Philippines travel restrictions Summer 2023: What travelers need to know - Intentional Travelers (2023)

At Intentional Travelers, we believe travel can be transformational. That’s why we want to help you travel confidently, safely, and responsibly. With ever-changing travel restrictions and concerns surrounding COVID-19, our goal is to help you make informed decisions about where, when, and how to travel in this new world of ours.

This post about Philippines travel in 2023 is periodically updated with official Philippines travel restrictions, requirements and guidance. We’re thankful to one of our team members from the Philippines for co-creating this post with us!

As restrictions can vary based on the traveler’s citizenship, we will focus primarily on rules affecting U.S. citizens.

At the end of the post, we share on-the-ground perspectives from local residents and travelers to the Philippines so you can get a true sense of what to expect.

Last update: May 2023. Originally published: October 2020.

Disclosure: This post contains some affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of our links, we may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you.

Is the Philippines open for travel? Can I travel to the Philippines right now?

Effective February 2022, all travelers are allowed entry in the Philippines without quarantine.

Vaccinated travelers (booster no longer required): Provide a proof of vaccination. Children below age 15 traveling with fully vaccinated parents are exempt. No test result required.

Unvaccinated travelers: Provide a negative Antigen test certificate from a clinic conducted within 24 hours of departure from the country of origin (layover in airports are not counted). Those without a valid negative result will be required to test upon arrival at the airport.

Qualified travelers must also meet the following requirements:

1. Starting April 15, 2023, all travelers, including children. are required to register to the Electronic Travel Declaration Systemnot earlier than 72 hours from the intended arrival.
2. Passport must be valid for at least six months at the time of arrival.
3. Have a return or outbound ticket (affiliate link) to their country of origin or next country of destination.

U.S. citizens are allowed visa-free entry into the Philippines for 30 days.

See the list of visa exempt countries here.

Philippines travel restrictionshave changed over time, please check back for updates.

Quarantine rules in the Philippines: What happens if I get Covid?

Fully vaccinated travelers arriving in the Philippines are not required to quarantine.

Travelers who are unvaccinated/partially vaccinated, or whose vaccination status cannot be validated, and who need to test upon arrival, are required to stay in approved quarantine facilities or Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) approved quarantine hotels until results are received. If results are positive, the traveler will be required to quarantine.

Foreign tourists whotest positive for Covid while in the Philippines must self-isolate, avoiding contact with anyone else, andcontact the Barangay Health Emergency Response Team (BHERT) at their location.

Movement within the hotels and use of facilities depend on the rules of each hotel. Violators of the protocols and quarantine rules will be fined and/or held at detention facilities. See the full list of approved quarantine hotels in the Philippines here.

Foreign tourists who are asymptomatic or with mild symptoms will be required to quarantine for at least 10 days at an approved accommodation or may go to a Temporary Treatment and Monitoring Facility (TTMF). Quarantine can end after 10 days if they remain not having any symptoms or are clinically recovered in the past three days.

Those with moderate, severe or critical conditions will be required to quarantine for at least 21 days at an approved accommodation or hospital. Quarantine can end after 21 days if they remain not having any symptoms and are clinically recovered in the past three (3) days.

Foreign tourists may be required to cover the costs of quarantine accommodations or hospitalization.

Recommended Quarantine Hotels in the Philippines:

Bayview Park Hotel Manila – Located at the heart of Manila, near the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and US Embassy, Bayview Park Hotel has modern and cozy rooms with air conditioning, cable TV, personal safe, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel also features an outdoor swimming pool and coffee shop with local and international dishes. Estimated cost for a 14-day stay is $748-$997.
Book this hotel >

Hotel Durban – Hotel Durban is located in Makati, Manila. The hotel features air conditioned rooms, restaurant, bar, and free Wifi. Estimated cost for a 14-day stay is $471-$871.
Book this hotel >

Somerset Millennium Makati – Somerset Millennium is a high-end hotel conveniently located in the vibrant business district of Makati City, 30 minutes from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. The hotel offers elegant rooms with free Wifi, air conditioning, and flat screen TVs. There’s also an on-site restaurant, fitness center, spa, and swimming pool. Estimated cost for a 14-day stay is $1657-$1888.
Book this hotel >

Radissan Blu Cebu – The Radissan Blue is one of Cebu’s top rated five star hotels. It has swimming pool, spa, fitness center, on-site restaurant, and airport transfers. Rooms come with air conditioning, Wifi, and a fantastic breakfast. Estimated cost for a 14-day stay is $1022-$1498.
Book this hotel >

Find more approved quarantine hotels on Agoda >

Can I travel to the Philippines in May 2023? Can I travel to Philippines this Summer?

The Philippines is open to tourists from most countries in May.

