Travel Restrictions To The Philippines: What You Need To Know

The Philippines has various requirements for travellers wishing to enter the country. The country does not accept travellers who are unvaccinated, and those without proof of vaccination will be subject to quarantine. Former Filipino citizens and their families can enter the country without a visa under the Balikbayan Program. All foreigners entering the Philippines are subject to local laws, which include stringent restrictions on narcotics and drugs. Visitors are also prohibited from bringing explosives, firearms, weapons, and obscene or immoral articles into the country.

Foreign nationals must be vaccinated to enter

The Philippines has specific requirements for foreign nationals who want to enter the country. As of 2022, the country resumed accepting foreign leisure travellers from visa-free countries. However, it is important to note that the Philippines does not accept unvaccinated travellers. Unvaccinated travellers without acceptable proof of vaccination will be subject to quarantine in government buildings for the first five days after a negative RT-PCR test, followed by home isolation until they can produce valid proof.

Foreign nationals who are fully vaccinated and allowed entry under the Balikbayan Program (RA 6768) must be from non-visa-required countries under EO 408. This program includes former Filipino citizens and their foreign spouses and children, regardless of age, who are travelling with them. Additionally, Filipino citizens' spouses and children, regardless of age, who are travelling with them, are also permitted entry.

It is important to note that there are specific groups that are exempted from the temporary suspension of visa-free privileges. This includes Filipino citizens' foreign spouses and children, regardless of age or gender. However, foreign spouses, parents, and/or children of Filipino citizens who are not travelling together with the Filipino citizen must present a visa with the notation "EED not required per IATF Resolution No. 128 (s.2021)".

Foreign nationals who are holders of valid Special Resident and Retiree Visas (SRRV) or Section 9(a) visas are also allowed entry without the need for an entry exemption document (EED). However, certain documents are required for entry, and foreign nationals must not have visited or come from "red" list countries within the last 14 days.

Healthcare workers can't travel abroad for non-essential reasons

If you are a healthcare worker, it is important to know the restrictions on travel to the Philippines, especially regarding non-essential reasons. Here are some key points to consider:

Visa Requirements:

The Philippines has specific visa requirements for different categories of travellers. Former Filipino citizens and their relatives can take advantage of the Balikbayan Program, which offers visa-free entry and stay for one year. However, there may be additional requirements or restrictions for healthcare workers, especially if they intend to provide medical services during their stay. It is essential to check the latest information from official sources.

Travel Restrictions:

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the Philippines accepted foreign leisure travellers from visa-free countries. However, during the pandemic, travel restrictions may have been implemented, and the situation could change rapidly. Check for the latest updates and advisories from the US Department of State or the CDC regarding travel restrictions and safety measures.

Health and Safety Considerations:

The Philippines has strict laws regarding drugs and prohibited items. Explosives, firearms, weapons, and certain printed materials are not allowed. Additionally, drug possession, including "soft" drugs, can result in severe penalties. Healthcare workers should be particularly vigilant about bringing only the necessary medications and adhering to the country's regulations.

Healthcare Access:

Before travelling, it is crucial to understand how you will access healthcare services in the Philippines. Healthcare workers should be aware of the limitations of their health insurance coverage abroad. Consider purchasing additional insurance that covers health care and emergency evacuation, especially if you plan to travel to remote areas. Enrolling in the US Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) can provide assistance and support in case of medical or other emergencies.

Medical Tourism:

If you are considering travelling to the Philippines for medical tourism, be aware of the potential risks. These include infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, quality of care, communication challenges, and continuity of care upon returning home. Research the clinicians and facilities thoroughly, obtain pre-travel consultations, and ensure you have adequate international travel health insurance.

In summary, healthcare workers contemplating non-essential travel to the Philippines should familiarise themselves with the latest visa requirements, travel restrictions, and health and safety regulations. They should also ensure they have adequate provisions for accessing healthcare services and are aware of the risks associated with medical tourism.

What you can and can't bring into the country

When travelling to the Philippines, it is important to be aware of the items that are prohibited and restricted from entering the country.

Prohibited Items

• Firearms and ammunition
• Poisonous and toxic substances
• Gold in bars and plates
• Drugs and related ingredients
• Unlabelled precious metals
• Vegetables and seedlings without the required certificates
• Used clothing and rags
• Toy guns and explosives
• Right-hand drive vehicles
• Hazardous waste
• Laundry and industrial detergents containing hard surfactants
• Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
• Used motorcycle parts, except engines
• Live piranha, shrimp, and prawns
• Dynamite, gunpowder, and other explosives
• Firearms and weapons of war, or parts thereof
• Gambling outfits and paraphernalia
• Lottery and sweepstakes tickets
• Marijuana, opium, poppies, coca leaves, heroin, or other narcotics or synthetic drugs
• Opium pipes

Restricted Items

• Any amount of foreign currency can be imported and exported, but amounts exceeding $10,000 USD must be declared, along with an explanation for the amount being transported.
• Travellers can bring in food, clothing, and personal items for individual use.
• Travellers are allowed to bring either 400 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 250g of tobacco.
• Travellers can bring up to two bottles of alcohol, each containing no more than 1L.
• Pets can be brought into the country if they have an international veterinary certificate, an import permit, and a valid rabies vaccination certificate.

