At an online press briefing, Michel Christian Ablans, Acting Deputy Presidential Spokesperson and Undersecretary for Communications, said the new protocol had been approved by the Inter-Agency Task Force on Combating Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) last Thursday, May 26.
In accordance with IATF-EID Resolution 168, adult travelers 18 years of age and older are no longer required to take tests provided they have at least one additional, booster shot against COVID-19.
From preliminary PCR tests are also exempt for persons aged 12 to 17 who have received two vaccinations, as well as children under 12 who are accompanied by fully vaccinated parents or guardians.
Experts note that this ruling is even more simplified current travel requirements. Arriving passenger insurance is no longer mandatory, but encouraged.
So, for entry, foreigners will now only need a confirmation of vaccination issued by the state body of the country of residence, and a passport with a validity period of at least 6 months from the date of arrival. For Russians, a standard certificate from the portal of public services in English about the injection of "Sputnik V"" will do.
Tourists must have valid return tickets or tickets to the next destination with a date no later than 30 days from arrival.
Meanwhile, partially vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers are required to provide a recent negative test for COVID-19. PCR must be done within the last 48 hours and Express — within 24 hours prior to the date and time of departure from the country of departure to the Philippines.
They are also required to quarantine until they receive a negative PCR test result taken on the fifth day of their stay in the Philippines.
The country's Ministry of Tourism is looking forward to an increase in tourist arrivals in the coming weeks following yet another relaxation of entry requirements into the country.