air travel today philippines

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Entry Guidelines

As per IATF Resolution No. 2 (s. 2022) on the ENTRY, QUARANTINE and TESTING Requirements of inbound travelers to the Philippines

A. FULLY VACCINATED (Filipino and Foreign Travelers)

- No pre-departure COVID-19 Test requirement - Must have received the 2nd dose in a 2-dose series or a single dose COVID-19 vaccine more than fourteen (14) days prior to the date and time of departure from the country of origin/port of embarkation.

B. UNVACCINATED or PARTIALLY VACCINATED (Filipino and Foreign Travelers)

1. Travelers 15 years and older shall present a remotely supervised/laboratory-based Rapid Antigen Test administered and certified by a healthcare professional in a healthcare facility, laboratory, clinic, or other similar establishment taken 24 hours prior to the date and time of departure from country of origin/first port of embarkation in a continuous travel to the Philippines, excluding lay-overs; provided that, he/she has not left the airport premises or has not been admitted into another country during such lay-over. 2. Travelers 15 years and older who fail to present a negative pre-departure testing shall be required to undergo a laboratory-based Antigen Test UPON ARRIVAL at the airport. 3. ACCOMPANIED minors below 15 years of age who are NOT VACCINATED for any reason whatsoever shall follow the quarantine protocols of their parent/s or an accompanying adult/guardian traveling with them. 4. UNACCOMPANIED minors below 15 years of age who are NOT VACCINATED for any reason whatsoever shall follow the protocols set forth in Section B (1) and (2) above. NOTE:- Any inbound traveler, whether Filipino or Foreign national, who shall test positive for COVID-19 through rapid antigen test shall be subjected to the latest prevailing quarantine and isolation protocols of the DOH.

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Update April 12, 2024

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Philippines Travel Advisory

Travel advisory july 24, 2023, philippines - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution to the Philippines due to  crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping.  Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do Not Travel to:

• The Sulu Archipelago, including the southern Sulu Sea, due to  crime, terrorism, civil unrest,  and  kidnapping .
• Marawi City in Mindanao due to  terrorism  and  civil unrest .

Reconsider Travel to:

• Other areas of Mindanao due to  crime, terrorism, civil unrest,  and  kidnapping .

Country Summary : Terrorist and armed groups continue plotting possible kidnappings, bombings, and other attacks in the Philippines. Terrorist and armed groups may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities. The Philippine government has declared a “State of National Emergency on Account of Lawless Violence in Mindanao.”

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to the Philippines.

If you decide to travel to the Philippines:

• Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
• Avoid demonstrations. 
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.   
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .   
• Review the  Country Security Report  for the Philippines.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

The Sulu Archipelago and Sulu Sea – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Terrorist and armed groups continue to conduct kidnappings on land and at sea for ransom, bombings, and other attacks targeting U.S. citizens, foreigners, civilians, local government institutions, and security forces.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in the Sulu Archipelago and Sulu Sea as U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization to travel to those areas.

Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .

Marawi City in Mindanao – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Civilians are at risk of death or injury due to conflict between remnants of terrorist groups and Philippine security forces in Marawi.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Mindanao as U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization to travel there.

Mindanao – Level 3: Reconsider Travel

The Philippine government maintains a state of emergency and greater police presence in the Cotabato City area, and in the Maguindanao, North Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat provinces.

Terrorist and armed groups continue to conduct kidnappings, bombings, and other attacks targeting U.S. citizens, foreigners, civilians, local government institutions, and security forces.

Travel Advisory Levels

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What we know so far: Philippines’ air traffic system fiasco

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This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

FLIGHTS. Passengers take a look at departure schedules at the NAIA Terminal 3 in Pasay City on January 2, 2023.

MANILA, Philippines – Filipinos and other travelers looking to end the holiday season on a high note were met with quite the opposite as hundreds of flights to and from Metro Manila were canceled on New Year’s Day.

The fiasco, which saw more than 65,000 passengers affected throughout the country, was due to “technical issues” that hounded the air traffic management system of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).

The flight cancellations led to a domino effect , with many passengers forced to reschedule their flights, take other routes, or call off their travel plans altogether.

Government officials are scrambling to explain what led to the mess. Several questions, however, remain unanswered. Here’s what we know so far:

What happened?

In a press conference on Sunday, January 1, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said there were two main problems that contributed to the New Year’s Day disruptions.

“The primary cause identified was a problem with the power supply and the degraded uninterrupted power supply, which had no link to the commercial power, and had to be connected to the other manually. The secondary problem was the power surge due to the power outage, which affected the equipment,” he said.

Take a look at the timeline:

• 9:49 am – A blower for the uninterrupted power supply (UPS) of the Communications, Navigation, and Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) system gives a warning before breaking down. The secondary UPS also fails to come online. This causes a power outage, shutting down communication, radio, radar, and internet access.
• 10 am to 12 pm – The Philippine Air Traffic Management Center (ATMC), which houses the system’s equipment for overseeing all flights within the country’s airspace, suspends operations.
• 12:19 pm – Power is restored after the system is manually connected to a commercial power source. But a subsequent power surge destroys crucial equipment called very small aperture terminals (VSATs), which handle satellite data for communication and navigation.
• 4 pm – By this time, a total of 282 flights are canceled, delayed, or diverted to other airports, affecting around 56,000 passengers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). 
• 4:18 pm – The ATMC partially resumes operations after the restoration of communications using the Tagaytay City radar.
• 4:55 pm – Philippine Airlines flight PR222 from Brisbane, Australia, becomes the first plane to land after the partial restoration.
• 5:33 pm – Cathay Pacific flight CX930 bound for Hong Kong becomes the first plane to take off from NAIA after the partial restoration.
• 5:45 pm – Normal operations resume as the CNS/ATM system goes back online, but equipment restoration continues.
• 7:30 pm – The number of canceled, delayed, and diverted flights reaches 361.
• 7:45 pm – Around 90% of radar surveillance is back online. NAIA has already accommodated several international arrivals and departures.
• 8 pm – A press conference is held on the technical issues. Bautista says the government is preparing for an urgent air traffic management system upgrade, which may cost more than P13 billion . The number of passengers affected by the fiasco is already more than 65,000.

On Monday, January 2, dozens more flights are canceled.

What is the current air traffic management system of the Philippines?

Bautista said the Philippines is at least 10 years behind Singapore when it comes to air traffic systems. 

Singapore heavily invested in its air traffic management. The website of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore indicates that 200 million Singaporean dollars were set aside to fund research and development for this in anticipation of increased air traffic in Asia Pacific by 2030.

