Details

Category: Advisories

Pursuant to the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) Resolution No. 168, arriving passengers are subject to the following modified quarantine and testing protocols upon arrival in the Philippines from 30 May 2022:

1. Fully vaccinated international arriving FILIPINO AND FOREIGN NATIONALS (with VaxCertPH digital vaccination certificate or BOQ/WHO-issued International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis [ICVP] or the national/state digital certificate of the foreign government where they were vaccinated, which has accepted VaxCertPH under a reciprocal arrangement unless otherwise permitted by the IATF)***
   • • Japanese government-issued COVID19 vaccination certificates are recognized by the Philippine government.
     • In the case of passengers from Japan, fully-vaccinated international passengers:
       1. Shall present a negative RT-PCR test conducted within 48 hours, or a remotely supervised, or a laboratory-based rapid antigen negative test result administered and certified by a healthcare professional in a healthcare facility, laboratory, clinic, pharmacy, and other similar establishment taken within twenty-four (24) hours, prior to the date and time of departure from the country of origin / first port of embarkation in a continuous travel to the Philippines, excluding lay-overs; provided, that, passenger has not left the airport premises or has not been admitted into another country during such lay-over.However, the following shall be exempted from this pre-departure testing requirements:
          1. Foreign nationals aged 18 and above who have received primary series COVID-19 vaccine, and at least one (1) COVID-19 booster shot; *
          2. Foreign nationals aged 12 to 17 who are “fully vaccinated”; **
          3. Foreign nationals aged below 12, regardless of their vaccination status, who are accompanied by their parents or guardians who fall under (i) above.

          *Booster shot shall refer to doses administered to a vaccinated population that has completed a vaccination series, when, with time, vaccine effectiveness has fallen below a rate deemed sufficient in that population, as indicated in the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) issued by the Food and Drug Administration of the Philippines. The primary series COVID-19 and/or booster shot must be included in any of the following: More than or equal to 2 weeks after having received the 2nd dose in a 2-dose series; or More than or equal to 2 weeks after having received a single-dose vaccine. **An individual shall be considered as having been fully vaccinated for COVID-19: More than or equal to 2 weeks after having received the 2nd dose in a 2-dose series; or More than or equal to 2 weeks after having received a single-dose vaccine. The vaccines administered to the individual are included in any of the following: Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) List of Compassionate Special Permit (CSP) issued by the Philippine Food and Drug Administration; or Emergency Use Listing of the World Health Organization.

       2. Upon arrival, they shall no longer be required to observe mandatory facility-based quarantine but shall self-monitor for any sign or symptom for seven (7) days with the first day being the date of arrival; and,
       3. Shall report to the local government unit of destination upon manifestation of symptoms.

