IATF issues new testing, quarantine rules for inbound travelers

The Philippines is shortening the required quarantine period for Filipinos and foreigners arriving from most countries starting November 22.

This was announced by Cabinet Secretary and Acting Presidential Spokesperson Karlo Nograles on Friday, November 19, during a press briefing. The updated rules are all laid out officially in the national pandemic task force’s Resolution No. 149-A dated November 18.

Note, however, that the Philippines still does not allow tourism arrivals for foreigners. Only foreigners with certain types of business and diplomat visas are allowed entry.

Below are the new rules that will apply starting November 22, 2021:

Persons coming from Green List countries

Fully vaccinated Filipinos

If they take an RT-PCR test within 72 hours before departing from country abroad and it comes out negative, no facility-based quarantine nor on-arrival RT-PCR test required. If no RT-PCR test before departure, on-arrival RT-PCR test required along with facility-based quarantine until negative test result is released. After leaving quarantine, individuals must then self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms until 14th day from arrival date.

Fully vaccinated foreigners

RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure from country abroad is required. Upon arrival, no more facility-based quarantine nor RT-PCR test required. Individual must self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms until 14th day from arrival date.

Unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, those whose vaccination status cannot be verified, those who failed to comply with test-before-travel requirements

They must undergo facility-based quarantine until release of negative RT-PCR test result. They must take RT-PCR test on fifth day after arrival, with day of arrival counted as day one. A fter leaving quarantine facility, they must self-monitor until 14th day from arrival date.

Persons coming from Yellow List countries

Fully vaccinated Filipinos or foreigners

If they take an RT-PCR test within 72 hours before departing from country abroad and it comes out negative, they must undergo facility-based quarantine, with RT-PCR test done on third day (date of arrival counted as day one). Once negative result comes out, they can be discharged. They must then self-monitor for symptoms up to the 14th day after arrival.

If no RT-PCR test before departure, they must undergo facility-based quarantine, with RT-PCR test done on fifth day (date of arrival counted as day one). Once negative result comes out, they can be discharged. They must then do home quarantine until the 10th day from their arrival.

Unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, those whose vaccination status cannot be verified, those who failed to comply with test-before-travel requirements

They must undergo facility-based quarantine, with RT-PCR test done on seventh day (arrival day counts as day one). They can be discharged when negative result is released. They must then home quarantine until 14th day after arrival.

How about minors?

Minors will follow the testing and quarantine protocols of the parent or guardian traveling with them regardless of the minor’s vaccination status and country of origin.