What is it like to fly to Manila MNL Ninoy Aquino International Airport right now? Philippine Airlines reports passengers are required to wear face masks while boarding, through the duration of the flight and while deplaning. Exemptions are allowed for infants up to 2 years old.

Do I have to quarantine when traveling to the Philippines? No. Only travelers who test positive will need to quarantine. See details above.

Find approved quarantine hotels on Agoda >

Does Philippines check COVID-19 symptoms of incoming travelers? Travelers undergo a thermal scan and medical assessment upon arrival.

Does Philippines require a negative Covid 19 test for travelers? A negative test within 24 hours of departure is only required for unvaccinated travelers to enter the Philippines.

Fully vaccinated travelers are no longer required to present a negative test.

Does Philippines require a proof of Coronavirus vaccine for travelers? Proof of vaccination is one option for entry to the Philippines without quarantine. Children traveling with fully vaccinated parents/guardians are exempt.

Do I still need to provide a negative Covid test or quarantine if I have been vaccinated? Quarantine is not required. A negative Covid test is not required for fully vaccinated travelers.

Is a booster shot required for travel to the Philippines? At this time, booster shots are not required in the Philippines. There is currently no expiration period set for the validity of vaccinations.

Do I need to provide proof of vaccination or test for domestic flights in the Philippines? Most destinations within the Philippines no longer require a proof of vaccination or test for domestic flights.

However, local authorities may have specific requirements and regulations depending on the destination, and may still require a proof of vaccination or test,

It is recommended to check with the destination’s local government unit (LGU) through their official website or Facebook page for the latest rules and guidelines.

What healthcare options are available to travelers in the Philippines who get the virus? Philippine hospitals and clinics are open. Foreign visitors can get PCR or antigen test at  the Philippines Department Of Health accredited testing centers.

Foreign visitors who get the virus would pay out of pocket for medical services. The medical expenses for the treatment will vary depending on the severity of the condition, the hospital where the patient is admitted, confinement duration, and other factors.

For travel insurance that covers Covid, check out Nomad Insurance by Safety Wing >

What service businesses and restaurants are open in the Philippines? Markets and groceries, which are considered essential businesses, remained open throughout the duration of the community quarantine in the Philippines.

Restaurants are permitted to accept dine-ins. Malls, personal care services, and entertainment establishments are also back in business following health and safety protocols.

More hotels, resorts, and other accommodation establishments are allowed to operate under different community quarantine classifications and cater to local travelers.

Boracay Island, one of the most famous tourist destinations in the Philippines, is now open to local and international tourists.

Several local government units have also opened up their areas for tourists. Children below 18 years old and elderly over 65 years old may be allowed to travel for leisure purposes, subject to the guidelines imposed by the local government units.

What public gatherings are allowed in Philippines? Public gatherings are allowed but must follow health and safety protocols.

Minors and Senior Citizens have been urged to remain in their homes at all times, except when necessary for essential activities.

Are face masks required in the Philippines? As of September 2022, wearing of face masks is voluntary in open areas and non-crowded outdoor places with good ventilation.

Face masks are still mandatory in all public transport, public indoor establishments, in crowded areas, and places in which people are in close contact with one another.

Are buses running in the Philippines? Yes. Public transportation is available in the Philippines. Public utility vehicles such as buses, jeepneys, trains, tricycles, and vans are allowed to operate.

Passengers and drivers are required to wear face masks at all times.

Will the Philippines impose new Covid restrictions? What’s next is difficult to predict. Historically, the Philippines has imposed nationwide, as well as localized, COVID-19 restrictions when strains on the health care system might become unsustainable.

How has the Coronavirus impacted the Philippines?

The first case of the Coronavirus was confirmed in the Philippines January 30, 2020 and the country was placed under a State of Public Health Emergency on March 8, 2020.

As a measure to limit the spread of the virus, lockdowns or community quarantines have been imposed since March 15, 2020. Despite implementing strict lockdowns, the country still experienced surges in cases, reporting more confirmed cases and deaths than any other Southeast Asian country.

The onslaught of the virus put the country into recession with mass unemployment. The restriction on travel also affected tourism, which is a large industry in the country.

Over two thirds of the population has been vaccinated in the Philippines.

For the current situation in the Philippines, including: total COVID-19 positive cases; total cases in the Philippines; and COVID-19 testing in the Philippines, please see the Philippines Department of Health site.

What do Philippine locals and recent travelers say about visiting the Philippines now?

What is it like to visit the Philippines right now? It’s our goal to provide regular updates here from real people on the ground, to help potential visitors know what to expect. The following are subjective opinions only. Official travel guidance can be found above.

