^{Updated May 31, 2022}

Many people are eager to make the Philippines their next travel destination after several years of COVID-related restrictions. Some have family in places like Manila or Cebu city they are looking forward to visiting, and others simply want to experience the culture and sights of this massive archipelago in the western Pacific Ocean. 

Luckily, the Philippines is now open to visitors from any country that allows visa-free travel; that includes the United States. However, there are certain requirements and restrictions you must adhere to. Read on to find out. 

Philippines Travel Medical Insurance Requirements

Due to falling COVID-19 case numbers and to help boost tourism, the Philippines has updated its insurance requirements as of May 30, 2022. 

For fully vaccinated visitors, travel medical insurance is now optional. 

Visitors who are not fully vaccinated or cannot provide proof of being fully vaccinated are still required to have travel medical insurance providing a minimum of $35,000 in coverage, including coverage for the treatment of COVID-19.

However, it is important to remember that the need for travel medical insurance existed long before the COVID-19 pandemic. Traveling to the Philippines can put you at increased risk of contracting malaria or dengue. The Philippines can also experience periods of civil unrest, powerful storms, and petty crime; any of which could result in injury.

Even if you take every precaution, no traveler is completely immune to the risk of twisting their ankle, getting a serious case of food poisoning, or another unexpected illness or injury. It only makes sense to protect your health and your finances with travel medical insurance, even if you are vaccinated against COVID-19 and it’s no longer required.

Philippines COVID-19 Testing and Vaccination Requirements

In order to be allowed entry to the Philippines without quarantine, all travelers age 12 and over must show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination, and a negative COVID RT-PCR test that was taken within 48 hours of departure from their country of origin, or a rapid antigen test taken within 24 hours of departure. 

However, those who are fully vaccinated with at least one booster shot are now exempt from the testing requirement, and can instead simply show their proof of vaccination. 

As of this writing, the Philippines accepts the following as proof of vaccination:

• VaxCertPH
• A digital certificate issued by a national or state government which has accepted VaxCertPH as part of a reciprocal arrangement
• A World Health Organization (WHO) Certificate of Vaccination and Prophylaxis
• Other proof of vaccination permitted by the COVID-19 Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF)

Philippines COVID-19 Quarantine Requirements

Fully vaccinated visitors to the Philippines are no longer required to quarantine upon arrival. However, the Filipino government does request that all visitors self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms for their first seven days in the country. Visitors who do experience COVID-19 symptoms are asked to inform government authorities immediately.

If you enter the Philippines unvaccinated, you will still be subject to quarantine restrictions. Unvaccinated travelers must complete a facility-based quarantine at the first port of entry into the country until the completion of a negative RT-PCR test on the fifth day. They must then complete a home-based quarantine until the 14th day in the country. 

Children under the age of 12 must follow the quarantine protocols of their parent or guardian. 

Current COVID-19 Protocols in the Philippines

Currently, all citizens and visitors in the Philippines are legally required to wear well-fitting facemasks in public areas. Additionally, it is mandatory to wear a face shield if you are in a medical facility or quarantine facility. 

It is also important to note that the Filipino government may implement further restrictions at any time in order to slow the spread of COVID-19. If you are concerned about this impacting your travel plans, consider looking into cancel for any reason (CFAR) travel insurance.