Most of us, if not all, have been holed up inside our homes for quite some time now. That said, it’s understandable how some of us are excited to go out and get back to our travel itineraries, whether locally or abroad, for work or leisure. With this in mind, it’s important that you know the travel guidelines. In this post, we will discuss the departure guidelines in the Philippines, as shared by Philippine Airlines.
Even though the majority of the world continues to struggle with the global health crisis, it’s important that you know the existing procedures and protocols that are in effect, especially if you plan to work abroad or travel overseas for business and other important matters. Keep on reading until the end of this guide to learn more.
Things to Know if You Travel Outside the Philippines
Of course, even before you consider traveling outside of the country, you need to first weigh the (1) urgency and (2) necessity of your travel. Can this wait until the situation improves? If I do not attend to this in person, what are the possible repercussions? After you consider these things and affirm the need to travel overseas, you should then be guided by these protocols before your flight:
- Register and complete the Passenger profile and health declaration (PPHD) Form thru this link: https://bit.ly/PALIntPPHD before you leave for your trip. After filling out the form, save the confirmation email and QR code.
- Health documents (including COVID-19 testing as necessary) and other travel papers are required when traveling to a destination country. Please refer to the requirements for your destination country.
Note: As these requirements may change from time to time, the advisories are only meant to be a guide and should not be relied on as a replacement for actual regulations.
- Before boarding a plane, check-in with the airport’s documentation check. The check-in process involves assessing the validity and completeness of your documents.
- Passengers are reminded to go through additional security screening before they check in. It is also suggested that they adjust their arrival time at the terminal:
- At least four hours before scheduled departure or by 8 pm latest for international flights.
- At least three hours for all international flights.
It is also best to be informed about the country’s requirements prior to your trip. Most countries now require visitors to undergo quarantine before they can enter the country. This is part of the responsibility that you need to perform before you even decide to consider traveling outside of the country.
Who Are Eligible for International Travel?
Disclaimer: The IATF has issued the guidelines on the pilot implementation of the alert levels system for COVID-19 response. This system will help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and its variants in the National Capital Region.
The following individuals are allowed to travel to any part of the world through the airports or seaports in the Philippines, as long as they follow the country’s travel requirements and the regulations of the local government units.
- Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs)
Requirements:
- Philippine Passport
- Valid work visa and contract;
- Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC);
- Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) certificate;
- Seafarer’s Identification and Record Book (for seaman);
- Departure Card
- Required travel and health documents as specified by the destination
- Bureau of Immigration (BOI) Declaration acknowledging the risks of travelling. To download a copy of the BOI Declaration form, click this link: https://www.philippineairlines.com/en/~/media/files/coronavirus/travelrulesandrestrictions/oct2020/travel%20declaration.pdf?la=en.
- Registration to the PAL Passenger Profile and an accomplished Health declaration form submitted as early as five days prior to departure via this link: https://bit.ly/PALIntPPHD
- All international travelers must show proof of their COVID-19 vaccination. This includes proof of their immunization.
- For international travelers, a certificate of Vaccination is required. This document can be obtained from the Bureau of Quarantine. For more information, contact the hotline of the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) at (632) 5318-7500 loc. 121.
Note: It is not necessary to request an ICV because it is not required for all travelers.
- To get digital proof of vaccination, travelers must log in to the VaxCertPH portal and provide their own vaccination certificate. By going to https://vaxcert.doh.gov.ph/, fully vaccinated tourists can get their certificate of vaccination.
Note: Only those who got their COVID-19 vaccinations in the Philippines (Metro Manila and Baguio) and traveling outside the country may use this facility.
- Students enrolled abroad and participants accepted in an exchange visitor program.
Requirements:
- Passport
- Valid visa
- Commission on Filipino Overseas (CFO) Certificate (for first-time travelers)
- Departure Card
- Required travel and health documents as specified by the destination
- Bureau of Immigration (BOI) Declaration acknowledging the risks of travelling. To download a copy of the BOI Declaration form, click this link: https://www.philippineairlines.com/en/~/media/files/coronavirus/travelrulesandrestrictions/oct2020/travel%20declaration.pdf?la=en.
