, such as only 1 bus company asked for this information. Access to all services is open, we did notice that for many services employees were masked but there was no requirement for tourists to mask. We found covid tests readily accessible and often in vending machines such as in the airport. One thing of note is that people did appear to be sick. My entire group ended up sick (non-covid) but the sinus cold did impede our ability to do some activities (scuba diving).” – Anwar Y of Beyond My Door , American traveler

At the end of the post, we share on-the-ground perspectives from local residents and travelers to the Philippines so you can get a true sense of what to expect. We’re thankful to one of our team members from the Philippines for co-creating this post with us!

Table of Contents

Is the Philippines open for travel? Can I travel to the Philippines right now?

Effective July 2023 , all travelers are allowed entry in the Philippines without restrictions. The following are no longer required to enter the Philippines:

• Proof of Vaccination
• Proof of negative Covid test (for unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers)
• Travel insurance

However, travelers must still meet the following requirements:

• As of April 2023, all travelers, including children. are required to register via the Electronic Travel Declaration System no earlier than 72 hours from the intended arrival.
• Passport must be valid for at least six months at the time of arrival.
• Have booked a return or outbound ticket (affiliate link).

U.S. citizens are allowed visa-free entry into the Philippines for 30 days.

See the list of visa exempt countries here.

Philippines travel restrictions  have changed over time, please check back for updates.

Quarantine rules in the Philippines: What happens if I get Covid?

All travelers arriving in the Philippines are not required to quarantine.

Foreign tourists who  test positive for Covid while in the Philippines must continue to isolate and undergo quarantine.

For cases with moderate to severe symptoms or belonging to the immunocompromised category, isolation of 10 days from onset of signs and symptoms is required. Patient may be required to be admitted to a health care facility based on the advice of the attending physician.

For severe cases and immunocompromised cases , isolation is required and may end only upon the advice of their health care provider.

Patients with mild symptoms or asymptomatic are advised to isolate at home for five days or until fever-free for at least 24 hours without using antipyretics such as paracetamol, whichever is earlier.

Foreign tourists may be required to cover the costs of quarantine accommodations or hospitalization.

Recommended Quarantine Hotels in the Philippines:

Bayview Park Hotel Manila – Located at the heart of Manila, near the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and US Embassy, Bayview Park Hotel has modern and cozy rooms with air conditioning, cable TV, personal safe, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel also features an outdoor swimming pool and coffee shop with local and international dishes. Estimated cost for a 14-day stay is $748-$997. Book this hotel >

Hotel Durban – Hotel Durban is located in Makati, Manila. The hotel features air conditioned rooms, restaurant, bar, and free Wifi. Estimated cost for a 14-day stay is $471-$871. Book this hotel >

Somerset Millennium Makati – Somerset Millennium is a high-end hotel conveniently located in the vibrant business district of Makati City, 30 minutes from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. The hotel offers elegant rooms with free Wifi, air conditioning, and flat screen TVs. There’s also an on-site restaurant, fitness center, spa, and swimming pool. Estimated cost for a 14-day stay is $1657-$1888. Book this hotel >

Radissan Blu Cebu – The Radissan Blue is one of Cebu’s top rated five star hotels. It has swimming pool, spa, fitness center, on-site restaurant, and airport transfers. Rooms come with air conditioning, Wifi, and a fantastic breakfast. Estimated cost for a 14-day stay is $1022-$1498. Book this hotel >

Can I travel to the Philippines in April 2024? Can I travel to Philippines this Spring?

The Philippines is open to tourists in April. Read on for details and check back for updates.

What is it like to fly to Manila MNL Ninoy Aquino International Airport right now? Philippine Airlines reports p assengers are no longer required to wear face masks, though it is still recommended.

Do I have to quarantine when traveling to the Philippines? No. Only travelers who test positive will need to quarantine. See details above.

Does Philippines check COVID-19 symptoms of incoming travelers? Travelers undergo a passive thermal scan upon arrival in the airport. Hats must be removed, otherwise just walk through.

Does Philippines require a negative Covid 19 test for travelers? No. As of July 2023, a negative test is no longer required for travelers to enter the Philippines.

Do I have to undergo a Covid test upon arrival in the Philippines? No. Covid test upon arrival is no longer required.

Does Philippines require a proof of Coronavirus vaccine for travelers? No. A proof of Coronavirus vaccine is no longer required.

Do I still need to provide a negative Covid test or quarantine if I have been vaccinated? Quarantine and negative Covid test is no longer required for travelers.

Is a booster shot required for travel to the Philippines? At this time, booster shots are not required in the Philippines. There is currently no expiration period set for the validity of vaccinations.

Do I need to provide proof of vaccination or test for domestic flights in the Philippines? Most destinations within the Philippines no longer require a proof of vaccination or test for domestic flights.

However, local authorities may have specific requirements. It is recommended to check with the destination’s local government unit (LGU) through their official website or Facebook page for the latest rules and guidelines.

What healthcare options are available to travelers in the Philippines who get the virus?   Philippine hospitals and clinics are open. Foreign visitors can get PCR or antigen test at  the Philippines Department Of Health accredited testing centers .

