The Philippines will re-open its borders to foreign tourists and business travelers this week for the first time in almost a year.
The Presidential Palace confirmed details of the re-opening plan on Friday, which will see those holding valid visas allowed entry from Thursday 10 February 2022. The Philippines closed its borders in March 2021 following a surge in COVID-19 cases linked to the Delta variant.
According to Malacañang, visa-free entry will resume for arrivals from some of the nation’s primary tourism markets including South Korea, Australia, Canada, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, the UK, United States and Germany.
Arrivals must be fully vaccinated, show a negative PCR test obtained within 48 hours of departure from their home port, have travel insurance worth at least US$35,000 for the duration of their stay and have proof of a return ticket for within 30 days of their arrival, according to Philippine News Agency.
Arrivals will be required to self-monitor but do not need to undergo mandatory quarantine.
Foreign nationals from visa-required countries or restricted foreign nationals will also be permitted to enter the Philippines if granted an entry exemption document, the government said.
The Philippines recorded just 1.4 million tourist arrivals in 2021, down from 3.5 million in 2020 and 8.3 million in 2019.
“We remain optimistic that 2022 will be a better year for international travel, especially now that we will reopen our borders,” said Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente.
“Hopefully, little by little, international tourism regains momentum.”
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