14 January 2022- In view of the retention of Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein in the Yellow List of countries of the Philippines’ Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging ang Infectious Diseases from 16 to 31 January 2022, please find below the pertinent information regarding individuals allowed/eligible to enter the Philippines:
- Filipino citizens with valid Philippine Passport/Travel Document or the presentation of the Oath of Allegiance, Order of Approval, and Identification Certificate, proving the retention or reacquisition of Philippine citizenship under Republic Act 9225, otherwise known as the Citizenship Retention and Reacquisition Act of 2003;
- Those eligible under the Balikbayan Program[1] pursuant to Republic Act 6768;
- Foreign nationals with valid and subsisting Philippine-issued visa (e.g., visa under Section 13 of the Philippine Immigration Act, SIRVs, SRRVs) may enter the Philippines subject to existing immigration, health, and quarantine protocols.
Please be advised that only eligible foreign nationals can apply for a single-entry 9 (a) visa to the Philippines at present. Visa issuance for purely tourism purposes remains suspended until further notice. For information regarding eligible foreign nationals, please visit: https://bernepe.dfa.gov.ph/tourism-and-visa/visa.
Foreign nationals allowed to enter into the country shall be subject to the following vaccination protocols:
Beginning 16 February 2022, proof of full vaccination shall be made a requirement for entry of all foreign nationals allowed to enter the Philippines.
1. An individual shall be considered as having been fully vaccinated for COVID19:
a. More than or equal to 2 weeks after having received the second dose in a 2-dose series, or
b. More than or equal to 2 weeks after having received a single-dose vaccine.
c. The vaccines administered to the individual are included in any of the following:
- Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) List or Compassionate Special Permit (CSP) issued by the Philippine Food and Drug Administration; or
- Emergency Use Listing of the World Health Organization.
d. Foreign nationals must have the following proofs of vaccination against COVID-19 recognized under existing IATF-EID regulations:
- World Health Organization International Certificates of Vaccination and Prophylaxis;
- VaxCertPH; or
- National/state digital certificate of the foreign government which has accepted VaxCertPH under a reciprocal arrangement unless otherwise permitted by the IATF.
2. Exceptions to the requirement that all passengers to be fully vaccinated and to provide proof of vaccination status prior to boarding an airplane/vessel to the Philippines are absolutely limited to the following groups:
a. Children below eighteen (18) years of age;
b. People medically unable to receive the vaccine, as certified by a competent public health authority in the country/port of origin; and
c. Foreign diplomats and their qualified dependents/9(e) visa holders.
Those allowed entry into the Philippines are subject to the usual immigration laws, arrival formalities, and presentation of required supporting documents, including the corresponding documents in line with existing quarantine and health regulations. The One Health Pass (https://www.onehealthpass.com.ph/) must be accomplished online prior to departure to the Philippines.
The public is advised to regularly check the updates on the appropriate guidelines and Philippine entry regulations by visiting the following official websites:
- IATF: https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/section/laws/other-issuances/inter-agency-task-force-for-the-management-of-emerging-infectious-diseases-resolutions/;
- Bureau of Immigration - https://immigration.gov.ph/;
- Department of Health - https://doh.gov.ph/;
- Philippine Embassy – https://bernepe.dfa.gov.ph/
Please be guided, accordingly.
[1] https://immigration.gov.ph/faqs/visa-inquiry/balikbayan-privilege
