Leisure Travel In The Philippines: What's Allowed?

The Philippines is a popular tourist destination, known for its beaches, rice terraces, and water sports. The country has been open to international tourists since 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic has heavily affected its tourism industry.

Currently, the Philippines is open to tourists, but travel restrictions are in place to control the spread of the virus. All inbound travellers must register via the eTravel Portal and follow safety guidelines such as social distancing and the presentation of a negative COVID-19 test result and/or a vaccination card when crossing local borders.

It is important to note that the situation can change quickly, and travellers should monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

Requirements for outbound travel from the Philippines

Basic Travel Documents

• A passport valid for at least six months from the date of departure.
• A valid visa, if required by the destination country.
• A confirmed return or round-trip ticket, when necessary.

Additional Supporting Documents

• Proof of hotel booking/accommodation.
• Proof of financial capacity or source of income consistent with the declared purpose of travel.
• Proof of employment and other equivalent documents.

For Minors Travelling with Parents

Minors travelling with their parents may need to present their original birth certificate. If a minor is travelling without their mother, they may also need to show a copy of their parents' marriage certificate.

For Students or Scholars

• An acceptance letter from the institution or school abroad.
• A duly notarized affidavit indicating the name of the educational institution and the duration of the course or program of study.
• A confirmed return or round-trip ticket consistent with the duration of the program, if practicable.
• Proof of financial capacity or academic scholarship/funding/support.

Other Requirements

• A negative COVID-19 test result taken within 24 hours before departure.
• A signed immigration declaration form acknowledging the risks of travel.
• Travel and health insurance, especially when travelling with a tourist visa.

Travel insurance and COVID-19

The Philippines is a beautiful country with natural landscapes, active volcanoes, islands, and beaches. It is the world's largest archipelago nation and has always attracted tourists from all over the world.

The COVID-19 pandemic has made travelling outside your home country dangerous. Therefore, it is recommended that you purchase travel insurance before leaving for the Philippines. It is important to know what your travel insurance covers before you travel.

During the pandemic, there was no travel insurance plan in the Philippines that covered COVID-19. However, Starr created a travel insurance plan that includes COVID-19 medical coverage to comply with the requirements. Now, there are numerous insurance companies that have added COVID-19 cover benefits to their travel insurance products. These types of travel insurance plans can protect you from COVID-19 medical expenses if you contract the disease outside the Philippines.

What your travel insurance policy with COVID-19 coverage should include:

• Travel medical expenses for COVID-19 treatment.
• You must be diagnosed positive while travelling outside the Philippines.
• Evidence of hospitalization may be required.
• Direct settlement arrangement of medical expenses are available, depending on the insurance company.

What your travel insurance policy with COVID-19 coverage generally does not cover:

• Travel cancellations due to COVID-19.
• Flight cancellations due to COVID-19 restrictions or government-imposed regulations.
• Re-booking charges for cancelling flights due to a COVID-19 infection at the planned destination.
• Denial of entry upon arrival at the final destination.
• Change of travel decision due to fear of COVID-19 infection.
• AXA Assistance USA
• Cat 70
• HTH Worldwide
• Seven Corners
• Tin Leg
• USI Affinity Travel Insurance Services
• John Hancock Insurance Agency
• Nationwide
• Trawick International

Leisure activities in the Philippines

The Philippines is an archipelago of over 7,000 islands, offering countless destinations to explore, from high mountains covered in lush green forests to deep blue seas rich in marine life.

Shopping

Filipinos frequent shopping malls not just to shop, but also to dine, watch movies, and even ice skate. SM Malls are the biggest player in the country, with SM City North EDSA being the fourth-largest shopping mall in Asia. Ayala's high-end malls in Makati are also a popular choice.

Amusement Parks

The Philippines is home to several amusement parks, including the famous Enchanted Kingdom in Santa Rosa City, which offers thrilling pirate-themed rides. Star City in Metro Manila and underwater theme parks like Manila Ocean Park and Ocean Adventure in Subic Bay are also popular destinations.

Museums

The Philippines has a rich history and cultural heritage that can be explored through its many museums. The National Museum of the Philippines in Manila, Casa Manila Museum in Intramuros, and Ayala Museum in Makati are great options for those interested in history and art. For science enthusiasts, there is The Mind Museum in Bonifacio Global City and the Philippine Science Centrum in Marikina.