   APPLICABLE TO FILIPINO NATIONALS ONLY

   • Filipino nationals who have recovered from COVID-19 but still test positive for the 48-hour pre-departure RT-PCR test result may nonetheless enter the country, provided they are able to present the following documents prior to departing/boarding from the country of origin/port of embarkation and upon arrival in the Philippines:
     1. Positive RT-PCR test taken not earlier than 10 days but not later than 30 days prior to the date and time of departure from country of origin/port of embarkation;
     2. Positive RT-PCR test taken within 48 hours prior to the date and time of departure from the country of origin/first port of embarkation in a continuous travel to the Philippines, excluding lay-overs; provided, that, passenger has not left the airport premises or has not been admitted into another country during such lay-over; and,
     3. Medical Certificate issued by a licensed physician stating that the Filipino national (i) was an asymptomatic, mild, moderate, sever or critical case of COVID-19, as the case may be, (ii) completed the mandatory isolation period for COVID-19, (iii) is no longer infectious, and (iv) had been allowed free movement and travel.
   • If fully vaccinated, they shall no longer be required to observe mandatory facility-based quarantine but shall self-monitor for any sign or symptom for seven (7) days with the first day being the date of arrival and shall be required to report to the local government unit of destination upon the manifestation of symptoms, if any.
2. For FILIPINOS who are not fully-vaccinated (or whose vaccination status cannot be independently verified/confirmed by Philippine authorities as valid and authentic)
   • • In the case of passengers from Japan, individuals who are unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, or whose vaccination status cannot be independently validated:
       1. Shall present a negative RT-PCR test conducted within 48 hours, or a remotely supervised, or a laboratory-based rapid antigen negative test result administered and certified by a healthcare professional in a healthcare facility, laboratory, clinic, pharmacy, and other similar establishment taken within twenty-four (24) hours, prior to the date and time of departure from the country of origin / first port of embarkation in a continuous travel to the Philippines, excluding lay-overs; provided, that, passenger has not left the airport premises or has not been admitted into another country during such lay-over;
       2. Additionally, they shall be required to undergo facility-based quarantine as follows:
          Day 1 : Arrival/Check-in at quarantine facility
          Day 5 : RT-PCR Testing
          Day 6 : Release of Test Results (may take longer than 1 day)
          Day 7-14 : After release of test results, required to undergo home quarantine
     • Starting 10 February, foreign nationals who are unvaccinated are no longer be allowed entry to the Philippines.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:
       1. Foreign children below twelve (12) years of age traveling with Filipino parent/s or fully-vaccinated foreign parent/s;
       2. Foreign diplomats and their qualified dependents/9(e) visa holders.
3. For those with accompanying minor children
   • Children below twelve (12) years of age who are not vaccinated for any reason whatsoever and traveling with their Filipino parent, shall follow the entry, testing, and quarantine protocols of the parent/s or an accompanying guardian travelling with them.
   • Children from twelve (12) years to seventeen (17) years of age shall follow the classification and procedures based on their vaccination status (i.e., vaccinated or unvaccinated). In case of such unvaccinated minor children, either foreign or Filipino parent should accompany such child or children during their facility-based quarantine.

For further questions and/or clarification, kindly directly coordinate with the Department of Health (DOH) or the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ)

Department of Health (DOH) Call Center
Department of Health Central Office
Bldg. 9 San Lazaro Compound, Sta. Cruz, Manila
Telephone Number: (02) 8651-7800 local 5003-5005 or (02) 5318-7500
DOH Call Center text: 0918-8888364
Email Address: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  OR  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Note: Kindly make sure to check the applicable quarantine and testing protocols at the time of your travel.

Details

Category: Advisories

Due to the Inter-Ministry Task Force (IATF-EID) No. 165 Resolution on Coronavirus Infectious Diseases, foreigners who comply with the applicable visa requirements and immigration procedures from April 1, 4th year of the Philippines will be exempted from entry. (EED) is not required and entry into the Philippines is permitted.

1. Target person

• Travelers in countries that require a visa or are not eligible for non-visa (no visa) entry
• Travelers who wish to stay longer than they can stay without a visa in a visa-exempt country or wish to change their visa after entering the country
• Please refer to the link below for the target nationality. ( Visa-Free Entry for Temporary Visits )
• Travelers using the Balikbayan Program ( Balikbayan Program )

2. Requirements

The requirements for foreign nationals entering the Philippines are as follows.

• If you are not a visa-exempt country traveler, you must have a visa suitable for entry ( see number 10 for the documents and procedures required to apply for a visa ) .
• Vaccination has been completed. However, minor children under the age of 12 traveling with foreign parents who have been vaccinated are excluded.
• Bring a vaccination certificate approved by the IATF (this applies to Japan)
• Submit a negative certificate for RT-PCR tests performed within 48 hours of departure from the country of departure / port of departure, or a negative certificate for antigen tests performed at a medical institution within 24 hours. Excludes transit travelers who have not left the airport premises or are not permitted to enter other countries.
• Valid round trip or ticket to a third country
• Passport valid for 6 months or more upon arrival in the Philippines
  • Visa-exempt countries (Administrative Ordinance No. 408) -Valid round-trip or third-country tickets departing within 30 days of arrival in the Philippines (some countries are allowed to stay without a visa)
  • Countries that require a visa-a valid round-trip or third-country ticket to leave within the longest permitted period of stay
• Before arriving in the Philippines, take out travel insurance from an insurance company to cover the cost of treating new coronavirus infections. The minimum amount of compensation during your stay in the Philippines is US $ 35,000.

