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Updated January 2023
Fully vaccinated Filipinos or foreign nationals are initially no longer required to take a pre-departure Covid-19 test. However, due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases in China, the Philippines authority has taken preemptive action by tightening their health protocols. They include re-establishing COVID-19 testing for foreign travellers, especially from China.
Here are the latest PCR test entry requirements in the Philippines that you should be aware of.
Philippines PCR test entry requirements latest news
Amidst the rising number of COVID-19 cases in China, the Philippines authority has taken preemptive action by tightening their health protocols in all borders. There will be comprehensive and thorough monitoring of travellers’ health conditions.
Therefore, all travellers, especially from China, should be ready to undergo COVID-19 tests when they travel to the country, and they should expect additional restrictions before and upon arrival if required.
PCR testing requirements in the Philippines
The testing requirements in the Philippines depend on the vaccination status of the Filipinos and foreign nationals:
Fully vaccinated arrivals
Both fully vaccinated Filipinos and foreign nationals who are not coming from China will be subject to the following requirements for entry into the Philippines:
- they are NO longer required to take a pre-departure Covid-19 test for entry into the Philippines. However, they must carry or possess any acceptable proof of vaccination:
- World Health Organization International Certificates of Vaccination and Prophylaxis;
- VaxCertPH
- National/state or digital certificate of the foreign government; or
- Other proofs of vaccination
Unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, or unverified vaccination status arrivals
For fifteen (15) years or older
- must present a remotely supervised or laboratory-based Rapid Antigen negative test meeting the following requirements:
- administered and certified by a healthcare professional in a healthcare facility, laboratory, clinic, pharmacy or any other similar establishment
- taken within 24 hours prior to departure from the country of origin/ first port of embarkation, excluding layovers, provided the passenger has not left the airport premises or was not admitted into the transit country.
For fifteen (15) years or older who failed to present a remotely supervised or laboratory-based Rapid Antigen negative test
- undergo a laboratory-based Rapid Antigen negative test administered and certified by a healthcare professional in a healthcare facility, laboratory, clinic, pharmacy or any other similar establishment, taken upon arrival at the airport.
Please note that unaccompanied minors below fifteen (15) years who are unvaccinated will have to go through the same requirements as unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travellers above the age of fifteen (15), as mentioned above.
For accompanied minors below fifteen (15) years who are unvaccinated
- must follow the quarantine protocols of their parent/s or an accompanying adult/guardian travelling with them.
What about testing at the airport?
Currently, there is no testing mandated at any Philippine airport. However, there will be a thorough review of health declaration forms submitted by passengers, especially those arriving from China. Symptomatic travellers may be asked to conduct a PCR test.
Testing in quarantine
Fully vaccinated arrivals
Fully vaccinated arrivals, whether Filipino or foreign nationals, who can prove their vaccination status upon entry into the country are NOT required to undergo quarantine upon arrival. However, symptomatic travellers may be required to take COVID-19 tests.
Unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, or unverified vaccination status arrivals
Any inbound traveller, whether Filipino or a foreign national, who is unvaccinated or partially vaccinated and is found positive upon taking a laboratory-based Rapid Antigen negative test upon arrival at the Filipino airport, shall be subjected to the latest prevailing quarantine and isolation protocols of the DOH.
