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Now Open To Foreigners- Can I Travel To The Philippines Right Now?

The Philippines just announced it is opening its borders to foreign tourists. Do you want to visit the Philippines but are unsure about the current travel restrictions? Learn about the entry procedures, vaccination status, and documentation required to answer the question, Can I travel to the Philippines right now. minutes

03/14/24

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About the author

Hi, I'm Marco Sison. I worked in finance for Fortune 50 companies before retiring early at 41 years old. I have been an expat for over 10 years, living in over 50 countries to show you the best ways to save, invest, and live in amazing countries outside the USA. I am a trusted resource on personal finance and overseas retirement for US News & World Reports, HuffPost, MSN Money, USA Today, ABC Network, Yahoo Finance, Association of MBAs, the iTunes documentary Seeking FIRE, and the Amazon Best-Seller- Abroad: Expats That Thrive.

Overview- Can I travel to the Philippines Right Now?

Updated Nov 11, 2022 with latest IATF Resolution No. 2 information

Yes. The borders of this beautiful Archipelago Nation are now open to ALL foreign international travelers. Finally, some good news for foreign tourists and expats waiting to enter the Philippines and enjoy the country's gorgeous white sand beaches and famous islands.

The IATF-EID (Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases) has updated the requirements for who can enter the Philippines. As of October 4th, the National Government lifted the nonessential travel ban. The entry, testing, and quarantine protocols for foreign citizens entering the Philippines for business or tourism are now as follows:

  1. 1
    Foreign, Vaccinated/Unvaccinated/Partially Vaccinated, and Visa-Free
    FULLY VACCINATED foreign citizens from the 157 countries listed below are allowed visa-free entry to the Philippines Click Here If You Are From A Visa-Free Country.
  2. 2
    Foreign, Vaccinated/Unvaccinated/Partially Vaccinated, and Visa-Restricted
    Foreign citizens from visa-required countries (countries NOT on the list below) require a valid visa from the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate. However, as of April 1, 2022, existing IATF rules and regulations no longer require an Entry Exemption Document (EED) and as of October 4th, no vaccination is required to enter the Philippinnes. Click Here If You Are From A Visa-Required Country
  3. 4
    Returning Filipino
    Click Here If You Are A Returning Filipino
  4. 5
    Again, unvaccinated foreign nationals are now allowed to enter the Philippines. Stay safe everyone.

LIST OF COUNTRIES Allowed To Enter The Philippines Visa-Free [Click to Expand]

[table id=62/]

*HINT- The United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia are on the approved visa-free list.

QUICK SUMMARY- Foreigners Entering The Philippines

  • The nonessential travel ban has been lifted
  • Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated foreign travelers can now enter the Philippines
  • Foreigners with an IATF accepted vaccine certificate do not require an antigen test.
  • Foreign citizens from 157 countries, including the United States, are allowed visa-free entry
  • Unvaccinated/Partially Vaccinated Individuals
    For 15 years old and above - should present an antigen test taken within 24hours prior to departure from country of origin

Please note the information in this article is correct as of the date of publication. However, the situation is fluid, and the country's public health authority can change the travel advisory or issue a travel warning at any time. 

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Who can travel to the Philippines?

As of October 4th, per IATF Resolution No. 2, all unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, and fully vaccinated Filipinos and Foreign Nationals can enter the Philippines. 

Again, unvaccinated foreign nationals are now allowed to enter the Philippines.

Under IATF Resolution 159, the Bureau of Immigration changed the entry restrictions to allow returning Philippine citizens, former Philippine citizens, and all fully vaccinated foreign nationals to travel the Philippines regardless of their country of origin. As of February 10th, restrictions still existed for NON-VACCINATED foreigners. However, as of October 4, 2022, restrictions for non-vaccinated foreigners has been lifted. 

You can read the specific entry procedures for Filipino Nationals, foreign nationals from visa-free countries, and foreign nationals from visa-required countries below.

Can US Citizens Travel To The Philippines Right Now?

Yes. As of February 10th, the Bureau of Immigration changed the entry restrictions to allow fully vaccinated Americans to travel to the Philippines for tourism or business purposes without a visa or Entry Exemption Document (EED). To enter the Philippines, US citizens will need acceptable proof of vaccination, a Negative RT-PCR test within 48 hours prior to the date and time of departure, and a departure ticket no later than 30 days from the date of arrival.