February 2023 – Kieren of Wales Guidebook, UK traveler:“My girlfriend and I visited the Philippines for 10 days in February 2023 with a return trip from Bali. Tourism in the Philippines is mostly back to normal. Aside from being asked to wear masks at airports and onboard with some airlines, there were no other Covid requirements or restrictions and I can highly recommend visiting at this time.

Although signage regarding Covid restrictions (such as mask wearing) are still on display across the country, these are rarely enforced. You may still see staff wearing masks in supermarkets and shopping malls. Pharmacies are readily available in most areas frequented by tourists and the level of English is usually enough to get any medicine you need. Chain pharmacies, such as Watsons, are more likely to speak a good level of English.”

October 2022 – Jennifer Terri, Philippines:

September 2022 – Elizabeth, visitor from UK:“I visited the Philippines for a 3-week trip to explore its top destinations. The locals are still wearing masks, however, it’s a bit more relaxed, especially in the open public area. When you enter an establishment, you will be asked or expected to put on the mask.

Most businesses related to tourism are open or in service such as airlines, hotels, and tour agencies. Locals seems to be getting back on travelling as well, but it seems like the airlines are not well-staffed resulting in long queues, although very little delay.”

July 2022 – Angeline of GoAroundPhilippines.com, resident:“All tourist destinations in the country are open and locals mostly enjoy them now. It is the best time to visit as there are still few tourists around and you can easily get cheaper rates for hotels and tours as companies need tourists.

The islands and beaches have gone through a bit of a break so they’ve become more vibrant and marine animals are plenty. There are still no long lines or crowds either.”

March 2022 – Camille, resident of the Philippines: “Things are finally the closest it’s been to “back to normal” after two long years of strict quarantine rules. Everything feels much more relaxed and people are happy to go out, dine out, party, and travel. Even though it feels like back to normal, most people still comply with wearing masks almost everywhere so this is something foreigners should expect and be sensitive in following.

Many places still are at limited capacity though, so lines are long and crowds can be packed. As much as possible, we appreciate it when tourists are understanding of any delays or mishaps. There’s a period of adjustment since it’s only been recently that things are as they were before. Many workers have been affected and are now happy to get back to work, so patience and tips are appreciated. At the end of the day, tourism has always played a big part in our economy so you’ll definitely feel welcome.”

July 2021 – Ailene, resident of Manila: “The Philippines does not currently allow tourists to enter the country. Majority of the residents are hesitant to the reopening of the borders to foreign tourists because of the fear that our healthcare system would collapse if there will be a surge in Covid cases. In Metro Manila, people (except children and senior citizens) are free to move within the city as long as the curfew, social distancing, face mask, and face shield rules are observed. Traveling to other places outside Metro Manila is also possible.
Travel restrictions are generally being followed. However, there were some instances when people were caught violating the rules such as faking their Covid results, partying, and not following the curfew. Access to healthcare is a little difficult. In some hospitals and clinics, patients without an appointment will not be allowed to enter. But virtual consultation is also available. Getting tested for Covid is easier. People have an option to get tested at clinics, hospitals, drive through testing centers, or at home.
Access to local attractions is possible as long as the needed requirements are provided. A negative Covid test is required in some destinations, while a health certificate is enough for some. Right now, the safest and preferred places to travel to are private resorts and outdoor open areas like parks and beaches where interaction with other people can be avoided as much as possible. Restaurants, groceries, and other food service can be accessed easily. Although public transportation is available for travelers, it is safer to travel in private vehicles.”

June 2021 – Tina of https://iwentanyways.com, resident of Philippines: “Many provinces in the country are not yet open to tourism, and those that are already open have requirements that need to be followed. Locals have varying reaction to their place opening up to tourists. Some support the opening due to financial reasons, while those that are not in favor are concerned that these tourists might spread the virus in their place.
Travel restrictions are being followed by locals and visitors, but I’ve heard of stories of some people who do not follow it but are able to get away with it.
As for the healthcare and testing, most of the hospitals and testing centers are available in the capital cities. Some provinces that have opened for tourism require visitors to register in an app and wait for the approval of their visit before they could travel. This is required for contact tracing purposes.”

Even if you can’t go to the Philippines right now, you can still get started planning your Philippines trip for the future.

Check out our other Philippines travel resources:
– Best Places to Visit in the Philippines on a Budget

If you have questions or updates about travel to the Philippines during the Coronavirus crisis or post-pandemic, please let us know in the comments below. *Please note that we are not able to advise travelers regarding specific situations outside of the free information provided above. We recommend working with a professional travel agent if you need assistance particular to your trip.

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Disclaimer:
Please note, travel restrictions change frequently. Readers must take responsibility for verifying information through official sources like the State Department and CDC, in respect to their specific situations. No responsibility can be accepted by Intentional Travelers for action or inaction as a result of information provided through IntentionalTravelers.com. Any information provided here is issued as general information only.