Foreign visitors who get the virus would pay out of pocket for medical services. The medical expenses for the treatment will vary depending on the severity of the condition, the hospital where the patient is admitted, confinement duration, and other factors.

For travel insurance that covers Covid, check out Nomad Insurance by Safety Wing >

What service businesses and restaurants are open in the Philippines? Markets and groceries, which are considered essential businesses, remained open throughout the duration of the community quarantine in the Philippines.

Restaurants are permitted to accept dine-ins. Malls, personal care services, and entertainment establishments are also back in business following health and safety protocols.

More hotels, resorts, and other accommodation establishments are allowed to operate under different community quarantine classifications and cater to local travelers.

Do I need to provide proof of vaccination or a negative test to enter or stay at hotels, resorts, and other accommodation establishments in the Philippines? Most accommodation establishments in the Philippines no longer require a proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test.

It is advisable to visit the hotel website or official social media pages to know their latest guidelines. Additionally, contacting the establishment directly is recommended for any clarifications.

What public gatherings are allowed in Philippines? Public gatherings are allowed but must follow health and safety protocols.

Are face masks required in the Philippines? As of July 2023 , wearing of face masks is no longer required in the Philippines.

Are buses running in the Philippines? Yes. Public transportation is available in the Philippines, including buses, jeepneys, trains, tricycles, and vans.

Will the Philippines impose new Covid restrictions? What’s next is difficult to predict. Historically, the Philippines has imposed nationwide as well as localized COVID-19 restrictions when strains on the health care system might become unsustainable.

How has the Coronavirus impacted the Philippines?

The first case of the Coronavirus was confirmed in the Philippines January 30, 2020 and the country was placed under a State of Public Health Emergency on March 8, 2020.

As a measure to limit the spread of the virus, lockdowns or community quarantines have been imposed since March 15, 2020. Despite implementing strict lockdowns, the country still experienced surges in cases, reporting more confirmed cases and deaths than any other Southeast Asian country.

The onslaught of the virus put the country into recession with mass unemployment. The restriction on travel also affected tourism, which is a large industry in the country. 

Over two thirds of the population has been vaccinated in the Philippines.

In July 2023, the State of Public Health Emergency has been lifted throughout the Philippines. All restrictions due to Covid 19 are no longer in effect.

For the current situation in the Philippines, including: total COVID-19 positive cases; total cases in the Philippines; and COVID-19 testing in the Philippines, please see the Philippines Department of Health site .

What should you pack for safely traveling in the Philippines?

😷 Face Masks – Face coverings are optional but recommended in crowded areas. Find N95 masks at Bona Fide > or designer options at Vida >

💊 Medicine – Bring enough prescription and over-the-counter medication for your entire trip to avoid trips to the clinic.

💳 Vaccine Card Holder – Protect that paper CDC card when traveling abroad (if your country doesn’t offer a digital version). Get a simple plastic protector > or Vegan leather clippable > or Leather passport + card combo holder >

👃 Covid self-test – The most studied rapid antigen self-test with FDA emergency authorization.  NOT valid to enter countries. Use for your own peace of mind. Order from CVS > or Walmart >

💧 Sealed water bottle – Make sure your reusable water bottle has a lid that’s not exposed to the air. We use one of each of the following: Shop insulated water bottles with protective lid > Shop water bottles with purification filter and protective lid >

✈️ Travel insurance that covers Covid – We’ve started using Nomad Insurance by Safety Wing for affordable evacuation, international medical, and trip coverage.

What do Philippine locals and recent travelers say about visiting the Philippines now?

What is it like to visit the Philippines right now? It’s our goal to provide regular updates here from real people on the ground, to help potential visitors know what to expect. The following are subjective opinions only. Official travel guidance can be found above.

November 2023 – Gladis of Happiness on the Way , Filipina citizen:  “I flew from Frankfurt to Clark International Airport (Philippines) in September and was surprised by the low number of tourists. I’ve traveled around Clark and Manila for a month and most of the businesses like cafes, restaurants and even tours are all back – I love how I was able to see famous spots with less tourists!

Healthcare, testing, and local attractions are fully operational in most cities and touristy towns. Hotels and restaurants provide sanitizers, and staff are vaccinated with open-air setups. Airports in the Philippines have synchronized e-travel for smoother lines. Most popular destinations have maximum tourists now, so booking ahead is advisable to secure your spot.”

June 2023 – Liza of Always in Spain : “I’m in the Philippines for one month (May to June 2023) to visit family and travel around the country.

Tourism in the Philippines is thriving again! Tourist attractions are open without restrictions, tour operators are offering services again, and transportation (air & land) look fully open for domestic travel so it’s easy to get around the country.

Aside from having to complete a declaration upon arrival, things are back to normal in the Philippines. Some people still prefer to mask up (especially indoors) but it’s not obligatory.

Pharmacies are plentiful in the large cities so you have easy access to home testing kits and over-the-counter medication if you need it. If you’re traveling to more remote areas, it’s a good idea to have your own emergency medical kit just in case.”

February 2023 – Kieren of Wales Guidebook , UK traveler:  “My girlfriend and I visited the Philippines for 10 days in February 2023 with a return trip from Bali. Tourism in the Philippines is mostly back to normal. Aside from being asked to wear masks at airports and onboard with some airlines, there were no other Covid requirements or restrictions and I can highly recommend visiting at this time.