The current CNS/ATM system used in the Philippines was inaugurated in 2018. Back in 2017, the system was described as state-of-the-art and was said to put the country on the same level as developed countries.

In the New Year’s Day press conference, however, Bautista said the existing system was first introduced in 2010 but only implemented in the country in 2018.

“Parang midlife na itong system na ito na kailangan na talaga natin sigurong i-improve or i-modernize (This system is already midway through its life span, so perhaps we really need to improve or modernize it),” he said.

“[Maybe] we can still use it, but we need to upgrade this to a better system,” he added.

CAAP admitted that its CNS/ATM system was already behind when it became fully operational, given that a number of delays hounded the project from its conception until its launch.

Here’s a timeline of the CAAP’s system upgrade and what it looks like:

• 1990s – CAAP begins conceptualizing a new air traffic management system to replace its Eurocat system, which was implemented in 1996.
• November 2010 – The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) awards the first work package to the Sumitomo-Thales joint venture. This includes the design and construction of the Air Traffic Management Center and ATM Automation System, and the final integration of the whole CNS/ATM system.
• April 2011 – The DOTC awards the second package to the joint venture, which involves the design and construction of a surveillance and communication system. 
• May 2011 – The Commission on Audit (COA) suspends the advance payment of P58.92 million for the new CNS/ATM system.
• May 2013 – COA lifts the notice of disallowance against the DOTC’s advance payment.
• January 2015 – CAAP completes a P159.9-million upgrade of its air traffic management system while transitioning to the new CNS/ATM system. 
• January 2017 – CAAP estimates that the CNS/ATM system is 92% complete and would be ready by June 2017.
• January 2018 – President Rodrigo Duterte inaugurates the CNS/ATM system and estimates that it would be fully operational within the year.
• July 2019 – Almost nine years after work began on the system, CAAP announces that the CNS/ATM system is finally operational and ready to begin “comprehensive operations.”

What can cause a UPS to fail in the first place?

According to CAAP Director General Manuel Tamayo, redundancies were in place to prevent a UPS from failing completely.

“Meron itong dalawang [uninterruptible power supplies]. It has two in existence by design. Ang design nito, just in case we have a power failure, or any of the UPS fails, fail-safe, aandar ‘yung isa,” he said in Sunday’s press conference.

(We have two uninterruptible power supplies. It has two in existence by design. It’s designed so that just in case we have a power failure, or any of the UPS fails, fail-safe, the other one would work.)

Based on an initial investigation, Tamayo said the UPS failed because one of its blowers “conked out.”  

CAAP later attributed the failure to “a problem in the system’s electrical network, with its uninterruptible power supply, which is to be used as backup power supply, also failing.” 

When asked whether poor maintenance had contributed to the failure of the UPS, Bautista gave assurances that the CNS/ATM system was well-maintained.

“We have a maintenance group that does the regular maintenance of the system. They are trained by Sumitomo and Thales who provided this system to us. We have a very good technical group that maintains this CNS/ATM,” the transportation chief said.

Tamayo said that while CAAP cannot fully guarantee that such a failure would not happen again, “well-qualified” technical personnel are constantly monitoring the system.

“Like anything mechanical, electrical, we cannot give you any assurances,” he said. 

“ Ang ginagawa natin (What we do), since it’s relatively old, more frequent monitoring is being done. In fact, this is done daily. Daily checks are being done by our technical people. Sa tagal nilang may experience dito (Given their lengthy experience), I think they’re well-qualified already.”

A CAAP representative also told Rappler that allegations that they failed to replace the UPS’ battery before its expiration date were untrue.

“This is not correct. We replaced the battery [in] 2020,” the representative said.

What will happen now? 

CAAP is now investigating the main cause of the power supply issue. The probe falls under the responsibility of the Aerodrome and Air Navigation Safety Oversight Office, an office made up of technical personnel.

CAAP also said it already procured new equipment for the power supply, which are expected to arrive within 30 days.

Tamayo added that CAAP plans to spend millions of pesos to upgrade the aging CNS/ATM system in a bid to keep it functional.

“What we have been doing in CAAP, we budgeted P124 million to do some upgrades on the system, and that is due this year, 2023, for procurement. Hopefully, this will help extend the [system’s] life.”

Bautista said there is a need for a backup system situated in another location, but this would require not just a feasibility study but also “a huge amount of money.” A backup system, he said, would probably cost more than P13 billion.

The Senate, meanwhile, is set to conduct an investigation to determine who are responsible for the air traffic system fiasco and what to do to prevent a similar incident in the future.

Senator Grace Poe, chairperson of the Senate committee on public services, said the incident is a “national security concern,” adding that “thousands of lives depend on the efficiency and competence of CAAP.”

– Rappler.com

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Power outages at Philippine airports disrupt travel for thousands

Hundreds of flights in and out of Manila halted due to air traffic control malfunction, stranding passengers at airports.

Tens of thousands of travellers have been stranded at airports in the Philippines after a power outage caused a malfunction of air traffic control at the country’s busiest hub in Manila.

The communication and radar equipment failure on Sunday forced hundreds of flights to be cancelled, delayed or diverted, affecting some 65,000 passengers at Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport, according to the airport operator.

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Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista apologised to people for the halted flights, blaming the power outage for the breakdown that also affected operations at other airports in the country.

He said the outdated existing facility should be upgraded immediately and that a backup system was also needed.

“This is [an] air traffic management system issue,” he told reporters. “If you will compare us with Singapore, for one, there is a big difference, they are at least 10 years ahead of us.”

The Manila International Airport Authority said in a statement that “the system has been partially restored thereby allowing limited flight operations” as of 08:00 GMT. By late evening, eight flight arrivals and eight departures had been allowed, according to the operator.

“The flight delays and diversions are only precautionary measures to ensure the safety of passengers, crew, and aircraft,” the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines said.

The outage hit as many people were planning to travel after the Christmas and New Year break.

Photos and videos circulating on social media showed long queues at the airport and airline personnel distributing food packs and drinks to stranded passengers.

There were chaotic scenes at check-in counters across the country as thousands of people tried to rebook tickets or find out when their flights might take off.

Others who had boarded their aircraft before the glitch was announced waited for hours, then had to disembark.

LOOK: Gulf Air, Korean Airlines, and Saudia Airlines distribute food packs and drinks to passengers of delayed flights brought about by technical issues in the air traffic facilities of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippine. 📸 MIAA pic.twitter.com/0j1BYHOgmv — Gerard de la Peña (@gerarddelapena) January 1, 2023

Tycoon Manny Pangilinan, chairman of Philippine telecommunications conglomerate PLDT Inc, tweeted that he had been flying from Tokyo to Manila when the plane was diverted to Haneda  Airport in Japan due to “radar and navigation facilities” going down.