Documentation, Quarantine, Testing, and Vaccination Requirements For Foreigners Traveling To The Philippines

Travelers Entering The Philippines Visa-Free Must:

required proof of vaccination to travel to the philippines right now


  1. Be a citizen from one of 157 Visa-Free countries (*Hint: the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia are on the visa-free list);
  2. Fully vaccinated travelers must present valid proof of vaccinationOR
  3. Show a negative RT-PCR test result taken no more than 24 hours from departure of your first flight. The 24-hour timeline excludes layovers, as long as you did not leave the airport or enter the transit country; 
  4. Purchase a departure ticket leaving the Philippines no later than 30 days from your arrival date. Exemptions for onward tickets are:
    • Foreign spouses and children of Filipino citizens,
    who are traveling with Filipino citizens; and
    • Former Filipino citizens with Balikbayan privileges
    under Republic Act No. 9174, including their spouse
    and / or children, who are traveling with Filipino citizens;
  5. Hold a valid passport with an expiration date at least 6-months from the time of entry into the Philippines;
  6. eARRIVAL CARD- As of December 2nd, 2022, the One Health Pass has been officially replaced with the electronic ARRIVAL CARD (eARRIVAL CARD). The eArrival card should be filled out 72 hours prior to your trip  to the Philippines. The eArrival card is free of charge. If a website is asking for a registration fee, you are on a scam website. Use the official eArrival website
  7. Philippines medical insurance is no longer required but is recommended. Travel insurance is inexpensive (some plans cost $1 per day) and can be a literal lifesaver. You can get a free quote from Allianz international travel health insurance by clicking here. 

Note- Minor children under 15 years old follow the quarantine protocols of parents or accompanying adult.

The eArrival website takes the place of the older One Health Pass requirement to travel to the Philippines

To avoid scams, ensure you are using the government website to apply for your eARRIVAL card

 INSIDER TIP : Onward Ticket Exemptions For Travel To the Philippines- Exemptions for onward tickets are:

  1. Foreign spouses and children of Filipino citizens, who are traveling with Filipino citizens; and
  2. Former Filipino citizens with Balikbayan privileges under Republic Act No. 9174, includes children and foreign spouses married to Filipino citizens.

Travelers Entering The Philippines From A Visa-Required Country Must:

  1. Be a foreign citizen NOT on the list of 157 visa-free countries (*Hint India and China are visa restricted countries);
  2. Acquire a valid 9a Temporary Visitor visa from the Philippines Embassy or Consulate of their home country  (check with your country's Philippine Consulate General for the specific visa application form and requirements) ;
  3. Fully vaccinated travelers must present valid proof of vaccinationOR
  4. Show a negative RT-PCR test result taken no more than 24 hours from departure of your first flight. The 24-hour timeline excludes layovers, as long as you did not leave the airport or enter the transit country; 
  5. eARRIVAL CARDAs of December 2nd, 2022, the One Health Pass has been officially replaced with the electronic ARRIVAL CARD (eARRIVAL CARD). The eArrival card should be filled out 72 hours prior to your trip to the Philippines. The eArrival card is free of charge. If a website is asking for a registration fee, you are on a scam website. Use the official eArrival website.
  6. Philippines medical insurance is no longer required but is recommended. Travel insurance is inexpensive (some plans cost $1 per day) and can be a literal lifesaver. You can get a free quote from Allianz international travel health insurance by clicking here. 
  7. As of April 1, 2022, Securing an entry exemption document (EED) is no longer required;

Note- Minor children under 15 years old follow the quarantine protocols of parents or accompanying adult.

Above Mentioned Foreigners

BI Commissioner Jaime Morente  April 1st, 2022

"Effective 01 April 2022, foreign nationals[1] may be allowed entry into the country without the need of Entry Exemption
Document (EED), PROVIDEĎ, they comply with immigration requirements...

"[1) Including but not limited to APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) holders, AJACS/AJACSSUK visas, etc.
*Áll tourists including 9A visa holders are required to present the return tickets"

Can a foreigner with a valid visa travel to the Philippines right now?

All foreigners (visa-free or visa-restricted countries) who meet the proper entry protocols (either fully vaccinated with certificate or present a negative Covid-19 test) can enter the Philippines.

Quarantine Requirements For Foreign Nationals

Any inbound traveler , whether Filipino or foreign national , who shall test positive for COVID - 19 through rapid antigen test , shall be subjected to the latest prevailing quarantine and isolation protocols of the DOH .

