Good news for travelers planning a vacation in the Philippines as the country’s government updates its COVID-19 regulations. In fact, the country has dropped the One Health pass and is introducing a travel-friendly eArrival card in its place.

National Government of the Philippines updates COVID-19 regulations

Like many other countries in the world, the National Government of the Philippines has made a major change to its traveler regulations. First of all, it is dropping the required One Health Pass to introduce a more traveler-friendly eArrival card in its stead.

President Ferdinand R., Marcos approved the removal of COVID-19 testing requirements for incoming travelers. He has also dropped the requirement for mask-wearing in indoor settings.

The announcement was made by Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco at a press briefing at Malacañang Palace after a Cabinet Meeting with the President. Secretary Frasco said that the President’s vision is to ease travel regulations and offer tourist convenience. In fact, she added that the direction taken by the Philippines National Government works towards the liberalization of travel protocols in the country. Frasco added:

The direction of the Marcos Administration is to lift the remainder of travel restrictions into the Philippines, and that includes easing of our mask mandates to allow our country to be at par with our ASEAN neighbors who have long liberalized their mask mandates.

Meanwhile, she said that, in addition to this, they had also discussed the remainder of the country’s protocols, including the removal of pre-departure testing in the Philippines.

As for indoor mask-wearing, Frasco noted that this will still be required on public transport, medical transport and in medical facilities. She added that this will be “highly encouraged” for senior persons and unvaccinated individuals with co-morbidities.

Vaccinated travelers and COVID-19 testing requirements

The Head of Tourism said the President will issue an Executive Order. In fact, she said this will allow fully-vaccinated travelers to be allowed entry into the Philippines without the COVID-19 testing requirement.

However, in the meantime, unvaccinated travelers will have the option to undergo an antigen test 24 hours prior to travel, or on arrival in the country. This regulation will replace the current stringent COVID-19 testing and mandatory quarantine requirements for both vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers.

One Health Pass (OHP) replaced by eArrival cards

As mentioned above, the Philippines government has announced the dropping of the One Health Pass (OHP). This is to be replaced with the more traveler-friendly eArrival cards. In fact, the electronic arrival portal will simplify entry procedures for tourists.

To further ease the process, Frasco said registration via eArrival cards will not be mandatory prior to boarding. In fact, special lanes at the airport will be provided for any traveler who has not completed the registration process. The Secretary added:

Twenty questions that used to be in place have now been reduced to ten, specifically those that are tourism-related. And as agreed during the meeting, it was clarified that the filling out of the eArrival Card would not be made mandatory as a prerequisite to boarding. In other words, you will be able to fill out the eArrival card at your own convenience prior to departure or upon arrival.

By easing the strict regulations, the government hopes for the reinvigoration of the Philippines’ tourism industry. The National Government of the Philippines wishes to allow the country to thrive while maintaining basic health protocols. It also wishes to protect its citizens’ livelihood and the country’s economy.

Before booking that flight to the Philippines, double-check the travel information on the US Embassy’s website in the country here.