“6 hours of useless flying but inconvenience to travelers and losses to tourism and business are horrendous. Only in the PH. Sigh,” Pangilinan wrote.

There were 361 flights either delayed, cancelled or diverted to other regional airports on Sunday, while numerous other flights were forced to re-route to avoid Philippine airspace.

“It will take around 72 hours or thereabout for the airlines to normalise their operations,” said Cesar Chiong, general manager of the Manila International Airport Authority.

Philippine Airlines and budget carrier Cebu Pacific both said they were offering passengers due to fly on Sunday free rebooking or the option to convert tickets into vouchers.

The Ninoy Aquino International Airport has previously been ranked among the world’s worst international gateways, with flight delays a regular occurrence, and a history of upgrades being delayed or abandoned due to disputes between the airport and contractors.

The Philippines hopes to take pressure off by building multi-billion dollar airports in Manila’s surrounding provinces, including Cavite and also in Bulacan, which is due to start operations in 2027.

Find cheap flights to the Philippines from $348

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a kayak user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from the united states to the philippines departing on 8/22. fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. click the price to replicate the search for this deal., search hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to the philippines.

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Best Philippines Flight Deals

Cheapest round-trip prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 72 hours

Good to know

Faqs - booking philippines flights, if i am looking for flights to the popular clark international airport (crk), what are some of my quickest options from the united states.

One of the quickest ways that you can make this trip is to travel on two-stop flights aboard Philippine Airlines from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Another quick route of travel is to make the trip on a one-stop flight aboard Korean Air from John F. Kennedy International Airport.

If I would like to travel to the Philippines in January for the Sinulog Festival, what is the best way to get there from the United States?

Since this festival takes place in the city of Cebu, most travelers will opt to fly to the Mactan-Cebu International Airport. Travelers departing from a city on the west coast of the United States, such as the San Francisco International Airport (SFO), can take one-stop flights aboard EVA Air and Philippine Airlines to this airport.

If I want to take a seaplane to a destination in the Philippines, what are some of the most popular routes?

Since many passengers traveling from the United States to the Philippines will fly to the Luis Munoz Marin International Airport, passengers will find a service provided by a company called Air Juan that can fly you from this airport to a variety of destinations throughout the Philippines.

What is the shortest trip I can make to the Philippines from Seattle Tacoma International Airport (SEA)?

One of the quickest options to make this trip is to travel on one-stop flights aboard ANA Airlines, Japan Airlines, or EVA Air, which can make this trip in about 18 hours, including a layover. Typical layover cities on this route include Tokyo and Taipei City.

Are there nonstop flights to the Philippines?

For travelers flying to the Philippines from outside of California, it’s not likely that you’ll find a direct route. Currently, the only nonstop flights to the Philippines depart from Los Angeles and San Francisco. All of the nonstop flights from these two cities arrive in the Philippines' busiest international airline hub: Manila.

Is a visa required to visit the Philippines?

US citizens that plan to stay in the Philippines for less than 30 days must present a valid passport and a ticket to leave the Philippines to receive their entry visa.

Where should I fly into to get to Boracay?

One of the most convenient ways to get to Boracay is to fly from Manila to the island of Panay in the Visayas. From Manila, you can fly to either Kalibo or Caticlan on Panay Island and the flight time to both is around 1h. You can also get a ferry to Boracay from either of these cities.

I want to visit Davao, where should I fly into?

Davao is one of the commerce hubs of the Philippines and traveling to Davao directly from the United States will require a connecting flight. Flights from the US to Davao will fly into Mati Airport (DVO) after a connecting flight through Manila or Cebu.

How long is the flight to the Philippines?

An average nonstop flight from the United States to the Philippines takes 21h 53m, covering a distance of 7962 miles. The most popular route is Los Angeles - Manila with an average flight time of 14h 30m.

What is the cheapest flight to the Philippines?

The cheapest ticket to the Philippines from the United States found in the last 72 hours was $557 one-way, and $674 round-trip. The most popular route is from Los Angeles to Manila and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was $755.

Which airlines fly to the Philippines?

Philippine Airlines, United Airlines & American Airlines fly the most frequently from the United States to the Philippines.

What are the most popular destinations in the Philippines?

Based on KAYAK flight searches, the most popular destination is Manila (79% of total searches to the Philippines). The next most popular destinations are Cebu City (11%) and Angeles City (5%). Searches for flights to Davao City (1%), to Bacolod (0.5%) and to Panglao (0.5%) are also popular.

How does KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a given destination and date is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to the Philippines

• Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest Philippines flight deals.
• One of the most popular airport destinations in the Philippines is the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL). When flying here from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), passengers will find a number of one-stop flight options aboard Turkish Airlines, Asiana Airlines, and Philippine Airlines.
• A quite popular airport destination in the Philippines is the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB). When traveling from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), passengers will find one-stop flight options aboard Qatar Airways and Emirates.
• One airport that has a great location on the coast of the Philippines is the Godofredo P. Ramos Airport (MPH). When flying from the Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL), you'll find a number of two-stop flight options to this airport.
• Parents traveling to the Philippines with kids who plan on renting a car should know that this country does have a national seatbelt law that says that all children under twelve years old must travel in the rear of the vehicle, and they need to ride in an appropriate child safety seat.
• If you are trying to get to Nacpan Beach in the El Nido region, the El Nido Airport (ENI) is the most convenient airport for the trip. If you plan on departing from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), you will find a number of two-stop flights that make the trip to the airport.
• When booking your flight from US to the Philippines, you’ll most likely have a layover. The most common layovers take place in Vancouver, Shanghai and Seoul, with companies such as Philippine Airlines and Air Canada covering these routes.
• For travelers looking to book a flight with as few stops as possible, you’ll want to book a flight to either Cebu or Manila. Most of the international air traffic from the United States will come through these major cities, with the most popular routes being operated by Eva Air and Cathay Pacific.
• If you’re planning on seeing as much as possible throughout your time in the Philippines, Cebu can be a great option to fly into due to its location at the center of the collection of islands making up the Philippines. This city is also a major air hub that offers regional flights that go all over the country.
• For those looking to travel to multiple islands in the Philippines after their flight, one of the most affordable ways to traverse the water between the islands is by ferry. The Philippines are connected with a dense system of ferry routes, with different boat types available to suit your budget and level of desired comfort.
• The accepted currency in the Philippines is the Philippine peso but bringing cash to change into pesos can be a wasted effort, as ATM fees in the Philippines are comparable to what they are in the US, and the exchange rate can be more reliable through ATMs. If you’ll be using an ATM, using one while you’re still in or near the airport can be beneficial, as ATMs on some smaller islands are few and far between.

