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Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Manila
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9 MINUTE READ
December 31, 2020

United States Embassy Manila, Philippines

Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Manila (December 31, 2020)

Location: The Philippines

Event: Updated Travel Information Related to the Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic

Through January 15, 2021, the Philippine government has suspended all flights from the United Kingdom and will bar entry to travelers originating or transiting from the following locations:  the United Kingdom, South Africa, Switzerland, Italy, Denmark, Israel, Hong Kong, Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Singapore, Lebanon, Japan, Canada, Germany, Sweden, Australia, France, Iceland, and South Korea.

Passengers already in transit, or who were in any of the locations listed above within 14 days of their arrival in the Philippines, and who arrive before December 30, 2020, will be allowed entry but are subject to a mandatory 14-day quarantine, regardless of a negative RT-PCR result.

For more information, see the Manila International Airport Authority website.

The Philippine government also announced that the following quarantine classifications will be in effect through January 31, 2021:

General Community Quarantine (GCQ): 

Luzon – National Capital Region (Metro Manila), provinces of Batangas, Isabela and Santiago City;

Visayas – cities of Iloilo and Tacloban; and

Mindanao – Iligan City, Lanao del Sur, Davao City, and Davao del Norte.

All other areas are placed under Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ).

As a reminder, the Philippine government mandated all persons to wear full-coverage face shields together with face masks while in public places. Local governments continue to implement additional requirements to slow the virus’ spread. For more information, please see our COVID-19 information page.

Actions to Take:

  • Practice proper anti-virus safety protocols, such as frequent hand washing and social distancing. The Philippine government mandated all persons to wear full-coverage face shields together with face masks while in public places. Local governments continue to implement additional requirements to slow the virus’ spread.
  • For more information about Philippine government quarantine classification protocols and regulations, please visit https://www.covid19.gov.ph.
  • Follow the instructions of local authorities. Not doing so could result in fines or arrest.
  • If you live in an area that has imposed a local curfew ordinance or community quarantine, plan your activities and travel accordingly and monitor the relevant LGU’s website for more information.
  • Direct questions about Philippine immigration and visa issues to the Philippine authorities. See the Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI) website at www.immigration.gov.ph and social media at www.facebook.com/immigration.helpline.ph  and www.facebook.com/officialbureauofimmigration.
  • Check with your airline, cruise line, or travel operator directly regarding updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
  • Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 here for information on conditions in the Philippines.
  • Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date COVID-19 information.

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Assistance:

Alerts, Messages for U.S. Citizens, U.S. Citizen Services