Although signage regarding Covid restrictions (such as mask wearing) are still on display across the country, these are rarely enforced. You may still see staff wearing masks in supermarkets and shopping malls. Pharmacies are readily available in most areas frequented by tourists and the level of English is usually enough to get any medicine you need. Chain pharmacies, such as Watsons, are more likely to speak a good level of English.”

October 2022 – Jennifer Terri, Philippines:

September 2022 – Elizabeth, visitor from UK:   “I visited the Philippines for a 3-week trip to explore its top destinations. The locals are still wearing masks, however, it’s a bit more relaxed, especially in the open public area. When you enter an establishment, you will be asked or expected to put on the mask.

Most businesses related to tourism are open or in service such as airlines, hotels, and tour agencies. Locals seems to be getting back on travelling as well, but it seems like the airlines are not well-staffed resulting in long queues, although very little delay.”

July 2022 – Angeline of GoAroundPhilippines.com , resident:  “All tourist destinations in the country are open and locals mostly enjoy them now. It is the best time to visit as there are still few tourists around and you can easily get cheaper rates for hotels and tours as companies need tourists.

The islands and beaches have gone through a bit of a break so they’ve become more vibrant and marine animals are plenty. There are still no long lines or crowds either.”

March 2022 – Camille, resident of the Philippines: “Things are finally the closest it’s been to “back to normal” after two long years of strict quarantine rules. Everything feels much more relaxed and people are happy to go out, dine out, party, and travel. Even though it feels like back to normal, most people still comply with wearing masks almost everywhere so this is something foreigners should expect and be sensitive in following.

Many places still are at limited capacity though, so lines are long and crowds can be packed. As much as possible, we appreciate it when tourists are understanding of any delays or mishaps. There’s a period of adjustment since it’s only been recently that things are as they were before. Many workers have been affected and are now happy to get back to work, so patience and tips are appreciated. At the end of the day, tourism has always played a big part in our economy so you’ll definitely feel welcome.”

July 2021 – Ailene, resident of Manila: “The Philippines does not currently allow tourists to enter the country. Majority of the residents are hesitant to the reopening of the borders to foreign tourists because of the fear that our healthcare system would collapse if there will be a surge in Covid cases. In Metro Manila, people (except children and senior citizens) are free to move within the city as long as the curfew, social distancing, face mask, and face shield rules are observed. Traveling to other places outside Metro Manila is also possible. Travel restrictions are generally being followed. However, there were some instances when people were caught violating the rules such as faking their Covid results, partying, and not following the curfew. Access to healthcare is a little difficult. In some hospitals and clinics, patients without an appointment will not be allowed to enter. But virtual consultation is also available. Getting tested for Covid is easier. People have an option to get tested at clinics, hospitals, drive through testing centers, or at home. Access to local attractions is possible as long as the needed requirements are provided. A negative Covid test is required in some destinations, while a health certificate is enough for some. Right now, the safest and preferred places to travel to are private resorts and outdoor open areas like parks and beaches where interaction with other people can be avoided as much as possible. Restaurants, groceries, and other food service can be accessed easily. Although public transportation is available for travelers, it is safer to travel in private vehicles.”

June 2021 – Tina of https://iwentanyways.com , resident of Philippines: “Many provinces in the country are not yet open to tourism, and those that are already open have requirements that need to be followed. Locals have varying reaction to their place opening up to tourists. Some support the opening due to financial reasons, while those that are not in favor are concerned that these tourists might spread the virus in their place. Travel restrictions are being followed by locals and visitors, but I’ve heard of stories of some people who do not follow it but are able to get away with it. As for the healthcare and testing, most of the hospitals and testing centers are available in the capital cities. Some provinces that have opened for tourism require visitors to register in an app and wait for the approval of their visit before they could travel. This is required for contact tracing purposes.”

Even if you can’t go to the Philippines right now, you can still get started planning your Philippines trip for the future.

Check out our other Philippines travel resources: – Best Places to Visit in the Philippines on a Budget

If you have questions or updates about travel to the Philippines during the Coronavirus crisis or post-pandemic, please let us know in the comments below. *Please note that we are not able to advise travelers regarding specific situations outside of the free information provided above. We recommend working with a professional travel agent if you need assistance particular to your trip.

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Disclaimer: Please note, travel restrictions change frequently. Readers must take responsibility for verifying information through official sources like the State Department and CDC, in respect to their specific situations. No responsibility can be accepted by Intentional Travelers for action or inaction as a result of information provided through IntentionalTravelers.com. Any information provided here is issued as general information only.

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84 Comments

We have booked a trip to the Philippines next month. We have not been vaccinated for covid19, Earlier it was mentioned that we had to take a corona test to enter the philippines. Last weekend all corona measures in the Philippines were scrapped, see source: https://pco.gov.ph/news_releases/pbbm-lifts-state-of-public-health-emergency-throughout-ph-due-to-covid-19/

I don’t want any surprises, Can you please confirm to me if we need to take a corona test to fly to the Philippines (from Madrid) or if it is therefore not necessary anymore now. In addition, I am also asking for more clarity on the inernal movements.

