Philippines: Officials to lift pre-arrival COVID-19 test requirement for fully vaccinated travelers from May 30, extend domestic measures through June 15 /update 102

Event

Authorities will lift the pre-arrival COVID-19 test requirement for fully-vaccinated entrants from May 30. Partial or unvaccinated travelers will still have to present the negative result of a PCR test taken within 48 hours or a rapid antigen test taken within 24 hours before departure.

Officials have also extended domestic COVID-19 restrictions of varying levels nationwide through June 15.

Domestic Measures
Facemasks are mandatory in public. Authorities permit travel nationwide. The government maintains a five-tier system to implement COVID-19 rules nationwide; a complete list of COVID-19 levels and the affected localities can be found here.

Officials will downgrade Davao Oriental from the stricter Level 2 curbs to the less stringent Level 1 measures June 1-15. The following designations and restrictions will be in effect June 1-15:

• Level 1: The lowest-level restrictions will be in effect for Metro Manila; 43 provinces; and some cities, including Cebu and Davao. All businesses can operate on-site at full capacity, but employees must be fully vaccinated. Public transport can operate at full capacity; operators must adhere to reduced capacity when traveling to or from areas with higher alert levels. Individuals above 18 years old must be fully vaccinated to participate in mass gatherings or enter indoor establishments.

• Level 2: Measures will be in place in 38 provinces and Cotabato, General Santos, and Isabela cities; the affected localities are mainly in Mindanao. Businesses, recreational venues, tourist attractions, and social gatherings are open for fully vaccinated patrons. Officials limit capacity to 50 percent indoors and 70 percent outdoors. Further details on alert levels and related restrictions are available here.

The central government allows 10 percent additional capacity for establishments that have obtained a Safety Seal Certificate, indicating compliance with minimum public health standards. Officials permit 20 percent extra capacity for establishments in localities with vaccination rates above 70 percent for high-risk residents.

Central and local government authorities may impose additional restrictions in localities with high COVID-19 activity; officials typically suspend nonessential activities and transport to and from affected areas. However, enforcement of localized controls varies. Some transport and business disruptions are possible, particularly in areas under Level 2 curbs.

International Travel Restrictions
Officials allow entry for all fully vaccinated international passengers without quarantine; arrivals must self-monitor for symptoms for seven days.

Partial or unvaccinated international arrivals must quarantine at designated facilities for five days and obtain a negative result from a PCR test on day 5. Passengers can then self-quarantine at their residence until the 14th day after arrival. Exceptions are possible, including individuals with medical exemption from vaccination and resident diplomats.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying travel if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

Resources

Presidential Communications Operations Office
State COVID-19 Portal