Amended travel entry requirements to enter the Philippines

[Jollygoodfellow]

One of many. Stay turned

Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles
Acting Spokesperson
10 February 2022
IATF updates protocols for arriving foreign nationals
The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) updated the entry, testing and quarantine protocols for foreign nationals arriving from abroad under certain provisions contained in IATF Resolution No. 160-B, dated February 3, 2022. 
In the amended protocols, foreign spouses and/or children of Filipino citizens and former Filipino citizens with balikbayan privilege including their foreign spouse and/or children who are not balikbayans and who are travelling with them to the Philippines, shall no longer be required to have return tickets not later than 30 days from date of arrival in the Philippines. 
Meanwhile, foreign nationals coming from visa-free countries under EO 408 (series of 1960), as amended, who intend to stay beyond 30 days for purposes other than tourism or leisure may enter the Philippines through an entry exemption document issued under existing IATF rules and regulations. 
On the other hand, foreign spouses and children of Filipino citizens who are not nationals of EO 408 countries, whether or not travelling with said Filipino citizen, or who came from visa-required countries, or who are restricted foreign nationals, may enter the country without the need for an entry exemption document provided they have been issued a 9(a) visa with the appropriate visa notation. 
All of the above foreign nationals are required to be fully vaccinated and possess acceptable proof of vaccination, except only for minor children below twelve years of age travelling with their fully-vaccinated parents. 
They must also present a negative RT-PCR test taken within 48 hours prior to date and time of departure from country of origin or first port of embarkation in a continuous travel to the Philippines excluding lay-overs. They must not have also left the airport premises or admitted into another country during such lay-over.
The IATF, upon the recommendations of the Department of Foreign Affairs, has also accepted the national COVID-19 vaccination certificates of Brazil, Israel, South Korea and Timor Leste for purposes of arrival quarantine protocols, as well as for interzonal and intrazonal movement. These are in addition to other countries, territories and jurisdictions whose proofs of vaccination the IATF has already approved for recognition in the Philippines, and without prejudice to such other proofs of vaccination approved by IATF for all inbound passengers. 
As such, the Bureau of Quarantine, the Department of Transportation – One-Stop-Shop, and the Bureau of Immigration are directed to recognize only the proofs of vaccination thus approved by the IATF. ### OPS

https://www.facebook.com/PresSpokespersonPH/posts/254029146904036

[Jollygoodfellow]

Quote

Meanwhile, foreign nationals coming from visa-free countries under EO 408 (series of 1960), as amended, who intend to stay beyond 30 days for purposes other than tourism or leisure may enter the Philippines through an entry exemption document issued under existing IATF rules and regulations. 

So this means tourist can extend as normal or thats how I read it.

[Dave Hounddriver]

Pity the poor Filipino BI agent who has to read these reports every day or week, then interpret them and apply them fairly to each of the hundreds of travellers that come through his gate each shift.

[Jollygoodfellow]

2 hours ago, Dave Hounddriver said:

Pity the poor Filipino BI agent who has to read these reports every day or week, then interpret them and apply them fairly to each of the hundreds of travellers that come through his gate each shift.

I would think the poor airlines check in staff will be scratching their heads while arguing with those trying to travel to the Philippines.

[Clermont]

Where dose that leave the travel insurance requirement ? 

6 hours ago, Jollygoodfellow said:

All of the above foreign nationals are required to be fully vaccinated and possess acceptable proof of vaccination, except only for minor children below twelve years of age travelling with their fully-vaccinated parents. 

 

[graham59]

10 hours ago, Jollygoodfellow said:

who intend to stay beyond 30 days for purposes other than tourism or leisure

And what is that supposed to mean ?  So 'tourists' will NOT be allowed to extend ? 

Clear as mud, as per usual... but gradually getting there. 

[BrettGC]

Just glad I'm already here.

[Onemore52]

I am about to print off all the necessary forms before I leave in 8 days, another tree bites the dust.

I had better be ready for more rule changes I suppose.

[Clermont]

5 hours ago, BrettGC said:

Just glad I'm already here.

I don't think much has changed except you have to get travel insurance and hotel quarantine is not required, that's the only two changes I can see. 

[BrettGC]

4 minutes ago, Clermont said:

I don't think much has changed except you have to get travel insurance and hotel quarantine is not required, that's the only two changes I can see. 

It's the fluidity of the situation right now that would shit me to tears...