Hello Falko. Since the State of Public Health Emergency has been lifted in the Philippines, all rules and restrictions due to Covid 19 are no longer in effect. This means that you are no longer required to present a negative Covid test to enter the Philippines. For traveling within the Philippines, restrictions are also no longer in effect. However, it is still advisable to check your destination’s local government unit (LGU) official website or Facebook page for the latest travel guidelines. You may also check for the latest COVID requirements by destination through this websites: https://www.philippineairlines.com/covid-information-hub/covid-requirements

Hello, I’m a little confused on one issue. I’m a US citizen unvaccinated and would like to fly to the Philippines. I know what tests, etc I need to actually fly to the philippines, but what is not clear to me based on conflicting information is will I be required to take another covid test on arrival if the 24 hour one taken before flight was negative? One thing I don’t want to happen is discover I have to have another one when I arrive as I really hate them since they are so unnecessarily intrusive, and I’ve read some places that you will need a second one on arrival regardless of the results of the preflight test. I would be flying to Cebu. Thank you for your time.

Hello Sam, thank you for visiting our blog. According to the current entry rules , unvaccinated or partially vaccinated “travelers 15 years and older who fail to present a negative pre-departure testing shall be required to undergo a laboratory-based Antigen Test UPON ARRIVAL at the airport.” Therefore, if you can provide a valid and negative pre-departure Covid test when you arrive in the Philippines, then you will no longer have to test upon arrival at the airport.

Thank you for answering my question, that is good news. Just one other question please. Where do I look to find what remotely supervised covid tests are accepted by Philippines government on arrival since I don’t want to take a test in a clinic?

Hello Sam. Unfortunately, we cannot find updated information about remotely supervised tests accepted by the Philippines. It seems like no updates have been published but we’ll let you know if we find updated information regarding this. You may also contact the Philippine Department of Tourism official Facebook page or a Philippine embassy near you to get information about remotely supervised tests.

Is a negative COVID test result required for return travel from the Philippines to the United States?

Hi. Regardless of departure point, test results are not required going to the US, and as of this month (May 2023), noncitizen nonimmigrant air passengers no longer need to show proof of being fully vaccinated either.

I will be on vacation soon in the Philippines and resorts (specifically at Pico de Loro, Batangas and Los Banos, Laguna) still require a certified negative covid-test for stay. Where can I get this certified covid-19 rapid antigen test?

Hello Yeen. Thank you for visiting our blog. You can see the list of licensed Covid 19 testing facilities in the Philippines here: Philippine Department of Health Licensed Covid-19 Testing Laboratories

I am traveling to the Philippines in July 2023. I see that the Philippines currently still requires a negative Antigen Test for entry. Once a traveler has entered the country and wants to travel to different locations (such as Tacloban, Cebu City, Bohol, etc.) does a traveler have to provide a clean test at every domestic airport in the Philippines to board the plane if I stayed at each different location for 3-5 days? I need clarification as the domestic air carriers (Cebu Pacific, Air Asia, etc.) indicate that you need at least a negative Antigen Test to board on their websites. Any comments from recent travelers in the Philippines would be helpful. Thank you

Hi Greg. It is correct that the Philippines still require proof of a negative COVID test for entry if a traveler is unvaccinated or partially vaccinated. For travel within the Philippines, most destination no longer require a negative test for domestic flights. However, please note that some destination may still require a negative test and other documents for domestic travel depending on the local authorities’ regulations. We recommend that you check your destination’s local government unit (LGU) official website or Facebook page for the latest travel guidelines and requirements.

You may also check for the latest COVID requirements by destination through these websites: https://www.cebupacificair.com/pages/travel-info/covid-travel-reminders/travel-document-requirements?lang=en-PH https://www.philippineairlines.com/covid-information-hub/covid-requirements

We hope this helps and thank you for visiting our blog!

Hello, we are scheduled to go to the Philippines February 1st. We will be flying to japan January 27th and then from japan to Manila February 1st. Then from Manila to Boracay on the 2nd of February. We are American us citizens unvaccinated. What are the requirements and regulations for us? Will we be allowed to go with the new covid laws?

Hello Vee. Thanks for visiting our blog. Based on the current travel requirements and your status as an unvaccinated U.S. citizens, the following are the requirements you need:

For travel to Japan, you will need to provide a pre-travel COVID-19 test conducted within 72 hours prior to departure from the country/region of origin. You may check the Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs webpage or the U.S. Embassy in Japan webpage for details.

For travel to the Philippines, you will need the follwing: – negative Antigen test certificate from a clinic conducted within 24 hours of departure from the country of origin – complete a BOQ e-Health Declaration Card (e-HDC), including children – passport valid for at least six months at the time of arrival – return or outbound ticket to your country of origin or next country of destination.

Once you’re in the Philippines, the requirements to travel to Boracay are the following: – Tourist Arrival Form – Confirmed Boracay Hotel Booking slip/voucher – Passport (for Foreigners)

You may also contact the Boracay/Aklan Tourism facebook page for more details.

