COVID-19 Information
The CDC’s Order requiring proof of vaccination for non-U.S. citizen nonimmigrants to travel to the United States is still in effect. For more information see Requirement for Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination for Air Passengers .
Check the CDC website for additional information and Frequently Asked Questions.
All non-immigrant, non-U.S. citizen air travelers to the United States are required to be fully vaccinated and to provide proof of vaccination status prior to boarding. This requirement does not apply to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, U.S. lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders), or immigrants.
The CDC will consider exceptions to COVID-19-related vaccination requirements on an extremely limited basis. See our website for more information on how to apply for an exception through the U.S. Embassy in Manila.
Please see the CDC website for Philippines Travel Advisory and COVID-19 vaccination information.
Country-Specific Information
The National Capital Region (NCR) is under Alert Level 1 effective July 16, 2022 until further notice according to the Philippine Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF). For more information about the current Alert Level classifications, see the Philippine Department of Health (DOH) website.
As of October 28, 2022, wearing of face masks is only mandatory in healthcare facilities, medical transport, and public transportation by land, air or sea. In other settings, wearing of facemasks is voluntary.
COVID-19 Testing
- Are either PCR or antigen tests available for U.S. citizens in the Philippines? Yes.
- Are test results reliably available within one day? Yes.
Pursuant to IATF regulations, COVID-19 testing facilities may require a copy of your passport and proof of residence or accommodation, including but not limited to a valid Philippine driver’s license, barangay (neighborhood) certificate, or utility bills. Please contact the testing facility for their requirements prior to your appointment and review this list of Philippine DOH-accredited testing centers. In general, payment is in cash only by the U.S. citizen prior to testing. Costs vary according to the test given and the medical facility and may be higher to guarantee receipt of test results within 24 hours.
Please work directly with your testing provider if you require test results within a certain timeframe. Results often are sent via email or obtained through the medical facility’s online patient portal.
COVID-19 Vaccine Information
- Has the Government of the Philippines approved a COVID-19 vaccine for use? Yes.
- Are vaccines available in the Philippines for U.S. citizens to receive? Yes, but circumstances may be limited.
Contact your Local Government Unit (LGU) for information on whether you qualify to receive the vaccine and the timeline for distribution. Dual U.S.-Philippine citizens should be eligible for vaccinations under local programs. DOH Memorandum 2021-0157 clarifies that foreign nationals and diplomats with legal residency status in the Philippines shall be included in the priority group appropriate to their circumstances. U.S. citizens working for private companies in the Philippines should inquire with their employers about vaccine distribution plans. For more information, visit the Philippine DOH Beat COVID-19 website.
U.S. Veterans currently receiving healthcare benefits from the VA Manila Outpatient Clinic will continue to receive e-mail updates about COVID-19 vaccinations directly from the VA Clinic. More information is available on the VA webpage.
The U.S. government does not plan to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to private U.S. citizens overseas. Please follow host country developments and guidelines for COVID-19 vaccinations.
- Which vaccines are available in the Philippines?
The Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted authorization for emergency use of the Pfizer-BioNTech, AstraZeneca, CoronaVac (Sinovac), Sputnik V, Janssen, Covaxin, and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines. For up-to-date information about COVID-19 vaccines in the Philippines, please visit the Philippine DOH website. Visit the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) website to learn more about FDA-approved vaccines in the United States.
Travelers who are fully vaccinated may be interested in an International Certificate of Vaccination (ICV or “yellow card”) from the Philippine Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ). The ICV can be used as proof of vaccination within the Philippines and internationally. Each ICV has a unique QR code, allowing local and international authorities to verify its authenticity. Visit the BOQ’s website for more information.
On December 21, 2021, the Philippine government, through the BOQ, confirmed that it will accept and recognize U.S. COVID-19 vaccine certificates, including the U.S. CDC Vaccination Card, as proof of vaccination status for people vaccinated in the United States.
Entry and Exit Requirements
- Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? Yes.