Top 5 airlines flying to the Philippines

The flight crews were extremely professional, helpful, and courteous. Departure and arrival times were accurate. No delay. I will use K airline again. Thanks

Everything about Korean air is great, hands down! Will always prefer this airline from other carriers.

Crew was ok, but some passengers were a bit rude. Again, all outlets were not working, only the really slow charging usb plug on the entertainment system. Entertainment system was also bugged, some features just crash, the touch screen wasn't working and when trying to watch a movie the onscreen display kept flashing off and on making it very difficult to watch.

Great crew, decent food Charging plugs were broken on both seats next to me. Only the USB port was available, and that charges, very, very slowly. Seat was also broken, it would not lock into position when reclining.

Korean Air had great service and the Bibimbap dish was the best airplane food I’ve ever had. It was a long flight so in between the two meals they served customers could get Shin ramen. The flight attendants let my children use a pair of nice headphones for the flight and had earbuds and slippers for all the adults. The flight was long but the time passed by relatively quickly because they have many great shows in their entertainment TV. I watched the BTS Love Yourself and Speak Yourself concerts 💜

not too bad but not too great either. Service on all airlines declined ever since covid. Your Delta Stewardess are not that friendly at all. :-(

I flew Asiana Air not Korean Air which was my original flight. So, I have no say about Korean Airlines right now. I hope you guys will not make any changes of my flight on Feb 15th. I want to fly Korean Air on Feb 15th. and make sure it is the same flightr njumber for my husband also and do not make any changes on either flights. thank you for reading my letter.

You did not put me on a Korean Air flight! so I do not have nothing to say

My flight was diverted to Atlanta and I was not given enough time. I paid my travel on April 23, 2023. It was originally Delta from Norfolk to NY, then Korean Air from NY all the way Philippines which is my final stop. Instead from Atlanta to Korea I flew Delta which is okay. Then Korea to Philippines, I flew Asiana Airlines. What I did not like, Ieagle did not sent me an email that my flight was change and so when I went to check in Wednesday the 10th, at 4:30 a.m they told me my flight was delayed at 6;00 p.m and diverted in Atlanta and I am flying Asiana from Korea to Philippines. I do not appreciate that Kayak or Ieagle chenge our flights 5 times and then last minute change again during my day of flight. I hope that you will not make any changes of my flight o Feb 15th because it has to be the same flight with my husband. That is the reason why we made the arrangements early on.

Wonderful cabin crew!!!!! Food was poor, in flight entertainment was just ok. They need to serve more water on a 15 hour flight--we were dehydrated and kept asking for water.

Fast and efficient boarding. Flight was on time. Service was very good for our long flight. First time flying with this airline and I would highly recommend.

Eva Air's Business Class is pretty decent. With the given price, I think that the food can be better.

Pleasant, comfortable, and entertaining. All told, ZERO issues with it. And sadly, so far the flight was WAY more comfortable than the hellhole that is "Lambug Beach Resort" at Badian Beach!

It was a pleasant fly with Eva Air from NYC to Taipei. The crew were friendly and the food was exceeded my expectation.

Eva air is a good airline. The seats on the way to Taipei could have certainly been more comfortable, but all in all it was a pretty good experience.

Overall the flight was what might be expected for a long haul flight to Asia in economy class. The cabin crew was attentive and the food was good. Boarding was fairly fast and easy. The one thing I found frustrating was the EVA app. It is terrible. Trying to do anything on it was almost impossible.

EVA would not help with ticket issue since they were purchased through a travel agency. Even though it was EVA ticket stock. Travel agency Budget Air didn't reissue ticket after airline change which I didn’t learn until trying to checkin on Christmas Day and there was no contact number for the agency to help. I will never use Budget Air to purchase flight again and disappointed in EVA’s refusal to help. Thankfully just under 12 hrs before departure someone from the agency was available to reissue tickets. I was starting to think we would not be flying and the stress trying to resolve was completely unacceptable.

seamless check in/ friendly staff, food is good, always love flying Eva Air

Very uncomfortable and crowded seats in economy. Flight attendant refused request to move to nearby unused seat with more legroom because “It was more money for that seat”. It was also near impossible to reach airline directly by phone. Waits upwards of an hour and not very helpful customer service representatives after long wait. Cannot recommend this airline.

My experience with Eva sir was good except the long walk in LA Lex, that was inconvenient for my age,

Very good , the weather was terrible, but i admired the professionality and politeness and care from the crew, and the excellent contition of the plane

My flight to Los Angeles was canceled Had to book another flight and you charged me extra $500 Very bad experience

It was a 2 hour flight to Taiwan. Lunch was served. China Airlines goes above and beyond for their passengers.

3 of the 4 flights had delays despite the weather being fine, but still managed to make all connections

Ask flight attendant for water during flight and she was a little rude get the water.

Flight was delay almost 2 hours from Hong Kong to Taipei. Last minute gate change from 24 to 66. Long way walk. We need to run in the Taipei airport to catch our next flight from Taipei to Vancouver. That is so suck!

Excellent staff made the boarding process fast and easy. Friendly crews on both flights from Saigon to Taipei and Taipei to Los Angeles. Will fly China Airlines again.

For a long-haul flight, the crew did a very good job of keeping the lavatories clean and the aisles clear.

The plane was an older model and the entertainment was hard to enjoy on those small screens. I struggled to see clear anything I wanted to watch. The seats where a bit uncomfortable but for a 3 hours flight it was pretty ok. The rest of services were excellent. Highly recommend China Airlines to others.

The check-in crew at SF did not put on breakable glass stickers on check-in baggages which caused my antique whisky bottle to break during transportation.

Cathay Pacific seems to be an airline in trouble and on its way out. Lots of broken or poorly functioning things like entertainment screens, seats, and enough well trained staff to handle a full flight. Sad...

The flight crew was exceptionally good. Personal needs were well met. The food choices were very nice.

Excellent. Planes are a little older and could get some refurbishment, but besides that everything was excellent.

While I was in great pain, the seat was sufficiently comfortable to allow me to rest and not be in so much pain.

we were upgraded which was a blessing and tender mercy for us. I fell the day before and was in extreme pain from knee to shoulder. Sitting in a more comfortable seat during the flight was an unexpected blessing and experience.