Hello, we are Polish Filipino marrige and we are not vaccinated. We are planing to Visit Philipinnes in the middle of January 2024. Do you think it will be still required to do the PCR covid tests before travel? Since I read about Thailand, Laos, Vietnam is already fully open (no covid tests, no vaccinated etc). When they will fully open the Philippines? Regards

Thanks for visiting our blog. We don’t have any special information about the government’s future plans about travel restrictions, however, we will be sure to update this post when we see that anything changes.

Hello there, i am filipino-american citizen. I am unvaccinated and my vacation and my 4yo son to cebu by october. What are the restrictions for us since we don’t want to get vaccinated. From cebu international airport do we have to book a hotel for quaratines that are doh accredited and for how many days? Is it possible to choose our own place to stay while waiting for pcr test? And also does me and my son need a pcr test before we travel to Philippines? And also do we need return ticket or not needed? Hope to hear your response. Thank you

Hi Isabel. Thanks for visiting our blog! The current restriction states that foreign nationals (including Balikbayans) visiting the Philippines without a visa must be vaccinated. Unfortunately, you won’t be allowed entry into the Philippines based on the current rules. The same goes for your 4-year-old son since he will follow the rules that are applicable to you. However, if you will enter the Philippines with a visa or if you have double citizenship (Filipino and American) then it’s possible that you and your son may be allowed entry. We recommend that you contact or visit the Philippine Embassy in your area to see if there are any exemptions applicable to you that will allow you to visit the Philippines. Hope this helps.

Hello hoping to travel to the Philippines but I am unvaccinated are they open for unvaccinated foreign travelers yet?

Hi Mark. You’ll find the answer to that in our post and we’ll continue to update it as rules change.

Please note that on the PAL site ( https://www.philippineairlines.com/en/covid-19/arrivingintheph ) it states that valid return ticket(s) to the original port of origin or next port of destination for not more than 30 days from the date of arrival in the Philippines is/are required. Since I want to go for 3 months can I assume this is now impossible? Please help

Hi Norman! Thanks for visiting our blog. Tourists entering the Philippines visa-free are allowed to stay for not more than 30 days. Thus, the need for a valid return ticket to your country of origin or your next destination dated not more than 30 days from the date of arrival in the Philippines. If you want to stay in the Philippines for more than 30 days, you will need to apply for a Philippine tourist visa. You need to contact the Philippine Embassy or Consulate near you for information on how to apply for a Philippine tourist visa. I hope this helps.

I am a Filipino citizen with Philippine passport and vaccinated, I will be traveling with my family to Philippines – my husband american citizen fully vaccinated, but my 1.5 yrs old son also american citizen and not vaccinated. We are just planning to stay in the Philippines for 1 week just for my son to meet my parents. My question is, will he/we still need to be in quarantine? Thanks

Hi Camille. Thanks for visiting our blog. According to the Philippine’s quarantine rules, children below the age of 12 who cannot be vaccinated must follow the quarantine protocols of the parents traveling with them. Since you and your husband are fully vaccinated and do not need to quarantine, your son is not required to quarantine as well. You may also contact the Philippine Bureau of Immigration for more information regarding entry requirements.

I heard the quarantine laws recently changed. I am a US citizen fully vaccinated. I have two questions…

1) Do I still have to quarantine? 2) Will I be admitted with a work visa?

Thanks for visiting our blog. If you are traveling to the Philippines from the United States and fully vaccinated, you still need to quarantine at a government approved facility until the result of a RT-PCR test taken on the 5th day of quarantine is released. If the result is negative, you’ll be allowed to continue the quarantine at home until the 10th day. You can check the post for more details about quarantine rules in the Philippines. Regarding your work visa, if it is valid and existing, then you may be allowed to enter the Philippines. We advise that you contact the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate in your area to get more information and before attempting travel.

Travel to the Philippines My legal wife is an ex-Philippine citizen having been “required” to give it up on becoming a Canadian citizen, more years ago than I’m “allowed to divulge”! I’m a naturalized Canadian citizen originally from the UK, a few years ago shall we say! Am I correct in believing my wife can travel “home” without a pre-authorized but will we granted a “tourist” visa on arrival, and that I may accompany her getting a “balikbyan” visa on arrival?

Vaccine “Combo” Canada considers us “fully” vaccinated against COVID-19 with 1st Dose Pfizer-BioNTech & 2nd Dose Moderna Mrna vaccines, but is this “combo” accepted by the Philippines?

Vaccination-Quarantine I understand that as we are “fully” vaccinated we will be required to “reside” at a hotel for 7 days with a PCR test on Day 5, and if the PCR test is clear we can then shorten the full 14-day period to 10 days? Can the hotel be “of our choice” if that hotel provides such facilities, or are their only “designated” hotels to choose from? At the hotel do we have full access to its facilities such as swimming pool etc if open, or are we “imprisioned” in our rooms for the duration?

Post-Quarantine Travel in the Locale Are there any restrictions for “ALL” in moving around the locale to say attend golf courses if open, and can we travel by public transport. Are there any “AGE” restrictions as we are seniors, although the exact ages are a “closely guarded secret”!

Travel to Provences On arrival into Manila can we “immediately” transfer to the domestic airport for travel to the Provences for quarantine, or do we have to quarantine in Manila before moving on?