Note:

• The following people are exempt from taking out travel insurance and presenting their return ticket .
  1. Filipino spouse, children
  2. Former Filipino national who has been granted Balik Bayan privileges under Republic Act 9174. Also includes her spouse and children.
  3. Foreign nationals with immigrant, nonimmigrant visas, or special visas issued by the Philippine Immigration Bureau or the Philippine government agency in their jurisdiction, excluding 9a visa holders

• Foreign nationals who do not fully comply with the above requirements will be denied entry and will be subject to deportation procedures from the Philippines.

• All travelers, along with Filipino and foreign nationals, are required to register for a One HealthPass (OHP) * within 3 days prior to departure *. OHP registration is free. Please register from this link. https://onehealthpass.com.ph

3.9a I have both a 9a visa and an immigration exemption document. Do I have to comply with all of the above requirements?

• Yes. Please comply with the above requirements. However, you do not need to submit a travel insurance certificate and a return ticket.

4. Who is the person who completed the vaccination?

Those who have completed vaccination are as follows.

• If two vaccinations are completed in the country / place of departure before departure, 14 days have passed since the second vaccination, or if one vaccination is completed, 14 days or more have passed since the vaccination. Who did
• Vaccines receiving any of the following vaccines a) Vaccines on the
  Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) list or with a Special Humanitarian Authorization (CSP) issued by the Philippine Food and Drug Administration
  b) World Health Organization (WHO) ) Vaccines on the emergency use list

5. What is the vaccination certificate that allows entry?

The vaccination certificate that allows entry is as follows.

• "International Certificate of Vaccines or Preventive Drugs" (ICVP) issued by the World Health Organization (WHO)
• "Philippines Vaccine Certificate (VaxCertPH)" issued by the Ministry of Health of the Philippines
• Vaccine Digital Certificates of Foreign Governments Approved by VaxCert PH under Mutual Arrangement, Unless Approved by IATF

Note: The New Corona Infectious Diseases Vaccine Certificate (paper, digital) issued by the Government of Japan
is recognized by the Government of the Philippines as valid.

6. What are the procedures for entering the Philippines?

• Foreigners admitted to the Philippines are not required to be quarantined in a quarantine facility, but should monitor their symptoms for 7 days from the date of arrival. Symptoms should be reported to the local government at the destination.
• Please refer to the link below for the latest quarantine measures. https://tokyo.philembassy.net/ja/01announcements/advisory-testing-and-quarantine-protocols/

7. I am eligible for a visa-free stay. If I stay longer than 30 days without a visa, do I need to get a short stay visa (9a visa) before leaving for the Philippines?

• There are two options.
  Option 1
  After entering the country without a visa according to the requirements described above, apply directly to the Immigration Bureau for extension of stay during your stay in the Philippines. (Refer to No. 13)
  Option 2
  Apply for a 9a visa at the Philippine Embassy. (See No. 10)

8. Is it possible to enter the country without a visa and change to another visa during my stay in the Philippines?

• Yes. You can apply directly at the Philippine Immigration Bureau. (See No. 13)

9. I am not a nationality of a visa exempt country. Do I need to apply for a visa?

• Yes. You need to apply for a visa before leaving Japan. You are eligible to receive a visa and are required to submit the necessary documents to apply for a visa.

10. What are the required documents and procedures for applying for a visa?

• Please refer to this link for visa application procedures.
  ( Visa Application Process )
• Visa application documents
  a) Nonimmigrant visa (short-term stay visa)
  b) Non-quarter immigrant visa

11. I have not completed vaccination. Can I enter the Philippines?

• From February 10, 4th year of Reiwa, foreign nationals who have not been vaccinated will not be admitted to Japan. The only exceptions to this requirement are that all passengers must complete vaccination and prove vaccination status before they can appear on planes and vessels bound for the Philippines.
• Children under 12 years old
• Diplomats and their dependents (9 (e) visa holders)

12. What kind of travel insurance should I buy?

• Take out travel insurance with a minimum of US $ 35,000 for treatments related to new coronavirus infections, including travel insurance applied online. Travel insurance policies are in English or please attach an English translation. For other travel insurance questions, please contact the Philippine Immigration Bureau directly. (See No. 13)

13. If you have any questions about immigration, please contact the Philippine Immigration Bureau (BOI) directly.

Telephone Numbers – (02) 8465-2400 / (02) 8524-3769
Website – immigration.gov.ph
Facebook – immigration.helpline.ph / officialbureauofimmigration
Twitter – immigrationPh
Instagram – immigPh
Email – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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14. If you have any questions about PCR testing and vaccines, please contact the Philippine Quarantine Authority (BOQ) directly.