Not impressed with check in desk staff at Vancouver airport. Not a professional mind service and not cared or tried to help. Don’t think I would fly with them again

Seats were very comfortable. Crew were excellent. Food very good.

Flight crew was especially thoughtful and attentive, made sure our seats were comfortable so we could rest on the long flight

Very comfortable flights. Not so many new releases in terms of films.

Lounge in pukhet not good Very nice new aircraft Super crew as nearly always with Cathay

When I checked in, there was no option available for selecting a gluten-free meal. The lounge offerings were inadequate for someone with a gluten-free diet, and the staff in the lounge were not helpful at all.

Check-in was tedious. They could just have used the electronic boarding passes and counter checked the passengers’ names in their manifest. What’s the use of the early checkin if we still have to queue at the only 1 functioning checkin counter!

I’m 6’2” and the seats were too close together for my knees, very uncomfortable.

So far pal express is much better than Cebu pacific in terms of customers service and in flight crew. And on time departure and arrival . Especially if you're taking airbus 320 plane . But the small aircraft like bombardier . It usually delayed .

The return flight has been a nightmare. I am stuck in Singapore right now because PAL has not managed to resolve my return to Manila. The engine blew up on take off

Everything could better always late always rescheduled flight is worse and costs me a hotel room! The dirtiest planes I’ve ever flown on slowest to board . Just awful will never fly again with them

Boarded the plane last even while I was seated at the back and had to have my bag separate. The same exact special request meal was served as the flight an hour beforehand

The food was ordinary, this could be improved. Sleeping was comfortable enough for several hours sleep. The layover time in Manila Mabuhay lounge for 17 hours was awful. Surely I could have been given a flight to Perth within that time on another airline. At 74 years of age I find that far too long and stressful and will probably not travel with Philippine Airlines again for that reason. The food offering on board and in the lounge was also a little underwhelming. The crew were wonderful and the flight comfort was good also.

I paid for an aisle seat on my booking but for my return flight back in the US I was ina middle seat. I didnt realize this until i was already on the plane.

The flight itself was ok. However, the plane has 2 bathrooms for about 200 people. After the meal service there was a line between 10-15 people deep standing in the aisle waiting to use the bathroom. This went on for over an hour. The airlines tell us safety is their priority and to keep seatbelts on whenever on the plane but they allow a line of people to stand in the aisle for over an hour waiting for a bathroom. Absurd and unacceptable.

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Philippines travel requirements 2024: What travelers need to know

We aim to keep this post updated about Philippines travel in 2024 with official Philippines travel restrictions, requirements, and health and safety guidance. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions so you can travel confidently, safely, and responsibly in this new post-pandemic world of ours.

As restrictions can vary based on the traveler’s citizenship, we will focus primarily on rules affecting U.S. citizens.

Last update: February 21, 2024. Originally published: October 2020.

Disclosure: This post contains some affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of our links, we may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you.

* Get our free Post-Pandemic Travel Checklist *

February 2024:  “Our main requirement for travel to the Philippines was completing an online form within 72 hours of arriving. Our airline reminded us to do the same process before departing the Philippines as well. The form asks for flight info, countries visited in the last 30 days, and whether you have been sick or exposed to someone ‘known to have communicable/infectious disease’ in the past 30 days. We then received a QR code to show at the airport. We did not need to show the QR code upon arrival or departure (airline staff told me it’s actually for Philippine passport holders only). At immigration they had no questions for us on arrival or departure.” – Michelle & Jedd, Intentional Travelers, American digital nomads

Photo credit: Anwar Y January 2024: “I visited the Philippines for 3 weeks in January with visits to places on 4 major islands across the country [Luzon, Bohol, Cebu, and Palawan]. Overall tourism was open and accessible within the country, flights between islands were the easiest, with long overland travel times (due to local-roads / lack of highways). We did not experience any travel restrictions while within the country. There is a pre-arrival form that must be filled out that is used for tracing but really we didn’t find it used much beyond immigration. There were requirements for providing hotels for contact tracing but it was haphazardly enforced, such as only 1 bus company asked for this information. Access to all services is open, we did notice that for many services employees were masked but there was no requirement for tourists to mask. We found covid tests readily accessible and often in vending machines such as in the airport. One thing of note is that people did appear to be sick. My entire group ended up sick (non-covid) but the sinus cold did impede our ability to do some activities (scuba diving).” – Anwar Y of Beyond My Door , American traveler

At the end of the post, we share on-the-ground perspectives from local residents and travelers to the Philippines so you can get a true sense of what to expect. We’re thankful to one of our team members from the Philippines for co-creating this post with us!

Table of Contents

Is the Philippines open for travel? Can I travel to the Philippines right now?

Effective July 2023 , all travelers are allowed entry in the Philippines without restrictions. The following are no longer required to enter the Philippines:

• Proof of Vaccination
• Proof of negative Covid test (for unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers)
• Travel insurance

However, travelers must still meet the following requirements:

• As of April 2023, all travelers, including children. are required to register via the Electronic Travel Declaration System no earlier than 72 hours from the intended arrival.
• Passport must be valid for at least six months at the time of arrival.
• Have booked a return or outbound ticket (affiliate link).

U.S. citizens are allowed visa-free entry into the Philippines for 30 days.

See the list of visa exempt countries here.

Philippines travel restrictions  have changed over time, please check back for updates.

Quarantine rules in the Philippines: What happens if I get Covid?

All travelers arriving in the Philippines are not required to quarantine.

Foreign tourists who  test positive for Covid while in the Philippines must continue to isolate and undergo quarantine.

For cases with moderate to severe symptoms or belonging to the immunocompromised category, isolation of 10 days from onset of signs and symptoms is required. Patient may be required to be admitted to a health care facility based on the advice of the attending physician.

For severe cases and immunocompromised cases , isolation is required and may end only upon the advice of their health care provider.

Patients with mild symptoms or asymptomatic are advised to isolate at home for five days or until fever-free for at least 24 hours without using antipyretics such as paracetamol, whichever is earlier.

Foreign tourists may be required to cover the costs of quarantine accommodations or hospitalization.