Best wishes William & Lourdes

Hello, William and Lourdes, and thank you for visiting our blog. These are important questions you have, and travel restrictions can certainly be confusing, not to mention constantly changing. We are only able to track a limited set of scenarios, which we post for free on the blog. To answer specific questions beyond what’s in our post, we would recommend working with a travel agent to ensure your trip needs are met. We’ll also see where we can better clarify some of the information in our post in the coming days. Best regards.

I would like to get a visitor visa for the Philippines as I plan to marry my fiancé who is a Philippine resident in January 2022. Can you guide me to websites so that the visa process for the Philippines can be simplified if that is possible, or inexpensive visa service for the Philippines? Thank you for any help you can provide me. Anthony

Hi Anthony. Thank you for your question. As we do not have personal experience using a visa service ourselves, we can only recommend doing a web search for “philippines visa services” and checking for recent user reviews. Perhaps one of our other readers will be able to chime in with a suggestion in the future.

Hi – Is there a quarantine exception offered for emergency travel from the U.S. (fully vaccinated) such as caring for sick/dying family member?

Thanks for visiting our blog. We are not aware of emergency exceptions at this time. With the many changing rules, we have to focus on those that apply to the majority of travelers, so a travel agent or visa service that specializes in the Philippines may be more help for specific scenarios or exceptions.

Hi! Fully vaccinated foreign travellers who have been in a green list country for at least 14 days are allowed to enter the Philippines without any problems as long as they quarantine 7 days in an approved facility, right? So for me who live in Italy, the only way I can currently access the Philippines would be to travel to Albania (green list country) right after I get my second dose, stay there 2 weeks and then fly from Albania to the Philippines.

Hi Andrea, thank you for visiting our blog. That is a very good question. The Philippines’ green lane was created to lessen the quarantine period of fully vaccinated individuals who are allowed to enter in the Philippines. Therefore, it is important to determine first if you belong to any of the traveler categories who can enter the Philippines. For foreign citizens, you must have a valid and existing Philippine visa. If without a visa, you must be a former Filipino or a family member traveling with a former Filipino. You can check the complete details of who can enter the Philippines here .

If you are one of those travelers who are allowed to enter, fully vaccinated, and traveling from Albania or any of the countries in the Philippines’ green list, the quarantine period would only be 7 days.

Hi Ailene and thank you for your kind reply. I guess I will need a visa and probably an exemption document which I have now idea how to get and if there are any requirements I don’t think I meet them anyway since the purpose of the trip would be to visit my girlfriend hence why I am considered as a mere tourist.

I’m from Arizona currently looking for a way to travel to the Philippines ASAP to marry my fiance. I have my vaild US passport, however found myself needing a tourist visa with a possible certificate of entry as well..would you recommend going through a travel agency, a family member who is Filipino, or waiting for the covid travel restrictions to be lifted? Point me in the right direction or any vaild news will be greatly appreciated. Thanks & God bless.

Hi Chris. Without a valid and existing visa, you would need to wait for restrictions to change. We’ll be sure to update this post as we get more news. In general, we do recommend working with a travel agent who is familiar with Philippine visas to help navigate the ever-changing travel situation these days.

Chris You and so many others are in the same situation. I am looking into flying my Fiance to another country, (Mexico, Columbia or Costa Rica) Getting married there Then fly back together on a Balikbayan Visa.

Hi! We want to visit Philippines in February. If we are vaccinated with 2 doses do we still need to do a covid test? We need to fill out a form before entering the Philippines? but for Boracay? Thank you!

Hello Cristina! Based on the current Philippine travel rules, a booster is no longer required for entry, therefore, you no longer need to provide a negative Covid test. However, you need to register on the Philippines eTravel website and you can register up to three days in advance of your departure. For Boracay, a filled out tourist arrival form, hotel booking, and passport for foreign tourists are required. You can check details here or you may contact the Aklan government through their Facebook page for additional information.

Hi! I was just wondering, are fully vaccinated senior citizen (60 years and older) coming from Canada allowed to enter Philippines? Are there any travel restriction for their age group? Thanks a lot!

Thanks for visiting our blog. We’ve been focusing on requirements primarily for US citizens, as it can vary by country and it’s a challenge to track all the changes. I would double-check with the Canadian State Department and/or a travel agent for more specific guidance. It’s my understanding that the age group restrictions don’t apply for entering the country but rather for going out and about once there – so far this has only been relevant to Philippine residents and will likely change with local vaccination rates eventually.

Hi, thank you for a really good blog. I am fully vaccinated norwegian man, and I wonder if you know anything about when it will be possible to travel to the Philippines. Cebu is a possible destination. If you dont know, because I think no one can know for sure now, what will be your educated guess. I have a close friend I want to visit there.

I’m glad you’ve found our blog helpful. I wish we had more insight as to when things will open up more. Some countries in Southeast Asia have indicated that they may wait until a majority of their own population is vaccinated, so it really is uncertain. We’ll do our best to provide updates here as they come out.

I am a fully-vaccinated US citizen. Do I understand correctly that I can fly into Cebu with no quarantine requirements? What covid-related requirements would I be subjected to (e.g. tests, etc). Thank you!

