The Philippines has dropped the requirement for PCR tests before entry for fully vaccinated tourists and now hopes that tourism to the country will increase.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) eased entry requirements on May 30, 2022, to encourage more tourists to visit the country and to stimulate the tourism sector, which has been hit hard by the pandemic.

The Philippines' equivalent of the Public Health Agency, IATF-EID, has adopted Resolution 168, which exempts all fully vaccinated foreign visitors from the requirement for RT-PCR testing prior to entry, if they are over 18 years of age and have received two shots and a booster dose. Also exempted from the RT-PCR testing requirement are 12-17 year olds who have received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, as well as those under 12 years of age traveling with parents or guardians who are fully vaccinated, i.e. have received a total of three doses. Vaccination certificates are still required for entry, but all types of vaccination certificates, regardless of country of origin, will be accepted.

The same guidelines apply to Filipino citizens traveling to the Philippines.

Travel insurance that covers costs for any COVID-19 treatment is also no longer a requirement, but is still strongly recommended for visiting travelers.

”"We are pleased that the proposals we have developed have been approved by the IATF-EID. It will be easier for tourists to visit the country, while this development is an advantage for the local tourism industry, as more tourists provide increased revenue for our small and medium-sized enterprises, more jobs and livelihood opportunities," says Tourism Minister Berna-Romulo Puyat.

The Philippines has also launched a new phase in its sustainable tourism campaign, promoting eco-friendly and sustainable travel. The goal is to encourage travelers to hike, cycle and recycle, but also to get involved in local projects such as nature conservation, clean-ups, etc.

At the same time, tourism authorities are hoping for more visitors in the meetings industry, MICE, and are offering benefits and package deals to attract meeting buyers. The capital region of Metro Manila is the hub for the meetings industry through its developed infrastructure, proximity to other destinations such as charming coastal cities and beautiful islands, but above all thanks to a large concentration of international hotels and many conference facilities. Many new ones have opened in the last three years and the SMX Convention Center Clark opened its doors as late as May 2022. Iloilo also hopes to attract MICE visitors thanks to, among other things, its new infrastructure along the river and several new medium-sized business hotels. Cebu is attracting with a new exhibition hall at the Nustar Resort and Casino.

A total of 517,516 foreign tourists have been registered in the Philippines between February 10 and May 25, 2022. Of these, 1,760 have been from Sweden, 2,051 from Norway, 1,557 from Denmark and 507 from Finland. There is a good chance that they will increase in the future thanks to easier entry rules.

According to the press release