Recommended Quarantine Hotels in the Philippines:

Bayview Park Hotel Manila – Located at the heart of Manila, near the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and US Embassy, Bayview Park Hotel has modern and cozy rooms with air conditioning, cable TV, personal safe, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel also features an outdoor swimming pool and coffee shop with local and international dishes. Estimated cost for a 14-day stay is $748-$997. Book this hotel >

Hotel Durban – Hotel Durban is located in Makati, Manila. The hotel features air conditioned rooms, restaurant, bar, and free Wifi. Estimated cost for a 14-day stay is $471-$871. Book this hotel >

Somerset Millennium Makati – Somerset Millennium is a high-end hotel conveniently located in the vibrant business district of Makati City, 30 minutes from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. The hotel offers elegant rooms with free Wifi, air conditioning, and flat screen TVs. There’s also an on-site restaurant, fitness center, spa, and swimming pool. Estimated cost for a 14-day stay is $1657-$1888. Book this hotel >

Radissan Blu Cebu – The Radissan Blue is one of Cebu’s top rated five star hotels. It has swimming pool, spa, fitness center, on-site restaurant, and airport transfers. Rooms come with air conditioning, Wifi, and a fantastic breakfast. Estimated cost for a 14-day stay is $1022-$1498. Book this hotel >

Can I travel to the Philippines in April 2024? Can I travel to Philippines this Spring?

The Philippines is open to tourists in April. Read on for details and check back for updates.

What is it like to fly to Manila MNL Ninoy Aquino International Airport right now? Philippine Airlines reports p assengers are no longer required to wear face masks, though it is still recommended.

Do I have to quarantine when traveling to the Philippines? No. Only travelers who test positive will need to quarantine. See details above.

Does Philippines check COVID-19 symptoms of incoming travelers? Travelers undergo a passive thermal scan upon arrival in the airport. Hats must be removed, otherwise just walk through.

Does Philippines require a negative Covid 19 test for travelers? No. As of July 2023, a negative test is no longer required for travelers to enter the Philippines.

Do I have to undergo a Covid test upon arrival in the Philippines? No. Covid test upon arrival is no longer required.

Does Philippines require a proof of Coronavirus vaccine for travelers? No. A proof of Coronavirus vaccine is no longer required.

Do I still need to provide a negative Covid test or quarantine if I have been vaccinated? Quarantine and negative Covid test is no longer required for travelers.

Is a booster shot required for travel to the Philippines? At this time, booster shots are not required in the Philippines. There is currently no expiration period set for the validity of vaccinations.

Do I need to provide proof of vaccination or test for domestic flights in the Philippines? Most destinations within the Philippines no longer require a proof of vaccination or test for domestic flights.

However, local authorities may have specific requirements. It is recommended to check with the destination’s local government unit (LGU) through their official website or Facebook page for the latest rules and guidelines.

What healthcare options are available to travelers in the Philippines who get the virus?   Philippine hospitals and clinics are open. Foreign visitors can get PCR or antigen test at  the Philippines Department Of Health accredited testing centers .

Foreign visitors who get the virus would pay out of pocket for medical services. The medical expenses for the treatment will vary depending on the severity of the condition, the hospital where the patient is admitted, confinement duration, and other factors.

For travel insurance that covers Covid, check out Nomad Insurance by Safety Wing >

What service businesses and restaurants are open in the Philippines? Markets and groceries, which are considered essential businesses, remained open throughout the duration of the community quarantine in the Philippines.

Restaurants are permitted to accept dine-ins. Malls, personal care services, and entertainment establishments are also back in business following health and safety protocols.

More hotels, resorts, and other accommodation establishments are allowed to operate under different community quarantine classifications and cater to local travelers.

Do I need to provide proof of vaccination or a negative test to enter or stay at hotels, resorts, and other accommodation establishments in the Philippines? Most accommodation establishments in the Philippines no longer require a proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test.

It is advisable to visit the hotel website or official social media pages to know their latest guidelines. Additionally, contacting the establishment directly is recommended for any clarifications.

What public gatherings are allowed in Philippines? Public gatherings are allowed but must follow health and safety protocols.

Are face masks required in the Philippines? As of July 2023 , wearing of face masks is no longer required in the Philippines.

Are buses running in the Philippines? Yes. Public transportation is available in the Philippines, including buses, jeepneys, trains, tricycles, and vans.

Will the Philippines impose new Covid restrictions? What’s next is difficult to predict. Historically, the Philippines has imposed nationwide as well as localized COVID-19 restrictions when strains on the health care system might become unsustainable.

How has the Coronavirus impacted the Philippines?

The first case of the Coronavirus was confirmed in the Philippines January 30, 2020 and the country was placed under a State of Public Health Emergency on March 8, 2020.

As a measure to limit the spread of the virus, lockdowns or community quarantines have been imposed since March 15, 2020. Despite implementing strict lockdowns, the country still experienced surges in cases, reporting more confirmed cases and deaths than any other Southeast Asian country.

The onslaught of the virus put the country into recession with mass unemployment. The restriction on travel also affected tourism, which is a large industry in the country. 

Over two thirds of the population has been vaccinated in the Philippines.

In July 2023, the State of Public Health Emergency has been lifted throughout the Philippines. All restrictions due to Covid 19 are no longer in effect.

For the current situation in the Philippines, including: total COVID-19 positive cases; total cases in the Philippines; and COVID-19 testing in the Philippines, please see the Philippines Department of Health site .

What should you pack for safely traveling in the Philippines?

😷 Face Masks – Face coverings are optional but recommended in crowded areas. Find N95 masks at Bona Fide > or designer options at Vida >

💊 Medicine – Bring enough prescription and over-the-counter medication for your entire trip to avoid trips to the clinic.

💳 Vaccine Card Holder – Protect that paper CDC card when traveling abroad (if your country doesn’t offer a digital version). Get a simple plastic protector > or Vegan leather clippable > or Leather passport + card combo holder >

👃 Covid self-test – The most studied rapid antigen self-test with FDA emergency authorization.  NOT valid to enter countries. Use for your own peace of mind. Order from CVS > or Walmart >

💧 Sealed water bottle – Make sure your reusable water bottle has a lid that’s not exposed to the air. We use one of each of the following: Shop insulated water bottles with protective lid > Shop water bottles with purification filter and protective lid >

✈️ Travel insurance that covers Covid – We’ve started using Nomad Insurance by Safety Wing for affordable evacuation, international medical, and trip coverage.

What do Philippine locals and recent travelers say about visiting the Philippines now?

What is it like to visit the Philippines right now? It’s our goal to provide regular updates here from real people on the ground, to help potential visitors know what to expect. The following are subjective opinions only. Official travel guidance can be found above.

November 2023 – Gladis of Happiness on the Way , Filipina citizen:  “I flew from Frankfurt to Clark International Airport (Philippines) in September and was surprised by the low number of tourists. I’ve traveled around Clark and Manila for a month and most of the businesses like cafes, restaurants and even tours are all back – I love how I was able to see famous spots with less tourists!