Hi James. Thank you for visiting our blog. Travelers flying in directly to Cebu don’t have to quarantine at the hotel, provided that they receive a negative test result conducted immediately upon arrival at the airport. Please note that this is applicable only to permitted foreign nationals. We recommend that you contact the local government of Cebu or the Cebu-Mactan International Airport for complete details and requirements. Also, as of today, only US citizens with visa, US citizens who are former Filipinos, and US citizens who are family members and traveling with a Filipino citizen or former Filipino are allowed entry in the Philippines. Please see the Philippine Bureau of Immigration page for complete details. It is also advisable to contact the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in your area for more information and before attempting travel.

My daughter was born in Manila in 2020. What do i need to do to get to the philippines? The philippines embassy in los angelas doesn’t replay to my emails and nobody picks up the phones. please help

Hello and thank you for visiting our blog. We do our best to provide regularly updated information on this post for free to the public, as our small team does not have capacity to provide individualized advice for everyone who requests. If you’re not able to find what you need in the details of our post or through the official resource links we have provided above, many travelers are finding this type of support through travel agents.

I’m from Canada and I’m also a citizen here. I don’t understand why United States citizen foreigners are allowed in the Philippines but not Canadians when their country is much worse with the current situation with the covid virus. Or are Canadians allowed also? Thank you.

Hello and thanks for visiting our blog. Because the majority of our blog readers are from the US and rules do vary by country and change frequently, we have chosen to focus on restrictions for Americans in this particular post. This does not mean other nationalities are excluded from entering the Philippines. I would suggest checking the Canadian State Department website for details that apply to your home country.

Thanks for all the info! Hoping to head to the Philippines December of this year, of course plans are put on hold until then.

I’m planning a trip in August. Do you think the borders will be reopened? If so, I want to go to Iloilo directly, can I quarantine there instead of Manilla even though I have a 1h change (stopover because of a direct flight with terminal as Iloilo) of plane there? Thank you

Hi. Thanks for visiting our blog. We do our best to keep this post updated as things change, but we don’t have any special insight as to when changes will happen in the future. For advice on specific trip questions that you can’t find in our post, we recommend seeking a professional travel agent. Safe travels.

My American boyfriend planning to come and meet me this coming month of July. He should get a visa in US before coming here in the Philippines or he could get a visa when he landed here in the Philippines then? His destination will be in Kalibo, Aklan. Any idea about the protocols travelling to Kalibo, Aklan? And if he need to be quarantine for 14 days? He’s already fully vaccinated with Moderna vaccine. He is also tested in Covid and had a negative results. Thank you.

Thank you for visiting our blog. Traveling to the Philippines without a visa, unfortunately, that has been temporarily suspended because of the pandemic so he would need to arrange a visa before traveling. You can find details on the Philippine Bureau of Immigration Facebook page . Please note that we are not able to advise travelers regarding specific situations outside of the free information we already provide above. If you’re not able to find answers for your particular trip in our post, we recommend working with a professional travel agent to ensure your personal trip needs are met.

I’M TRYING TO TRAVEL IN JULY IS IT POSSIBLE FOR ME TO VISIT MY FAMILY. I’M AN AMERICAN CITIZEN BUT FORMERLY FILIPINO CITIZEN. FULLY VACCINATED AND JUST GOT SWAB FOR COVID 4 TIMES ALREADY. THANK YOU

Hello and thank you for visiting our blog. We do our best to provide regularly updated information on this post for free to the public, as our small team does not have capacity to provide individualized advice for everyone who requests. I hope you’ll find what you need in the details of our post or through the official resource links we have provided above. If you need further assistance, many travelers are finding this type of support through travel agents.

i don’t know how accurate your info is as i work with a filipino here in the US and he watches Philip news online and told me that if you fly into Cebu which is where i go not Manila that you get a temp check at the airport and only have to quarantine for 1 day not 14 like u said, also can you answer this question. I being a American and traveling with a passport the bureau of philippines website said if your traveling to the PI for less then 30 days you don]t need a tourist visa just your passport…any truth to that?? Thanks

Hi Will. As a general rule, a mandatory quarantine of 7-14 days is required for persons traveling to the Philippines. In the Province of Cebu, it is true that quarantine is no longer a requirement as of March 31, 2021. However, this is only for repatriated Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and returning non-OFWs. You can visit the Cebu Provincial Tourism Office page for more information about this.

About traveling to the Philippines without a visa, unfortunately, that has been temporarily suspended because of the pandemic. Please check the Philippine Bureau of Immigration Facebook page for information and updates on who are allowed entry into the Philippines at this time.

Thank you so much for the information, that helps a lot….can’t wait to be there, but I know it may get delayed again. Just as long as everyone is safe and protected I can wait. I love the Philippine people, such beautiful souls.

I have rescheduled my trip from USA Arizona to Lapu-Lapu city where I will be staying with my friend who lives there this coming August….4th time rebooking since COVID. I will be there for 3 weeks. I have my COVID vaccination already and got a Hepatitis A vaccine. Do you know what other vaccines are required? Also, will I need to get a Visa since I am on a limited stay? Been trying to get there since last May, but want to be safe for everyone there. I am so looking forward to being with my friend this has been 2 years in the making. Thank you for any information you can give.

