Going in March for 3 weeks. To the Philippines. Do I need a Visa

[AMG32id 1]

Im a US Citizen born in OH. Going to get married in the Philippines. March 3 weeks. When I was shopping for plane tickets one travel agent said I need a Visa. But I bought the ticket through Expedia. Expedia is not saying I need a Visa. I checked the US Philippines website, it looks like I don't need a Visa Since I am not entering more than once, and going for TOURIST?

[Adventine 3,209]

***Moved to the Philippines regional forum for country-specific answers***

 

Expedia won't tell you outright if you need a visa or not because the rules change so often that it's hard to anyone to keep up. The travel agent was correct - at the time that you were shopping for plane tickets, you did need a visa. But a few days ago, the Philippines just announced new travel rules and is opening up again for tourism in Feb 2022.

 

From an email we got today from the US Embassy in Manila:

 

 

Quote

 

U.S. Embassy Manila, Philippines 

U.S. Consular Agency Cebu, Philippines

 

January 31, 2022 

 

Health Alert:  Upcoming Changes in Philippine Entry Requirements

 

Location:  Philippines, countrywide 

Event:  As of February 10, the Philippines will grant entry to fully vaccinated visitors from countries that are permitted visa-free travel, including the United States.  Fully vaccinated travelers will no longer be subject to facility-based quarantine upon arrival.  Travelers must present negative RT-PCR results from a test taken within 48 hours of departure from their country of origin and must self-monitor for symptoms for seven days after arrival, reporting to local government authorities if they begin to exhibit COVID-19 symptoms.  The Philippines recognizes the U.S. Centers for Disease Control Vaccination Card as proof of vaccination status. 

As of February 1, 2022, returning Filipinos and residents who are fully vaccinated will no longer have to quarantine, subject to the same RT-PCR testing requirements as noted above. 

Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers will be subject to quarantine in a government facility until the release of a negative RT-PCR test taken on the fifth day, followed by home quarantine until the 14^th day. 

Children below the age of 18 are exempt from the vaccination requirements.

The Philippines will also retire the “red, yellow, green” country lists that previously set different entry restrictions based on country-of-origin risk level.  

Actions to Take:

·         For more information on the new Philippine entry requirements, see Executive Order No. 408 (s.1960) and Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) Resolution 159.  

·         Remember to update your status with the Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI) before March 1, 2022.  This is an annual requirement for certain registered aliens.  You must book an appointment online.  See the BI website for more information. 

·         Monitor the Embassy’s COVID-19 information page for updates.

 

 

Edited January 31, 2022 by Adventine

[NoMansLand2020 298]

No, US tourists do not need a visa prior to entering the Philippines. You basically get 30-days visa free entry. 

[IWander 590]

1 hour ago, NoMansLand2020 said:

No, US tourists do not need a visa prior to entering the Philippines. You basically get 30-days visa free entry. 

As of or after Feb 10

[Pacia 12]

But you might consider getting  travel health insurance. I dont know where i read somewhere they are requiring it.

[John & Rose 7,239]

19 hours ago, Pacia said:

But you might consider getting  travel health insurance. I dont know where i read somewhere they are requiring it.

The Philippines requires Covid insurance with a minimum coverage amount of $35,000.

[Carpe Vinum 2,330]

2 hours ago, John & Rose said:

The Philippines requires Covid insurance with a minimum coverage amount of $35,000.

Just for additional information if you are traveling with your spouse or family member and using the BB privilege you do NOT have to have the travel health/covid insurance.