By Alec Go
Malacaῆang on Friday (Nov. 26) announced the Philippines will begin accepting fully vaccinated foreign nationals of non-visa required countries from Dec. 1 to 15.
Acting Presidential Spokesperson and Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said the December 15 limit is a “step-by-step” measure on the easing of inbound travel guidelines.
“Upon the implementation of this ng Dec. 1, siyempre imo-monitor natin, we will make proper adjustments kung kinakailangan while we are monitoring its implementation on the ground,” he said.
“Kapag nakita naman natin na maganda ang implementation nito ay i-e-extend natin ‘yung dates,” he added.
Based on Inter-Agency Task Force For the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) Resolution No. 150-A, foreign nationals seeking to enter the country must have stayed in green list counties for 14 days prior to their arrival.
The eased travel restriction also applies to those with at least six-month passport validity at the time of arrival with an outbound ticket for their next destinations.
Acting Pres. Spox. Nograles gives an update on entry of foreign nationals, says fully vaccinated nationals of non-visa required countries shall be allowed to enter until Dec. 15, 2021. pic.twitter.com/up71yQXL5G
— PTVph (@PTVph) November 26, 2021
The IATF recognizes as proofs of vaccination the World Health Organization (WHO) International Certificates of Vaccination and Prophylaxis, VaxCertPH, and “national/state digital certificate of the foreign government which has accepted VaxCertPH under a reciprocal arrangement.”
Fully vaccinated inbound passengers are required to present a negative RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to their departure, but will not be required to undergo facility-based testing and retesting.
Travelers who will not have RT-PCR results will be required to undergo facility-based quarantine and undergo testing on their fifth day.
Bureau of Immigration (BI) spokesperson Dana Sandoval said the new guidelines also cover foreign tourists.
“Staring Dec. 1, ang mga tourists coming from the green list countries within the last 14 days… pwede pong pumasok [ng Pilipinas],” she said. -rir
