Philippines allows entry of fully vaxxed foreigners sans entry exemption document starting April

The Philippines has scrapped entry exemption document as a requirement to allow the entry of foreign nationals who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 starting April, Malacañang announced on Friday.

At the Palace briefing, acting deputy presidential spokesperson Kristian Ablan said fully vaccinated foreigners will be allowed entry as long as they comply with applicable visa requirements and immigration rules.

“Fully vaccinated foreign nationals shall be allowed entry to the Philippines beginning April 1, 2022 at  12:01 a.m. Foreign nationals may enter the Philippines without need of an entry exemption document or what we know as EED, provided that they comply with the applicable visa requirements and immigration entry and departure formalities,” he said.

They should only present a valid proof of vaccination, which was done two weeks prior to departure from origin or embarkation, except for children aged 12 below who are with their fully inoculated parents, he said.

Negative RT-PCR test result should be taken within 48 hours, while negative laboratory-based antigen test result should be taken within 24 hours prior to the date and time of departure from country of origin or the first port of embarkation in a continuous travel to the Philippines except layovers.

Asked about the difference between the newly-announced policy and the one from February 16, Ablan said as long as foreigners have proof of vaccination they will be allowed to enter the country.

“If you recall, even the former spokesperson and Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, we would weekly update the public regarding the countries wherein the government accepts nationals to come in,” he said.

“Ngayon wala. There is no more listing for which countries the foreign national originates from as long as they are able to present valid proof of vaccination and other guidelines which I mentioned earlier then they will be accepted in the country,” he added.

On January 14, Palace announced the government will lift the ban on the entry of foreigners provided that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and subject to additional protocols starting February 16.

Palace clarified that this does not include tourists.

On February 10, the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) allowed the entry of fully vaccinated foreigners from 157 countries under EO 408 series of 1960 who would like to stay in the Philippines beyond 30 days through an entry exemption document.

On March 17, the Department of Tourism said the Philippines will reopen its borders to fully vaccinated travelers from all countries, including visa countries, starting April 1.—AOL, GMA News