Department of Health (DOH) Call Center
Department of Health Central Office
Bldg. 9 San Lazaro Compound, Sta. Cruz, Manila
Telephone Number: (02) 8651-7800 local 5003-5005 or (02) 5318-7500
DOH Call Center text: 0918-8888364
Email Address: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. OR This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Details

Category: Advisories

Pursuant to IATF Resolution No. 165, beginning 1 April 2022, qualified foreign nationals may enter the Philippines without need of an Entry Exemption Document (EED), provided they comply with the applicable visa requirements and immigration entry and departure formalities.

1. Who are covered?

• Foreign nationals who are from visa-required countries and not eligible for visa-free entry;
• Foreign nationals who are eligible for visa-free entry but wish to stay beyond the allowed visa-free entry period, or wish to apply for other visa categories.
• For a list of foreign nationals qualified for visa-free entry, click here: (Visa-Fee Entry for Temporary Visits)
• For those availing of Balikbayan program, click here: (Balikbayan Program)

2. What are the travel requirements?

All foreign nationals entering the Philippines shall:

• Have the appropriate entry visa if not eligible for visa-free entry (See no.10 for visa application requirements and procedures);
• Be fully-vaccinated, except only for minor children below twelve (12) years of age traveling with their fully-vaccinated foreign parent/s;
• Carry/possess an acceptable proof of vaccination recognized under existing IATF regulations;
• Present a negative RT-PCR test taken within 48 hours, or a negative laboratory-based Antigen Test taken within twenty-four (24) hours, prior to the date and time of departure from country of origin/first port of embarkation in a continuous travel to the Philippines, excluding lay-overs; provided, that, traveler has not left the airport premises or has not been admitted into another country during such lay-over;
• Have valid tickets for their onward/return journey to the port of origin or next port of destination:
  • For nationals from visa-free (EO No. 408 countries) – onward/return ticket not later than 30 days from date of arrival in the country (or within the allowed period of visa-free stay for certain nationals); and,
  • For nationals from visa-required countries – onward/return ticket within the allowed maximum stay
• Have passports valid for a period of at least six (6) months at the time of arrival to the Philippines; AND
• Obtain, prior to arrival, a travel insurance for COVID-19 treatment costs from reputed insurers, with a minimum coverage of USD 35,000.00 for the duration of their stay in the Philippines.

Note:

• The following are EXEMPTED from the travel insurance and return ticket requirements:
  1. Foreign spouses and/or children of Filipino citizens;
  2. Former Filipino citizens with Balikbayan privileges under RA 9174, including their spouse and/or children who are traveling with them; and,
  3. Foreign nationals with valid immigrant visa, non-immigrant visa except 9A visa holders, and/or special visa issued by the Bureau of Immigration or competent Philippine government agencies.
• Foreign nationals who fail to fully comply with the conditions and requisites above shall be denied admission into the country and shall be subject to the appropriate exclusion proceedings.
• All arriving passengers, both Filipinos and foreign nationals, are required to register to the OneHealthPass (OHP) within 3 days before departure. OHP registration is free-of-charge and should be accomplished only through the following link: https://onehealthpass.com.ph

3. I have a both a valid 9a visa and Entry Exemption Document (EED). Do I need to comply with all the requirements above?

• Yes, you are still required to comply with the requirements above. However, you are no longer required to submit proof of travel insurance as well as a return ticket.

4. Who is considered to be fully vaccinated?

You are considered fully-vaccinated if you have:

• Received the second (2nd) dose in a 2-dose series or a single dose vaccine more than fourteen (14) days prior to the date and time of departure from the country of origin/port of embarkation.
• The vaccine is included in any of the following:

1. Emergency Use Authorization (UEA) List or Compassionate Special Permit (CSP) issued by the Philippine Food and Drug Administration; or
2. Emergency Use Listing of the World Health Organization (WHO).

5. What is an acceptable proof of vaccination?

The following vaccination certificates are recognized:

• WHO 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

Note: Vaccination certificates issued by the Japanese government (paper or digital) are recognized/accepted.