Local laws and customs to be aware of

When travelling to the Philippines, it is important to familiarise yourself with local laws and customs. Here are some key things to be aware of:

Prohibited Items and Substances

The Philippines Customs Agency prohibits the importation of certain items and substances. These include explosives, firearms, weapons, and toy guns. Written or printed materials that promote subversive, rebellious, seditious, or treasonous ideas against the Philippine government are also banned. Any texts containing threats of violence or obscene content are prohibited. Drugs and devices intended to produce an abortion are likewise forbidden. Additionally, the importation of certain goods, such as used clothing, right-hand drive vehicles, hazardous waste, and live shrimp or prawns, is restricted or prohibited for reasons of national security, environmental protection, and public health.

Drugs

The Philippines has stringent laws regarding the possession or use of drugs. Possession of any quantity of narcotics, including "soft" drugs, may result in expulsion, arrest, or imprisonment. Drug trafficking carries severe penalties, often resulting in extensive jail time.

LGBT Rights

While the Philippines is generally tolerant and progressive towards LGBT travellers, some stigma exists outside of urban centres. Same-sex relationships are not illegal, but public displays of affection may be considered a 'grave scandal' under the Revised Penal Code. Such displays can result in imprisonment of up to six months.

Child Protection

Philippine law on paedophilia is strict and enforced severely. Child abuse or rape cases can result in severe penalties. Be cautious of potential entrapment schemes where allegations of abuse are fabricated to extort money from tourists.

Identification

You must carry identification at all times and be prepared to show it to the police if requested. A photocopy of your passport's relevant pages should suffice.

Travel insurance requirements

When planning a trip to the Philippines, it is important to ensure that you have adequate travel insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances or emergencies. Here are the travel insurance requirements and recommendations for those planning to visit the Philippines:

• Vaccination Status and Travel Insurance: As of 2023, there are no mandatory travel insurance requirements for entry into the Philippines. However, it is highly recommended that all travellers purchase comprehensive travel insurance to cover any unexpected medical costs and protect themselves financially.
• Visa-Free Entry and Insurance: Citizens of countries with visa-free entry privileges, such as the US and UK, are not mandated to have travel insurance. However, it is strongly advised to obtain adequate travel insurance to ensure coverage for medical emergencies.
• Unvaccinated Travellers Insurance: For unvaccinated travellers, purchasing travel insurance with a minimum coverage of $35,000 USD is obligatory. This ensures financial protection in case of medical emergencies during their stay in the Philippines.
• Fully Vaccinated Travellers Insurance: While fully vaccinated travellers are not required to have travel insurance, it is still highly recommended to purchase travel insurance with a minimum of $50,000 in emergency medical coverage. This provides added protection and peace of mind during your trip.
• Insurance Coverage and Benefits: Travel insurance plans can cover a range of expenses, including medical treatment, emergency services, and medical evacuation. Some policies may also include benefits such as emergency dental and optical treatment, accidental death or disability compensation, and critical illness coverage.
• Insurance for Expats: If you plan to stay in the Philippines long-term as an expat, you will need to sign up for public insurance with the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth). This is mandatory for all legal residents and offers different membership categories based on work status, income, and age.
• Tourist Insurance: For short-term tourists, travel insurance is highly recommended to cover any unexpected medical costs. Healthcare in the Philippines may vary in quality, especially in remote areas, so comprehensive travel insurance can provide peace of mind and financial protection.
• Insurance Providers: When choosing a travel insurance provider, you can opt for either an international insurance company or a local insurance company. International companies offer coverage in multiple countries, while local companies typically provide coverage only within the Philippines.
• Insurance Costs: The cost of travel insurance can vary depending on the chosen provider, coverage area, and validity period. According to sources, private health insurance can cost around $700 per year.
• Documentation and Registration: In addition to travel insurance, don't forget to register with the eTravel Portal, provide proof of accommodation, and complete health declaration forms before travelling to the Philippines.

In summary, while travel insurance is not mandatory for entry into the Philippines, it is highly recommended to protect yourself financially in case of any unforeseen circumstances or medical emergencies during your trip. Be sure to research different insurance providers and select a policy that best suits your specific needs and budget.

Frequently asked questions