  • Starting with five days of facility-based quarantine until testing negative on an RT-PCR test taken on the 5th day (Day 1 is your date of arrival). 
  • Continue a home quarantine until after the 14th day from their arrival date into the Philippines. 
  • International inbound air travelers who require facility-based quarantine must check into an approved Bureau of Quarantine facility at the first port of arrival entering the Philippines, regardless if transiting to another destination in the Philippines.

    As an example, if you are an international inbound traveler entering the Philippines in
    Cebu City, with plans to transfer to Dumaguete City, you must start your 5-day facility-based quarantine in Cebu City.  After a negative RT-PCR test result on the 5th day, you may transit to Dumaguete to complete your quarantine at home until the 14th day. 
quarantine requirements to travel to the philippines right now


How do I get an Entry Exemption Document (EED) for the Philippines?

NOTE: As of April 1, 2022, an Entry Exemption Document (EED) is no longer required by any foreigners entering the Philippines.

To get an EED, visa restricted foreigners first need to find an endorsing Philippine government agency (like the PRA for a retirement Visa EED) to petition the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs for an EED. Once approved, you can request an entry visa (9a) from your nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate with an EED.

The endorsing government agency you need to contact depends on the type of visa you are requesting:

  1. Retirement (SRRV) = Philippine Retirement Authority
  2. Marriage Visa = No need for EED request a 9a directly from the Philippine Embassy or Consulate of your country of residence
  3. Working Visa = Department of Labor and Employment 
  4. Student Visa (Primary up to Secondary Level) = Department of Education
  5. Student Visa (College and University Students) = Commission on Higher Education (CHED)
  6. Investor's Visa (SIRV) = Board of Investments
  7. Tourism = Department of Tourism 
  8. Business = See section below

How do I get an EED if I want to do business in the Philippines?

To get an EED to enter the Philippines for business related purposes (sales calls, client meetings, business prospecting, etc. ) you will need to request an EED petition from the Philippines government agency with jurisdiction over your business/company.

The endorsing government agency depends on the type of business you will be engaging in.

For example, if your client's business is registered under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), EED has to be requested at the DTI. If you wanted to sell telecommunication equipment, you would contact the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).

The endorsing government agency must submit your entry exemption request directly to the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs Office of Consular Affairs (DFA-OCA).

Not all government agencies are willing to provide EED.

Travel Requirements For Foreigner With Existing Visas Other Than 9a

Foreigners with valid visas (such as the SRRV, 13a, or 13g) that are NOT temporary visitor visas (such as a visa on arrival or a 9a tourist visa) have fewer requirements to enter the Philippines. If you have a previously issued SRRV, 13a, or another visa, you are allowed to enter the Philippines under the following conditions:

  1. Are fully vaccinated or have a negative antigen test
  2. eARRIVAL CARD- The One Health Pass has been officially replaced with the electronic ARRIVAL CARD (eARRIVAL CARD). The eArrival card should be filled out 72 hours prior to your trip  to the Philippines. The eArrival card is free of charge. If a website is asking for a registration fee, you are on a scam website. Use the official eArrival website
  3. No COVID insurance is required;
  4. No onward departure ticket is required.

Outbound Ticket Requirements For Leisure Travelers

Inbound air travelers must prove they have booked valid return tickets to their port of origin or onward tickets to their next port of destination no later than 30-days from their arrival date to the Philippines.

Exceptions to the onward travel ticket requirement are inbound travelers who are foreign spouses or minor children of Filipino citizens or former Filipino citizens under the Balikbayan program. 

As defined by the BI, Balikbayans are former Filipinos naturalized to any of the 157 countries under the amended 1960 Executive Order No. 408. Balikbayans, their spouse, and children traveling together to the Philippines are entitled to a one-year visa-free entry, which they can extend.

Can foreigners travel to the Philippines for more than 30-days?

Yes. Foreigners from visa-free countries can extend their stay in the Philippines past the initial 30-days. However, even if you plan on staying longer than 30-days, you must still show proof of an onward ticket no more than 30-days after your arrival date.

Ensure that you extend your visa prior to the expiration date. If you are in the Philippines on an expired visa, you are considered an "overstaying foreigner" and are subject to potential penalties and fines

 INSIDER TIP : Foreign Family Members of Filipino Nationals or Former Filipino Nationals- have the same entry procedures and travel restrictions listed above as other foreign travelers. Except for the departure ticket requirement and their allowed duration of stay. Family members of Filipinos or Balikbayans not included on the list of visa-free countries must still secure an entry visa before their arrival.

