When International Tourism Will Start in Philippines?

By Anna Duncan

International tourism has been a major contributor to the economy of the Philippines for many years. However, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a significant decline in international tourism since early 2020.

As the world continues to grapple with the pandemic, many tourists are wondering when they can visit the beautiful islands of the Philippines again. In this article, we will explore when international tourism is expected to start in the Philippines.

Current Situation

As of June 2021, international travel to the Philippines is still restricted due to COVID-19. Only Filipino citizens and foreign nationals with valid visas are allowed to enter the country. However, there are strict quarantine protocols in place for all inbound travelers.

Travel Requirements

To enter the Philippines, all travelers must have a negative RT-PCR test result taken within 72 hours prior to their departure. Upon arrival, they are required to undergo a mandatory quarantine period of 10 days in a government-approved facility or hotel.

Vaccination Campaign

The Philippine government has recently launched an ambitious vaccination campaign aimed at vaccinating up to 70 million people by the end of 2021. This is expected to significantly reduce the number of COVID-19 cases and pave the way for reopening international tourism.

When Will International Tourism Start?

There is no official date for when international tourism will start in the Philippines. The government has indicated that it will depend on several factors such as vaccination rates, local transmission rates, and global travel restrictions.

Tourism Task Force

To prepare for the eventual reopening of international tourism, the Philippine government has created a Tourism Task Force composed of various agencies and stakeholders in the tourism sector. The task force is tasked with developing guidelines and protocols for safe travel and promoting domestic tourism in preparation for international travel.

Bubble Tourism

The Philippine government is also considering the implementation of “bubble tourism” as a way to safely restart international travel. Bubble tourism involves creating travel corridors between countries with low COVID-19 cases. Tourists from these countries can travel to the Philippines without the need for quarantine if they follow strict protocols.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while there is no official date for when international tourism will start in the Philippines, the government is taking steps to prepare for its eventual reopening. The success of the vaccination campaign and the implementation of safe travel protocols will be crucial in determining when tourists can visit the beautiful islands of the Philippines once again.