Healthcare, testing, and local attractions are fully operational in most cities and touristy towns. Hotels and restaurants provide sanitizers, and staff are vaccinated with open-air setups. Airports in the Philippines have synchronized e-travel for smoother lines. Most popular destinations have maximum tourists now, so booking ahead is advisable to secure your spot.”

June 2023 – Liza of Always in Spain : “I’m in the Philippines for one month (May to June 2023) to visit family and travel around the country.

Tourism in the Philippines is thriving again! Tourist attractions are open without restrictions, tour operators are offering services again, and transportation (air & land) look fully open for domestic travel so it’s easy to get around the country.

Aside from having to complete a declaration upon arrival, things are back to normal in the Philippines. Some people still prefer to mask up (especially indoors) but it’s not obligatory.

Pharmacies are plentiful in the large cities so you have easy access to home testing kits and over-the-counter medication if you need it. If you’re traveling to more remote areas, it’s a good idea to have your own emergency medical kit just in case.”

February 2023 – Kieren of Wales Guidebook , UK traveler:  “My girlfriend and I visited the Philippines for 10 days in February 2023 with a return trip from Bali. Tourism in the Philippines is mostly back to normal. Aside from being asked to wear masks at airports and onboard with some airlines, there were no other Covid requirements or restrictions and I can highly recommend visiting at this time.

Although signage regarding Covid restrictions (such as mask wearing) are still on display across the country, these are rarely enforced. You may still see staff wearing masks in supermarkets and shopping malls. Pharmacies are readily available in most areas frequented by tourists and the level of English is usually enough to get any medicine you need. Chain pharmacies, such as Watsons, are more likely to speak a good level of English.”

October 2022 – Jennifer Terri, Philippines:

September 2022 – Elizabeth, visitor from UK:   “I visited the Philippines for a 3-week trip to explore its top destinations. The locals are still wearing masks, however, it’s a bit more relaxed, especially in the open public area. When you enter an establishment, you will be asked or expected to put on the mask.

Most businesses related to tourism are open or in service such as airlines, hotels, and tour agencies. Locals seems to be getting back on travelling as well, but it seems like the airlines are not well-staffed resulting in long queues, although very little delay.”

July 2022 – Angeline of GoAroundPhilippines.com , resident:  “All tourist destinations in the country are open and locals mostly enjoy them now. It is the best time to visit as there are still few tourists around and you can easily get cheaper rates for hotels and tours as companies need tourists.

The islands and beaches have gone through a bit of a break so they’ve become more vibrant and marine animals are plenty. There are still no long lines or crowds either.”

March 2022 – Camille, resident of the Philippines: “Things are finally the closest it’s been to “back to normal” after two long years of strict quarantine rules. Everything feels much more relaxed and people are happy to go out, dine out, party, and travel. Even though it feels like back to normal, most people still comply with wearing masks almost everywhere so this is something foreigners should expect and be sensitive in following.

Many places still are at limited capacity though, so lines are long and crowds can be packed. As much as possible, we appreciate it when tourists are understanding of any delays or mishaps. There’s a period of adjustment since it’s only been recently that things are as they were before. Many workers have been affected and are now happy to get back to work, so patience and tips are appreciated. At the end of the day, tourism has always played a big part in our economy so you’ll definitely feel welcome.”

July 2021 – Ailene, resident of Manila: “The Philippines does not currently allow tourists to enter the country. Majority of the residents are hesitant to the reopening of the borders to foreign tourists because of the fear that our healthcare system would collapse if there will be a surge in Covid cases. In Metro Manila, people (except children and senior citizens) are free to move within the city as long as the curfew, social distancing, face mask, and face shield rules are observed. Traveling to other places outside Metro Manila is also possible. Travel restrictions are generally being followed. However, there were some instances when people were caught violating the rules such as faking their Covid results, partying, and not following the curfew. Access to healthcare is a little difficult. In some hospitals and clinics, patients without an appointment will not be allowed to enter. But virtual consultation is also available. Getting tested for Covid is easier. People have an option to get tested at clinics, hospitals, drive through testing centers, or at home. Access to local attractions is possible as long as the needed requirements are provided. A negative Covid test is required in some destinations, while a health certificate is enough for some. Right now, the safest and preferred places to travel to are private resorts and outdoor open areas like parks and beaches where interaction with other people can be avoided as much as possible. Restaurants, groceries, and other food service can be accessed easily. Although public transportation is available for travelers, it is safer to travel in private vehicles.”

June 2021 – Tina of https://iwentanyways.com , resident of Philippines: “Many provinces in the country are not yet open to tourism, and those that are already open have requirements that need to be followed. Locals have varying reaction to their place opening up to tourists. Some support the opening due to financial reasons, while those that are not in favor are concerned that these tourists might spread the virus in their place. Travel restrictions are being followed by locals and visitors, but I’ve heard of stories of some people who do not follow it but are able to get away with it. As for the healthcare and testing, most of the hospitals and testing centers are available in the capital cities. Some provinces that have opened for tourism require visitors to register in an app and wait for the approval of their visit before they could travel. This is required for contact tracing purposes.”

Even if you can’t go to the Philippines right now, you can still get started planning your Philippines trip for the future.

Check out our other Philippines travel resources: – Best Places to Visit in the Philippines on a Budget

If you have questions or updates about travel to the Philippines during the Coronavirus crisis or post-pandemic, please let us know in the comments below. *Please note that we are not able to advise travelers regarding specific situations outside of the free information provided above. We recommend working with a professional travel agent if you need assistance particular to your trip.

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Disclaimer: Please note, travel restrictions change frequently. Readers must take responsibility for verifying information through official sources like the State Department and CDC, in respect to their specific situations. No responsibility can be accepted by Intentional Travelers for action or inaction as a result of information provided through IntentionalTravelers.com. Any information provided here is issued as general information only.

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84 Comments

We have booked a trip to the Philippines next month. We have not been vaccinated for covid19, Earlier it was mentioned that we had to take a corona test to enter the philippines. Last weekend all corona measures in the Philippines were scrapped, see source: https://pco.gov.ph/news_releases/pbbm-lifts-state-of-public-health-emergency-throughout-ph-due-to-covid-19/

I don’t want any surprises, Can you please confirm to me if we need to take a corona test to fly to the Philippines (from Madrid) or if it is therefore not necessary anymore now. In addition, I am also asking for more clarity on the inernal movements.