What does the National Government consider acceptable proof of vaccination to enter the Philippines?

Proof of vaccination must be valid under existing IATF regulations. Acceptable proof includes World Health Organization International Certificates of Vaccination and Prophylaxis, VaxCertPH, or a digital vaccination certificate of a foreign country that has accepted VaxCertPH under a reciprocal agreement.

What is the vaccine requirement to travel to the Philippines right now?

All foreigners entering the Philippines must be fully vaccinated. Fully vaccinated means receiving 2-shots of a 2-dose vaccine or 1-shot of a single dose vaccine at least 14 days before entering the Philippines. Acceptable vaccines must be on the emergency use authorization (El-JA) list, compassionate special permit (CSP) issued by the Philippine Food & Drug administration; OR the World Health Organization (WHO) emergency use list. 

Where can I get health insurance that covers the COVID coverage requirement to enter the Philippines?

You will need private health insurance that includes at least $35,000 of COVID-19 treatment coverage. Click either of the links below for the insurance coverage I use that covers $500,000 of COVID medical treatment. 

  • COVID-19 Trip Insurance- A short-term health insurance plan specifically to meet the Philippines mandatory COVID-19 insurance for tourists to enter the country.
  • Travel Health Insurance- This will cover you for unexpected medical issues while overseas. However, the coverage requires you maintain insurance in the United States or your respective home country. I pay roughly $50 per month for complete coverage with no deductible.
  • Expat Medical Insurance- If you retire abroad, expat health insurance is a more complete option. Expat Medical Insurance is the "normal" insurance you are familiar with to from home. Coverage is built for people who live in a country versus traveling. While more expensive than Travel Medical Insurance, premiums are still cheaper than the US. 
  • Will My Home Country Health Insurance Cover Me?

    Most likely no. Most health insurance will not cover you for any injuries sustained outside your home country. You will either need to get travel medical insurance or Expat Medical Insurance.

    If you retire abroad, expat health insurance is a more complete option. Expat Medical Insurance is the "normal" insurance you are familiar with to from home. Coverage is built for expats outside the US and insurance premiums are much cheaper than in the US. 

    Can someone help me with my visa to travel to the Philippines?

    Yes. I can help you with a marriage visa, retirement visa, or work visa? I've partnered with a Philippines Visa Specialist with experience relocating embassy personnel and corporate expats since 2011. If you don't want to deal with the hassle and complexity of the visa process, they can help. 

    My partners are visa specialists certified by the Philippine Retirement Association (PRA) to handle your visa application, document submission, local appointments, and much more. They will simply your immigration process and make getting your visa easier. 

    Can unvaccinated US citizens travel to the Philippines?

    Yes. US citizens are allowed visa-free entry into the Philippines regardless of vaccination status. However, unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, or those with a vaccination status that cannot be
    validated must present an antigen test taken within 24-hours prior to departure from country of origin.

    Failure to present tests, shall be required to undergo antigen test upon arrival at the airport.

    Can Foreign Travelers enter the Philippines?

    Yes, all foreign travelers with a valid visa or are allowed visa-free entry into the Philippines can enter the country regardless of vaccination status. 

    However, unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, or those with a vaccination status that cannot be
    validated must present an antigen test taken within 24-hours prior to departure from country of origin.

    Failure to present tests, shall be required to undergo antigen test upon arrival at the airport.

    young couple from the US who can travel to the Philippines right now


    Documentation, Quarantine, Testing, and Vaccination Requirements For Returning Filipino Nationals To Enter The Philippines

    All returning Filipino Nationals traveling to the Philippines from abroad must register on the eArrival card. 

    The eARRIVAL CARD officially replaced the One Health Pass. The eArrival card should be filled out 72 hours prior to your trip  to the Philippines. The eArrival card is free of charge. If a website is asking for a registration fee, you are on a scam website. Use the official eArrival website.

    Filipino Nationals Entering The Philippines Must:

    1. Must provide valid proof of vaccination accepted under existing IATF regulations
      a. World Health Organization International Certificates of Vaccination and Prophylaxis;
      b. VaxCertPH; OR 
      c. National/state digital vaccination certificate of the foreign government that accepts the VaxCertPH under reciprocal arrangement unless otherwise permitted by the IATF; OR
    2. A show a supervised rapid antigen negative test taken by a professional in a healthcare facility no more than 24 hours before your departure flight leaving your country of origin. The 24 hours from departure time excludes any time spent at airport layovers, as long as you did not leave the airport or cross the border into the transit country; OR
    3. Take an antigen test upon arrival at the airport.

