Philippines Airlines released an advisory today reminding domestic and international passengers to make sure that they have the necessary requirements before traveling. As restrictions are slowly lifting, more and more travelers are slowly braving airports and flying off to different destinations.

Travel requirements, whether at the point of origin or destination, change from time to time and it is best to stay abreast of the developments. After all, you wouldn’t want to find yourself at the airport with a paid ticket and be told that all your efforts—and your expenses—are for naught. Here are some recent new regulations:

Davao

Effective Monday, July 20, 2020, passengers traveling to Davao City are required to submit a negative COVID-19 RT-PCT test result that is issued within 48 hours from date of departure. This is required to be shown before they could be allowed to board their flight.

Dubai

Dubai currently requires travelers to obtain a COVID-19 negative certificate (PCR test results) no more than 96 hours before departure. Presenting the COVID negative certificate is a must for boarding a flight bound for Dubai.

Philippines (Arriving)

Only the following are allowed to travel to the Philippines at present: (1) Filipino citizens including their spouses and children who may be foreign citizens. If the foreign spouse is traveling alone, proof of marriage will be asked to be presented; (2) Foreign diplomats and officials of international organizations accredited in the country; (3) Uniformed personnel for official business, especially those transporting medical supplies, laboratory specimens related to COVID, and other humanitarian assistance.

As announced yesterday, other foreign nationals will be allowed in the country by August 1, 2020 under specific circumstances. These include the possession of an existing longterm visa, and prior reservation and booking to testing and quarantine facilities. The entry of these foreign nationals is still subject to airport capacity.

Protocols for arriving passengers

Upon arrival, passengers are required to undergo a swab test (RT PCR COVID-19 test), which will be performed by trained government personnel. While waiting for the result, passengers must stay either in a government-designated quarantine facility, or in an accredited quarantine hotel.

Most travelers will shoulder the cost of the accommodation in the quarantine facility. Accommodations for Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), however, will be shouldered by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (for land-based OFWs) and by MARINA or the local manning agency (for sea-based OFWs). Those whose results are negative will be allowed to continue home. Travelers who are positive will be transferred to a designated hospital for further treatment.

For more details and information on requirements and related concerns, call the government's One Stop Shop hotline number +63 9161019964