Hurray for Friday! Earlier today, Filipino travelers received some good news from the government’s coronavirus inter-agency task force specifically on the lifting of the ban on vacationing abroad starting October 21, 2020. Well, as for someone who is itching to travel out of the country for leisure, travel goals may finally be fulfilled soon.
With all the crazy things happening around the world, I believe this is something worth celebrating. This latest development in international travel is just one of the good news released this month for Filipino tourists who would love to make that dream vacation overseas happen anytime soon.
So, before packing your bags, read on for some scoop of the crispy.
Non-essential Outbound Travel is Now Allowed
It’s been seven months since the government has imposed outbound travel restrictions on Filipino travelers, however as of October 15, this suspension has been lifted. Non-essential outbound travel is allowed starting October 21, 2020 as per government mandate.
Malacañang Spokesperson Harry Roque said travel of Filipinos abroad would now be allowed provided that traveling individuals adhere to certain conditions, which include submission of the following:
- Confirmed roundtrip tickets for those traveling on tourist visas
- Adequate travel and health insurance to cover travel disruptions and hospitalization in case of Covid-19 infections
- Execution of a Bureau of Immigration Declaration acknowledging the risks involved in travelling, including risk of delay in their return trip (provided in the check-in counters by the airlines)
A negative Antigen test result taken within 24 hours before departure, subject to the Department of Health (DOH) guidelines, or whenever required by the country of destination, a negative test result taken in accordance with the health and safety protocols of the destination country.(Now lifted as per IATF Resolution No. 80. See snippet of said update below).- Upon return, outbound Filipino travelers shall likewise follow the Guidelines of the National Task Force (NTF). That means on arrival in PH, returning overseas Filipinos shall undergo a swab test and the mandatory 14-day quarantine.
UPDATE: As of October 22, 2020, The IATF released a resolution lifting the pre-boarding requirement requirement (e.g., negative Antigen result) for outbound Filipino travelers pursuant to IATF Resolution No. 79. The amendment now read as follows: “Whenever required by the country of destination or the airline, a negative COVID-19 test taken in accordance with the health and safety protocols of such destination country or airline.“
The requirement noted on the previously suspended resolution (IATF Res. No. 52) on “allowed entry by the destination country in accordance with travel, health and quarantine restrictions” has been reiterated in both resolutions mentioned above, as follows: “The foregoing provisions shall not be interpreted to allow outbound travel by Filipinos to countries where travel restrictions are in place; and finally, this is without prejudice to the exercise of the mandate of the Bureau of Immigration prior to departure.”
61 Countries Open Borders to Filipinos
Now that leisure travel abroad is allowed, so where to go first? In relation to the requirement of allowing Filipino travelers to go out of the country for tourism purposes, please be guided on the following Travel Ban and Restrictions updates as per DFA Advisory dated November 02, 2020:
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirms that a total of 61 out of 198 countries and territories have already lifted the inbound border restrictions on Filipino travels, 89% of which (or 54 countries) allow entry subject to medical protocols on arriving passengers and only 7 allow entry without any any inbound arrival protocols. Meanwhile, over 130 remain closed for tourism.
Travelers, even with valid visas or confirmed flights, should consult with relevant Embassies or Consulates of the destination country and ports of transit before booking the ticket. It is always best to check ahead of travel dates with the airlines that will be used for departure.
This is a developing situation so catch the latest info about Travel Bans and Restrictions Updates here: DFA Official FB Page
While writing this article, the wanderlust in me has been ignited, I’m now beaming with joy. I just hope and pray that we can all take that trip we’ve always dreamed of – when the time is right.
For now, plan your future travel, stay healthy and continue to pray for a better tomorrow so that we can all happily chase international adventures soon.