- Registration to the PAL Passenger Profile and an accomplished Health declaration form submitted as early as five days prior to departure via this link: https://bit.ly/PALIntPPHD
- All international travelers must show proof of their COVID-19 vaccination.
- For international travelers, a certificate of Vaccination is required. This document can be obtained from the Bureau of Quarantine. For more information, contact the hotline of the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) at (632) 5318-7500 loc. 121.
Note: It is not necessary to request an ICV because it is not required for all travelers.
- To get a digital proof of vaccination, travelers must log in to the VaxCertPH portal and provide their own vaccination certificate. By going to https://vaxcert.doh.gov.ph/, fully vaccinated tourists can get their certificate of vaccination.
Note: Only those who got their COVID-19 vaccinations in the Philippines (Metro Manila and Baguio) and traveling outside the country may use this facility.
- Outbound Filipinos
Requirements
- Philippine Passport
- Supporting documents and medical/health requirements (required by the destination country)
- Confirmed roundtrip ticket
- Travel and health insurance to cover travel disruptions and hospitalization in case of COVID-19 infections during their allowable period of stay abroad
- Bureau of Immigration (BOI) Declaration acknowledging the risks of travelling. To download a copy of the BOI Declaration form, click this link: https://www.philippineairlines.com/en/~/media/files/coronavirus/travelrulesandrestrictions/oct2020/travel%20declaration.pdf?la=en.
- Registration to the PAL Passenger Profile and an accomplished Health declaration form submitted as early as five days prior to departure via this link: https://bit.ly/PALIntPPHD
- All international travelers must show proof of their COVID-19 vaccination.
- For international travelers, a certificate of Vaccination is required. This document can be obtained from the Bureau of Quarantine. For more information, contact the hotline of the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) at (632) 5318-7500 loc. 121.
Note: It is not necessary to request an ICV because it is not required for all travelers.
- To get digital proof of vaccination, travelers must log in to the VaxCertPH portal and provide their own vaccination certificate. By going to https://vaxcert.doh.gov.ph/, fully vaccinated tourists can get their certificate of vaccination.
Note: Only those who got their COVID-19 vaccinations in the Philippines (Metro Manila and Baguio) and traveling outside the country may use this facility.
- Visa holders who live in another country and are subject to the laws of that country and are authorized to reside there.
- Foreign Nationals (individuals with a passport other than that of the Philippine Passport).
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need to register before I leave the Philippines?
All passengers must register via https://bit.ly/PALIntPPHD before they depart by five days prior to their departure. This process can be done in two steps.
- Is there any requirement to secure an onward flight from another country to another airline?
To secure entry at all points of arrival, travelers must secure their travel documents and health documents.
- Do I need to go through a Covid-19 test before I leave?
Some countries, such as the US, require travelers to submit a Covid-19 test before they board their plane. The test results may vary depending on the facilities and testing partners that offer it. For safe measure, it’s best that you get tested (as early as 3 days) before your travel, or as instructed by the embassy of your country of destination.
- Can a local Manning Agency secure my requirements?
Depending on the arrangement, your local Manning Agency may secure the necessary documents on your behalf, including travel and health documents.
- What is the testing fee at PAL testing centers?
RT-PCR Tests are priced at PHP 2,599 with results released in 24 hours and Antigen Tests are priced at PHP 700 with results released in 30 minutes.
Despite the current circumstances, if you’re an OFW or an outbound Filipino national, it’s important that you are aware of the existing travel protocols during these times. As mentioned, while travel requirements are bound to change depending on the situation, preparing for these requirements ahead of time will be key to ensure a hassle-free transition through the points of entry/exit from the Philippines and in other countries.
Moreover, you should know the existing health and safety protocols adopted by the country you will be visiting. This includes the proper wearing of masks and personal protective equipment applicable to the place you will go to. These unprecedented times require due precaution and diligent measures. As a reminder, let us all do our part to stay safe and healthy during these times.
READ NEXT: 7-Day Quarantine in Philippines for Vaccinated Travellers