6. What are the arrival protocols?

• Once admitted into the country, foreign nationals are no longer required to observe facility-based quarantine but shall self-monitor for any sign or symptom for seven (7) days with the first day being the date of arrival. However, they are required to report to the local government unit (LGU) of their destination should they manifest any symptoms.
• For the latest arrival protocols, kindly refer to this link: https://tokyo.philembassy.net/01announcements/advisory-testing-and-quarantine-protocols

7. If I am qualified for visa-free entry and stay beyond the visa-free period of 30 days, do I need to obtain a 9a visa prior to departure from the Philippines?

• You have two options:

Option 1: Enter visa-free as long as you comply with all the requirements above, and then apply for extension of your stay directly with the Bureau of Immigration while in the Philippines; (See no. 13)

Option 2: Apply for 9a visa at the Embassy. (See no. 10)

8. If I am qualified for visa-free entry, can I enter visa-free and covert to other visa categories while in the Philippines?

• Yes. You may apply directly with the Bureau of Immigration while in the Philippines. (See no. 13)

9. I am not a national of a non-visa required country. Do I need to apply for a visa?

• Yes, you will need to apply for a visa prior to departure from Japan, provided that you are qualified to be issued a visa and subject to the submission of requirements. (See no. 10)

10. What are the visa application requirements and procedures?

• For visa application procedures, refer to this link: (Visa Application Process)
• For visa application requirements:

1. Non-Immigrant Visa Requirements (Temporary Visitor Visa)
2. Non-Quota Immigrant Visa

11. I am not fully-vaccinated. Can I enter the Philippines?

• No. Starting 10 February, foreign nationals who are unvaccinated shall no longer be allowed entry to the Philippines. 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:
• Children below twelve (12) years of age;
• Foreign diplomats and their qualified dependents/9(e) visa holders.

12. What travel insurance is acceptable?

• Any travel insurance with a least USD 35,000 coverage for COVID-19 related treatments is acceptable, including travel insurance secured online. Proof of travel insurance should be in English or accompanied with English translation. For further questions regarding acceptable travel insurance, you may directly contact the Bureau of Immigration. (See no. 13)

13. For other immigration-related inquiries, you may directly contact the Bureau of Immigration (BOI):

Telephone Numbers – (02) 8465-2400 / (02) 8524-3769
Website – immigration.gov.ph
Facebook – immigration.helpline.ph / officialbureauofimmigration
Twitter – immigrationPh
Instagram – immigPh
Email – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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14. For inquiries related to PCR testing and vaccination certificates, you may directly contact the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ):

Department of Health (DOH) Call Center
Department of Health Central Office
Bldg. 9 San Lazaro Compound, Sta. Cruz, Manila
Telephone Number: (02) 8651-7800 local 5003-5005 or (02) 5318-7500
DOH Call Center text: 0918-8888364
Email Address: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. OR This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Details

Category: Advisories

The Embassy informs the public that it will resume walk-in processing on 22 March 2022, subject to the following guidelines:

For Passport Services:

• To harmonize with the current appointment system, walk-in processing will be open from 2:30 to 4:00 PM, and will initially be limited to ten (10) slots per day;
• Priority will be given to senior citizens (60 years old and above), pregnant, PWDs, infants/toddlers passport applicants, and other applicants with special needs;
• All others will be accommodated on a first come, first served basis;
• Slots cannot be reserved in advance;
• For urgent concerns, clients are advised to email the Passport Unit at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The public is advised that the Embassy opens passport appointments twice a month for the succeeding month.

For Notarial Services:

• Five (5) slots will be opened for walk-in applicants for Notarial Services.
• Clients will be accommodated on a first-come-first-served basis.

All those not accommodated within the 2:30 – 4:00 PM walk-in processing period of Consular Services may opt to come back to the Embassy for the next day’s walk-in processing.

For Civil Registration Services:

• Clients may avail of application by mailing. For inquiries, you may e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The Embassy recommends that clients reserve an appointment though its respective appointment systems for a smoother and quicker transaction for its consular services.

Passport:
https://www.passport.gov.ph/appointment

Notarial and Civil Registration Services:
https://tokyopeconsularappointment.setmore.com/bookappointment

Please be guided accordingly.