Reported By: Mikaela Yanto
After easing travel restrictions for fully vaccinated travelers, the Philippines and South Korea are now more open to leisure travel.
According to the website of the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, fully vaccinated individuals no longer have to undergo a mandatory facility-based quarantine upon arrival. However, arriving travelers must present proof of vaccination and negative RT-PCR results from a test taken within 48 hours of departure from the country of origin.
In addition to the requirements above, foreign travelers must have a valid ticket to depart the Philippines within thirty days of arrival, a passport valid for at least six months from the date of arrival, and proof of travel insurance with a minimum coverage amount of $35,000 to cover COVID-19 treatment for the duration of the traveler’s stay.
Balikbayans, or foreign nationals who have old Philippine passports, are allowed to stay in the Philippines for up to six months.
On the other hand, starting from April 1st, fully vaccinated travelers who register their vaccination history in the Quarantine COVID19 Defense (Q-Code) system before arriving in South Korea will be eligible for quarantine exemption.
A negative COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours of departure to South Korea is also required for entry. Unlike the Philippines, travel insurance is not a requirement for entry into the Republic of Korea.
Travelers to the Philippines and South Korea can buy their plane tickets online. People traveling to the Philippines can choose to book their flights in person at the Philippine Airlines ticket office managed by Goodwind Travel & Tours located in Micronesia Mall in Dededo.
It is important to remember that the travel requirements to the Philippines and South Korea are subject to change at short notice by the local government.
For the latest updates, travelers can check the current requirements on Philippine Airlines’ website, philippineairlines.com/en/covid-19/arrivingintheph; the U.S. Embassy of the Philippines’ website, ph.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/; and the U.S. Embassy of the Republic of Korea’s website, https://kr.usembassy.gov/022420-covid-19-information/.