Hi Kenneth. I hope your trip will finally come to fruition. As you know, it’s still a difficult time to plan travel and the situation continues to change month to month. According to the State Department, U.S. citizens must have a visa to enter the Philippines for all travel purposes. The best place to find vaccination requirements and recommendations would be through the CDC: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list

I am a Physician in Mexico with a Philippine wife. She is returning there on May 2. I am wondering what I need to travel only to Manilla in June or July only to accompany her back to Mexico. I would have no problem staying at motel around Manila for the approximately 30 days that I will be there. Any help on this ?

Hello and thanks for visiting the blog. Your ability to enter the Philippines as the spouse of a Filippino citizen in June/July will depend on whether the suspension is lifted for foreign nationals. We will do our best to update this post as the situation changes. Please refer to our post for other protocols and recommended hotels for quarantine in Manila. For further assistance, you may wish to work with a travel agent.

Planning to come home to the Philippines on May from a very long time (1982) since I left PI.. I am now a Us Passport holder, am I qualified as a Philippine balikbayan? Do I need to get a Philippine visa? Is my husband the same?

Hi Nimfa. Thanks for visiting our blog! Under the Philippines Balikbayan Program , you are considered a “balikbayan”. You can visit the Philippines and stay for 1 year without a visa. Your husband can also get the same privilege as long as he is traveling with you.

However, please take note that traveling to the Philippines has been recently suspended until April 19, 2021. Check our blog for updates on who will be allowed entry in May. We also advise that you contact the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate in your area for more information and before attempting travel.

With vaccines starting to arrive in PI and some places starting to make roll out plans- Any idea when tourist visas will start to be processed again and citizens will be able to take a trips out of PI?

Hi Dan. Thank you for your question, but I’m afraid we don’t have any special insight about when the Philippines will make changes to travel protocols.

i am now in the us, i left manila last march and coming back in april, do i still need to book a hotel for quarantine? most articles i see are for ofw’s and balikbayans.

also, do you know kung sino sasagot ng food ng magku-quarantine? coz hindi makakalabas yun tao to buy food and water. just wondering.

Hi Cher. Yes, you still need a confirmed booking at any accredited quarantine hotel in Metro Manila for at least 7 days (or 6 nights) from the date of your arrival. This is to accommodate the schedule of your RT-PCR test (which will be on the 5th day) and the release of the result. Your food during your stay at the hotel will be at your own expense. You may also have food from outside the hotel delivered to your room, but you need to check with the rules and regulations of the hotel first if it is allowed.

You may check the Philippine Airlines or the Philippines Travel website for the complete guidelines. I hope this helps.

Hello Is there a list of the hotels like in Manila or Subic that might be quarantine hotels and what the costs would be for the 14 day duration. .

Hi Bob. The current list of accredited hotels by the Bureau of Quarantine can be found here: http://quarantine.doh.gov.ph/facilities-inspected-as-of-february-18-2021/ You would need to look up the costs for individual hotels that interest you.

What is the best website to get Current travel updates for traveling to the Philippines this spring if possible.

Hi and thanks for visiting our blog. We are doing our best to update this post on a weekly basis with current information about travel to the Philippines. Your home country’s State Department website is probably the most reliable source. To get an official answer for your Spring travel, you can contact the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate (if in the United States).

The Philippine Airlines website is the most up to date regarding travel restrictions.

If one has had a coronavirus vaccine in the US, can one come to the Philippines without the need to quarantine and have the Covid test? I should have my second round of the Moderna vaccine on March 4th. Could I travel to the Philippines shortly after that time if I have a card proving that I had the vaccine?

That is a good question and I think many are wondering the same thing about other destinations as well. We can’t predict when the Philippines will reopen to travelers, nor what they will choose to require in terms of vaccines. From what I’ve read, I would guess that most destinations will continue to require a Covid test regardless of the vaccine since the timeline for immunity after vaccination is still uncertain.

I look forward to the country opening again. It is certainly one of my favorites!

Can I book myself on June or July to go to manila since they ( Department of Tourism ) mencioned that they will reopen the country for international tourism around June so ????

Hi Ricardo. We cannot predict if you’ll be able to fly into Manila at that time. What we personally are doing is making sure any flight we book is fully refundable, or can at least be changed to a later date without change fees if travel is not allowed for our original flight date. This will depend on the particular airline’s terms and conditions.

Do you know when is the date or anything that the Philippine government is gonna let foreigners for tourism cause I’ve been planning this trip for a year and its getting the people so angry that we cant go to the Philippines and nobody can give me a straight up answer.

Hi Clint. Thanks for your question. We know how frustrating it can be to have travel plans up in the air. Unfortunately, most countries do not have set dates for opening tourism yet because so much depends on ever-changing situations, both domestically and internationally.

Covid is spreading rapidly and nobody is vaccinated there stay home and keep you and the Philippines safer

The Philippines has no intention of opening up to tourism any time soon. The president has said that when the country is between 70 to 80 percent vaccinated it will reopen the country it currently is at 19%. So if you want to take a vacation start thinking of an alternative destination or your going to be waiting for at least a year.

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