Entry to the Philippines: Although travel to the Philippines is now permitted, U.S. citizens should know and comply with IATF Resolution No. 2, which generally include the following as a minimum:
- Fully Vaccinated Travelers: Pre-departure COVID testing is no longer required for fully vaccinated travelers, whether Filipinos or foreign nationals.
- Unvaccinated/Partially Vaccinated Travelers: A laboratory-based rapid antigen negative test result within twenty-four (24) hours prior to the date and time of departure from the country of origin is required for entry to the Philippines.
Additional requirements for foreign nationals:
- Passport valid for at least six (6) months at the time of entry.
- Valid visa, if applicable (for those who are not entitled to a visa-free entry in the Philippines, as well as those with immigrant or non-immigrant status)
- For temporary visitors: valid onward/return ticket
When making travel plans, check destination-specific travel requirements to avoid unnecessary delays.
The Philippine government requires all arriving passengers (including children) to register individually on the eTravel platform and show proof of eTravel registration upon flight check-in/boarding and arrival to the Philippines. You can register up to three days in advance of your departure for the Philippines through the BOQ’s eTravel webpage. Following registration, travelers should save a copy of the QR code, which will be required by Philippine immigration authorities.
Return to the United States from the Philippines: As of Sunday, June 12 at 12:01 a.m. EDT, the CDC rescinded its Order requiring all airline or other aircraft passengers to show a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 to board any aircraft destined to the United States from a foreign country. Of note, CDC’s Order requiring proof of vaccination for non-U.S. citizen nonimmigrants to travel to the United States is still in effect. For more information see Requirement for Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination for Air Passengers.
Please visit the U.S. Embassy’s COVID-19 and Travel Information page for information on the most current Philippine entry and exit regulations and procedures.
The links below may also be helpful when planning your travel to the Philippines:
IATF Resolution No. 2 for unvaccinated foreign travelers
Bureau of Quarantine Website on eTravel Registration
Travelers between the United States and the Philippines traveling on a Philippine carrier will be required to wear masks in the terminal and for the duration of their flight.
- Is a negative COVID-19 test (RT-PCR and/or serology) required for entry? Yes.
See above and the BI website, as well as the IATF Resolution No. 2.
- Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? Yes.
Information about health screening procedures is available from the PCOO, Clark International Airport, and Philippine Airlines. See above and the BI website for more information, as well as Executive Order No. 408 (s.1960) and IATF Resolution No. 2.
Movement Restrictions
- Is a curfew in place? No.
Keep in mind that curfew restrictions may be reinstated at any time.
- Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel? No, but travelers are advised to check with their destination for additional documentary requirements.
Quarantine Information
- Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine? Yes, inbound traveler, whether Filipino or foreign national, who shall test positive for COVID-19 through rapid antigen test shall be subjected to the latest prevailing quarantine and isolation protocols of the DOH.
See above under Entry and Exit Requirements and the BI website for more information.
Transportation Options
- Are commercial flights operating? Yes.
Commercial flights are limited throughout the country. Flight availability varies by location.
- Is public transportation operating? Yes.
Availability varies based on instructions from the LGU. Masks are required on public transportation. The number of passengers per taxi is limited due to social distancing requirements.
Fines for Non-Compliance
Consequences, such as fines or arrests, for non-compliance with Philippine rules regarding social distancing, movement restrictions, and mask/face shield mandates vary according to the LGU. U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to follow the instructions of local authorities.
Consular Operations
- American Citizen Services: Passport, citizenship, and other services for U.S. citizens are available by appointment only at U.S. Embassy in Manila and at the Consular Agency in Cebu. We are not providing walk-in service at either location. Emergency services remain available at both locations.
- Visa Services: Limited visa services are available by appointment only at the U.S. Embassy in Manila. Visit the Embassy’s visa alert page for updates on visa services and operations.
Please call: (+63) 2 5301-2000
Outside of Office Hours, contact: (+63) 2 5301-2000
Outside of the Philippines: (+63) 2 5301-2000
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