Travellers must get a COVID-19 swab test 48 hours before their departure for the Philippines, instead of the previous 72-hour test requirement.
The new rule was announced by Acting Presidential Spokesman and Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles on Friday. He also explained a series of other updates to the country’s travel rules, including the lifting of travel ban on any country.
“Red List” countries can now enter the Philippines but must abide by stricter quarantine and testing rules. Travellers from countries in the “Yellow List” like Australia, must present a Negative result from RT-PCR test taken 48 hours before departure, quarantine upon arrival, and take RT-PCR test on the 5th day (arrival day counts as day one). Release from quarantine facility once negative test result is received, home quarantine until 7th day.
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LIST OF “YELLOW” COUNTRIES IDENTIFIED UNDER IATF RESOLUTION 157-B |
“Yellow List” countries/jurisdictions/territories are those classified by the IATF as “Moderate Risk” countries/jurisdictions/territories upon recommendation of the sub-Technical Working Group on Data Analytics, the protocols for “Yellow” List countries/jurisdictions/territories in all ports of entry in the Philippines shall be observed. |
All other countries/territories/jurisdictions not identified as “Green” or “Red” |
Vaccinated
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NOTES:
RT-PCR test exemption of minors 3 years old and below as of December 14, 2021
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Meanwhile, the implementation of the mandatory vaccination policy in public transportation officially began on Monday, 17 January, in a joint operation by the Inter-Agency Council for Traffic (I-ACT), Philippine National Police (PNP), the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
Commuters in the National Capital Region are mandated to present their vaccination cards before they are allowed to board public transportation vehicles under the “no vaccination, no ride” policy of the Department of Transportation.
Drivers and transport operators who allow unvaccinated passengers to board face a penalty ranging from P1,000 to P10,000 or the suspension or revocation of their license.
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On the other hand, workers are not covered by the controversial “No vaccination, no ride” policy being enforced in public transportation in Metro Manila, clarified Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III on Tuesday, January 18.
This was backed up by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) on the same day when it said work is deemed an “essential activity” hence workers fall under the persons exempted from the rule.
The clarification was made amid confusion about exemptions, with Bello told of experiences of workers who were turned away from their rides because they were not yet fully vaccinated.
DOTr’s Department Order No. 2022-001, the written basis of the rule, listed these as exceptions: Persons with medical conditions that prevent full COVID-19 vaccination and “persons who will procure essential goods and services, such as but not limited to food, water, medicine, medical devices, public utilities, energy, work, and medical and dental necessities…”
Since the order was released, the government has borne the brunt of the criticism, with lawyers, politicians, and groups blasting the policy as “anti-poor,” a form of discrimination, and a violation of rights.
This article is reviewed regularly (on a monthly basis) by 2hottravellers team to ensure that the content is up to date & accurate.
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