Nightlife

The country offers a vibrant nightlife with an abundance of bars, restaurants, nightclubs, discos, and KTVs. The high-end clubs and lounges are mostly found in Bonifacio Global City, Makati, and Resorts World in Pasay.

Beaches

The Philippines is renowned for its postcard-like, white sandy beaches. Some of the most notable ones include Boracay, El Nido, Moalboal, Mindoro, Nasugbu, Siargao, and Sipalay. These beaches offer a range of water sports activities such as surfing, kayaking, parasailing, and banana boat riding.

Watersports

Beyond the beaches, the Philippines has ideal spots for a variety of watersports. Luzon, with its rivers, is perfect for water sports enthusiasts. The Northwest of Mindanao and Palawan Apulit are great for sailing, while La Union, Baler, Daet, and Siargao are popular surfing destinations.

Diving

Diving is a widespread activity in the Philippines, with most islands having their own diving centres. The Calamian Islands in the north of Palawan are particularly notable for wreck diving from the Second World War.

Hiking and Camping

For those who enjoy the outdoors, there are plenty of mountains to conquer in the Philippines. Some of the most spectacular trails include Mt. Batulao, Masungi Georeserve, Tarak Ridge, Mt. Maynoba, Mt. Pulag, and Sagada.

Rice Terraces

In North Luzon, you can explore the historic rice terraces of Batad and Banaue, which were created by hill tribes over 2,000 years ago and are now an essential part of the country's landscape.

Leisure Travel Requirements

As of July 2023, the Philippines is open to all international tourists, although travel restrictions may be in place to control the spread of COVID-19. Fully vaccinated individuals may be exempt from certain requirements, such as presenting a negative COVID-19 test. It is important to check the latest government advice before travelling.

Crime and safety concerns

The Philippines is an archipelago of over 7,000 islands, attracting tourists with its beaches, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and vibrant culture. However, crime and safety concerns are important to consider before travelling there.

Violent Crime

The Philippines has a high rate of violent crime, including assaults, robberies, and kidnappings. Criminal activity has increased in recent years, and tourists are often targets, especially in hotspots. Visitors should be vigilant and avoid travelling alone at night.

Transport

Transport in the Philippines is unreliable and unsafe. Taxi drivers often overcharge passengers, and traffic jams and reckless driving are common. Roads may be inaccessible due to flooding, and some taxi drivers operate without meters.

Terrorism

Terrorism is a significant threat in the Philippines, with multiple groups, including the Abu Sayyaf Group and Islamic State Philippines, active in the country. Terrorist attacks frequently target Filipino security forces but can also impact religious groups and Westerners. The Sulu Archipelago and Mindanao are particularly high-risk areas.

Scams

Scams are prevalent in the Philippines, and tourists should be cautious when using taxis, exchanging money, or making purchases. Vendors may try to overcharge by claiming they do not have change for large bills.

Natural Disasters

The Philippines is prone to natural disasters such as typhoons, floods, landslides, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions.

Health

The Philippines has a high rate of measles, dengue fever, and polio. Visitors should ensure their vaccinations are up to date and take precautions against mosquito bites. COVID-19 is also a concern, with close to 4 million cases recorded since the pandemic began. However, the country has high vaccination rates, and health precautions such as mask-wearing and social distancing are still practised in public places.

Visa requirements

The visa requirements for the Philippines are as follows:

For outbound travel from the Philippines:

• Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months before its expiry date.
• You may need a visa, depending on the requirements of your destination country.
• You should have a return flight on your airline ticket.
• Travel insurance with COVID-19 medical cover is recommended but no longer mandatory.
• Fully vaccinated travellers can obtain a Vaccination Certificate at VAXCertPH.
• All travellers must register their entry and exit from the country in the Philippines' eTravel System within 72 hours before travel.

For inbound travel to the Philippines:

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave the Philippines.
• No tourist visa is required for stays of up to 30 days.
• If you need to extend your stay beyond 30 days, you must obtain the proper authorisation from local authorities before this period ends.
• All travellers from outside the Philippines are required to register via the eTravel Portal.
• Foreign nationals with valid and existing visas must present their visa and/or ACR I-Card.
• A return or onward ticket may be requested by customs officials.

Frequently asked questions