Need a breather? These countries allow quarantine-free entry to Filipino tourists
Summer may be half over here in the Philippines, but that doesn't mean you should stop fulfilling your 2022 travel goals for the rest of the year.
It's never too late to do so, especially now that many Filipinos have been wanting to take a breather from the fiasco brought about by this year's elections.
Luckily, many countries have opened their borders to welcome tourists from the Philippines. The best part? Quarantine is no longer a requirement for fully vaccinated individuals in some of them.
So whether you've been dreaming of finally starting your revenge travel or simply want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the metro, PhilSTAR L!fe rounded up the countries Filipinos can visit quarantine-free that will inspire you to go on a getaway in the coming days.
Singapore
The rich and luxurious culture of Singapore, not to mention its contemporary skyscrapers and shopping malls, will make you want to consider the country as your first travel destination amid pandemic. But before you plan your shopping itinerary in Singapore, here’s what you need to know.
If you are a fully vaccinated tourist, you are not required to present results of pre-departure and on-arrival COVID-19 tests. However, just make sure to bring your vaccination card or certificate as proof.
Meanwhile, partially vaccinated and unvaccinated tourists must present a negative COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours before departure and must complete the 7-Day Stay-Home-Notice (STH) at any pre-booked accommodation. Upon completion, you will be required to take an RT-PCR test.
Children ages 12 years old below are exempted from the following rules.
Vietnam
Vietnam has joined the list of nations that dropped its quarantine requirement last May 15. Vaccinated foreign travelers can once again visit Vietnam and enjoy its rich culture and beautiful landscapes.
Apart from showing proof of vaccination, visitors must also have a negative RT-PCR result taken within three days or a certified antigen test a day before entering the country. Travelers must accomplish a digital declaration form and download the PC-COVID app for contact tracing.
In addition, tourists can only enter the country if they have an approved e-visa and medical or travel insurance covering COVID-19 treatment with a minimum liability amounting to $10,000 or approximately P524,500.
The Maldives
If you are planning to escape the crowded metro, then book a flight to the Maldives for an absolute taste of serenity. The beauty of Maldives is open to both fully vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers from the Philippines and elsewhere.
The country requires travelers to complete the Traveler Declaration Form online within 72 hours prior to arrival time as RT-PCR test is not mandatory pre-departure and post-arrival. Meanwhile, selected travelers may be advised to undergo an RT-PCR test between the third and fifth day of arrival.
United Kingdom
With UK's diverse scenery and rich cultural heritage that appeals to many tourists even pre-pandemic, the United Kingdom needs no introduction. The country is synonymous with majesty, with its beautifully preserved estates and castles.
According to www.gov.uk, travelers from all countries, including the Philippines, do not need to undergo the following steps when entering the royal country:
- You do not need to complete a UK passenger locator form before you travel
- You do not need to take any COVID-19 tests before you travel or after you arrive
- You do not need to quarantine when you arrive
These perks can be enjoyed regardless of vaccination status. It bears noting, though, that a visa is required upon entering the country.
Dubai
Tourists regardless of nationality with compliance with visa-on-arrival or pre-arranged visit visas can enter Dubai quarantine-free as long as they fulfill at least one of these requirements:
- Present a valid vaccination certificate with QR Code that indicates a vaccine brand approved by WHO.
- Present a valid negative COVID‑19 RT-PCR test certificate issued within two days after the sample was collected and issued by an approved health service provider with a QR code.
- Present a valid medical certificate issued by the relevant authorities that the passenger has recovered from COVID‑19 within 1 month from the date of recovery to the date of arrival.
It is important to note, though, that the United Arab Emirates of which Dubai is part was targeted by the missile and drone attacks from the Houthis last January. With the U.S. and U.K. issuing safety advisories for UAE earlier this year, it'll be best to take a trip to Dubai and all other UAE states at a later time this year.
Thailand
Since May 1, Thailand has been accepting vaccinated Filipino tourists without having to undergo an RT-PCR test. To enter the country without having to isolate themselves, tourists from the Philippines must apply for Thailand Pass online and COVID-19 insurance with minimum medical coverage of US$20,000 or approximately P1.1 million. These requirements must be accomplished 7 days before the departure schedule.
Meanwhile, unvaccinated Filipino travelers may still enter Thailand without quarantine measures, but they must submit an insurance certificate and a negative RT-PCR test result taken 72 hours before departure. If they failed to do so, they will be required to undergo a five-day quarantine in any of its Alternative Quarantine (AQ) hotels and must take a COVID-19 test on either the 4th or 5th day of isolation.