❗️ Published: 15 October 2020. Please check with PAL or your airline for the latest requirements.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, travel policies around the world have been constantly changed and updated. In many countries, visa-free privileges have been suspended and departure and arrival protocols have become stricter.
In the Philippines, travel restrictions are still in place, following the guidelines provided by the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID). But there are exemptions allowing some people to travel to and from the Philippines. For example, OFWs and students enrolled abroad and with the proper documents may leave the country. Filipino nationals and foreign nationals with eligible visas (e.g. permanent resident) are allowed to enter the Philippines, provided that they meet all the conditions set by the government.
Foreign tourists or leisure travelers are still not allowed to enter the country. However, non-Filipino spouse, minor children, children with special needs, and parents of minor Filipino children, and Filipino children with special needs are allowed to enter the Philippines provided that they have an eligible visa and other supporting documents. Here are more details about the requirements for foreign nationals to enter the Philippines.
List of Eligible Visa Types
Here are the eligible long-term visa types.
- Section 13 series visa, including Sec. 13; Sec. 13(a); Sec. 13(b); Sec. 13(c); Sec. 13(d); Sec. 13(e); Sec. 13(g).
- RA 7919 visa
- EO 324 visa
- Native Born visa
- Temporary Resident Visa, relative to Section 13 of CA 613, as amended (based on Memorandum Order No. ADD-01-038 / ADD 02-015)
- MCL-07-021 Permanent Resident Visa, based on Section 13(a) of CA 613 under MO No. MCL-07-021
- 9E
- TRV
In addition, foreign nationals with an eligible visa must meet the conditions set by the IATF-EID.
Note: These requirements also apply to former Filipinos who currently belong to any of these passenger types and are not dual citizens. According to Philippine Airlines, “Formal Filipinos in possession of a Citizenship Retention and Re-acquisition Act (RA9225) Certificate or Recognition Certificate shall be allowed to enter the Philippines.”
Requirements for Foreign Nationals Entering the Philippines
Non-Filipino or foreign nationals must meet these four (4) conditions.
- A valid and existing visa at the time of entry
- Pre-booked accredited quarantine facility
- Pre-booked COVID-19 testing provider
- Subject to the maximum capacity of arriving passengers as set by the National Task Force for COVID-19.
On top of these, the local government of your final destination may also have additional requirements that you need to present upon check-in or upon arrival. It’s best to contact them first before booking a flight or making any plans.
If you do not possess an existing entry or long-term visa, you need to secure one by applying at the Philippine Consulate in your country or at the nearest Philippine Foreign Service post in your area.
More Information
These are uncertain times so travel policies are subject to change. Hence, it is important to get in touch with the Philippine Bureau of Immigration before you start planning your trip. Here are the contact information of the BOI.
- E-mail: immigPH@gmail.com, binoc_immigration@hotmail.ph, immigration.helpline.ph@gmail.com
- Phone: +632 8465-2400, +632 8524-3769
- Website: www.immigration.gov.ph
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