    If my RT-PCR tests positive, can I still travel to the Philippines?

    Filipino nationals who test positive on their pre-departure RT-PCR test can still enter the Philippines under the following testing and mandatory quarantine conditions:

    Testing Requirements After A Positive RT-PCR Test:

    1. The positive test was between 10 days and 30 days before departure from your country of origin OR
    2. The positive test was within 48-hours before departure, AND
    3. You obtain a Medical Certificate from a licensed Physician stating you were asymptomatic or had a mild, moderate, severe, or critical case Of COVID-19, but completed mandatory isolation, are no longer contagious, and are allowed to travel.

    You can exclude any time you spent in an airport for a layover from the 48-hour test timeline, as long as you did not leave the airport at any time and did not enter the transit country.

    Quarantine Requirements After A Positive RT-PCR Test:

    • Fully vaccinated returning Philippine citizens must complete seven days of self-monitoring for symptoms (date of arrival counts as day 1)
    • Returning Filipinos who are unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, or have an undetermined vaccination status cannot be determined must check into an authorized quarantine facility until they test negative on an RT-PCR test taken on the 5th day; AND
    • Continue a home quarantine until after the 14th day from their arrival date into the Philippines. 

    Key Takeaway: Are foreigners allowed to enter the Philippines now?

    Yes, the Philippines has reopened for foreign tourists. Citizens from the United States, United Kingdom, or another of the 157 countries on the visa-free list can move to the Philippines regardless of vaccinations status. 

    Additionally, any foreign permanent visa holder can enter the Philippines regardless of the type of visa (except for a tourist visa). However, citizens from visa-restricted countries must have a valid permanent visa or a valid 9a tourist visa.

    All above-mentioned foreigners must comply with the entry protocols (fully vaccinated with approved vaccination certificate or a negative antigen test, departure ticket, etc.) to enter the Philippines.

    NEXT STEPS

    If you liked this story on Philippines safety, you will enjoy these other posts on living in the  Philippines

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    FAQs: Can I Travel To The Philippines Right Now

    Can I travel to the Philippines if I am from an Orange or Red Country?

    Yes. All international arriving foreign citizens can travel to the Philippines regardless of their country of origin. However, all the standard the entry and visa requirements still apply. 

    What happens if I enter the Philippines without acceptable proof of vaccination?

    Foreigners traveling to the Philippines must show Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID) accepted proof of full vaccination or a negative antigen test.

    Otherwise you will be required to take an antigen test on arrival. 

    What are the vaccination requirements for minor children traveling to the Philippines?

    Filipino children and foreign minors under 15 years old follow the same protocol and arrival requirements as their accompanying parent.

    How many days do I have to quarantine upon arrival in the Philippines?

    There are no quarantine requirements for travel to the Philippines, unless you test positive at the airport on arrival. 

    Positive tests require 14 days of mandatory quarantine. 

    1. A minimum of 5 days facility-based quarantine until the release of negative RT-PCR test result taken on the 5th day; THEN
    2. Home isolation until the last day of quarantine, 14 days from the time of entry.

    Can I fly to the Philippines right now if I don't have all the requirements?

    Nearly all requirements, except for onward tickets, have been removed for international travelers with valid entry into the Philippines. Airlines operating commercial flights are responsible for ensuring inbound travelers have departure tickets.

    Even if you make it past the airline's checks, you will get caught by Immigration, denied entry into the Philippines, until you purchase an expensive last-minute ticket.


    About the author

    Hi, That's me. I'm Marco Sison. I am a survivor of the corporate rat race. I started Nomad FIRE to show you an alternative to the stress and grind of 70-hour weeks to pay off a mortgage, student loans, and countless bills. After getting laid off in 2015, I said screw it all and retired early at 41 years old. I have traveled the last five years to over 40 countries to show you the best ways to save, invest, and live in amazing countries for 70% less cost than the US. I have been featured in: US News & World Reports, Huffington Post, MSN Money, USA Today, ABC Network, Yahoo Finance, Best Life, CW Network, Dr. Wealth, and others. [view press...]

  • Lucky Yin says:

    Hey, there! My British husband wants to travel with me in the Philippines to stay about more than 2 months but we are living outside the Philippines right now. We would like to avail the 13A permanent non-quota immigration visa as we are planning to retire in Philippines 10years from now. Is it possible?

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