Hello Falko. Since the State of Public Health Emergency has been lifted in the Philippines, all rules and restrictions due to Covid 19 are no longer in effect. This means that you are no longer required to present a negative Covid test to enter the Philippines. For traveling within the Philippines, restrictions are also no longer in effect. However, it is still advisable to check your destination’s local government unit (LGU) official website or Facebook page for the latest travel guidelines. You may also check for the latest COVID requirements by destination through this websites: https://www.philippineairlines.com/covid-information-hub/covid-requirements

Hello, I’m a little confused on one issue. I’m a US citizen unvaccinated and would like to fly to the Philippines. I know what tests, etc I need to actually fly to the philippines, but what is not clear to me based on conflicting information is will I be required to take another covid test on arrival if the 24 hour one taken before flight was negative? One thing I don’t want to happen is discover I have to have another one when I arrive as I really hate them since they are so unnecessarily intrusive, and I’ve read some places that you will need a second one on arrival regardless of the results of the preflight test. I would be flying to Cebu. Thank you for your time.

Hello Sam, thank you for visiting our blog. According to the current entry rules , unvaccinated or partially vaccinated “travelers 15 years and older who fail to present a negative pre-departure testing shall be required to undergo a laboratory-based Antigen Test UPON ARRIVAL at the airport.” Therefore, if you can provide a valid and negative pre-departure Covid test when you arrive in the Philippines, then you will no longer have to test upon arrival at the airport.

Thank you for answering my question, that is good news. Just one other question please. Where do I look to find what remotely supervised covid tests are accepted by Philippines government on arrival since I don’t want to take a test in a clinic?

Hello Sam. Unfortunately, we cannot find updated information about remotely supervised tests accepted by the Philippines. It seems like no updates have been published but we’ll let you know if we find updated information regarding this. You may also contact the Philippine Department of Tourism official Facebook page or a Philippine embassy near you to get information about remotely supervised tests.

Is a negative COVID test result required for return travel from the Philippines to the United States?

Hi. Regardless of departure point, test results are not required going to the US, and as of this month (May 2023), noncitizen nonimmigrant air passengers no longer need to show proof of being fully vaccinated either.

I will be on vacation soon in the Philippines and resorts (specifically at Pico de Loro, Batangas and Los Banos, Laguna) still require a certified negative covid-test for stay. Where can I get this certified covid-19 rapid antigen test?

Hello Yeen. Thank you for visiting our blog. You can see the list of licensed Covid 19 testing facilities in the Philippines here: Philippine Department of Health Licensed Covid-19 Testing Laboratories

I am traveling to the Philippines in July 2023. I see that the Philippines currently still requires a negative Antigen Test for entry. Once a traveler has entered the country and wants to travel to different locations (such as Tacloban, Cebu City, Bohol, etc.) does a traveler have to provide a clean test at every domestic airport in the Philippines to board the plane if I stayed at each different location for 3-5 days? I need clarification as the domestic air carriers (Cebu Pacific, Air Asia, etc.) indicate that you need at least a negative Antigen Test to board on their websites. Any comments from recent travelers in the Philippines would be helpful. Thank you

Hi Greg. It is correct that the Philippines still require proof of a negative COVID test for entry if a traveler is unvaccinated or partially vaccinated. For travel within the Philippines, most destination no longer require a negative test for domestic flights. However, please note that some destination may still require a negative test and other documents for domestic travel depending on the local authorities’ regulations. We recommend that you check your destination’s local government unit (LGU) official website or Facebook page for the latest travel guidelines and requirements.

You may also check for the latest COVID requirements by destination through these websites: https://www.cebupacificair.com/pages/travel-info/covid-travel-reminders/travel-document-requirements?lang=en-PH https://www.philippineairlines.com/covid-information-hub/covid-requirements

We hope this helps and thank you for visiting our blog!

Hello, we are scheduled to go to the Philippines February 1st. We will be flying to japan January 27th and then from japan to Manila February 1st. Then from Manila to Boracay on the 2nd of February. We are American us citizens unvaccinated. What are the requirements and regulations for us? Will we be allowed to go with the new covid laws?

Hello Vee. Thanks for visiting our blog. Based on the current travel requirements and your status as an unvaccinated U.S. citizens, the following are the requirements you need:

For travel to Japan, you will need to provide a pre-travel COVID-19 test conducted within 72 hours prior to departure from the country/region of origin. You may check the Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs webpage or the U.S. Embassy in Japan webpage for details.

For travel to the Philippines, you will need the follwing: – negative Antigen test certificate from a clinic conducted within 24 hours of departure from the country of origin – complete a BOQ e-Health Declaration Card (e-HDC), including children – passport valid for at least six months at the time of arrival – return or outbound ticket to your country of origin or next country of destination.

Once you’re in the Philippines, the requirements to travel to Boracay are the following: – Tourist Arrival Form – Confirmed Boracay Hotel Booking slip/voucher – Passport (for Foreigners)

You may also contact the Boracay/Aklan Tourism facebook page for more details.

Hello, we are Polish Filipino marrige and we are not vaccinated. We are planing to Visit Philipinnes in the middle of January 2024. Do you think it will be still required to do the PCR covid tests before travel? Since I read about Thailand, Laos, Vietnam is already fully open (no covid tests, no vaccinated etc). When they will fully open the Philippines? Regards

Thanks for visiting our blog. We don’t have any special information about the government’s future plans about travel restrictions, however, we will be sure to update this post when we see that anything changes.

Hello there, i am filipino-american citizen. I am unvaccinated and my vacation and my 4yo son to cebu by october. What are the restrictions for us since we don’t want to get vaccinated. From cebu international airport do we have to book a hotel for quaratines that are doh accredited and for how many days? Is it possible to choose our own place to stay while waiting for pcr test? And also does me and my son need a pcr test before we travel to Philippines? And also do we need return ticket or not needed? Hope to hear your response. Thank you

Hi Isabel. Thanks for visiting our blog! The current restriction states that foreign nationals (including Balikbayans) visiting the Philippines without a visa must be vaccinated. Unfortunately, you won’t be allowed entry into the Philippines based on the current rules. The same goes for your 4-year-old son since he will follow the rules that are applicable to you. However, if you will enter the Philippines with a visa or if you have double citizenship (Filipino and American) then it’s possible that you and your son may be allowed entry. We recommend that you contact or visit the Philippine Embassy in your area to see if there are any exemptions applicable to you that will allow you to visit the Philippines. Hope this helps.

Hello hoping to travel to the Philippines but I am unvaccinated are they open for unvaccinated foreign travelers yet?

Hi Mark. You’ll find the answer to that in our post and we’ll continue to update it as rules change.

Please note that on the PAL site ( https://www.philippineairlines.com/en/covid-19/arrivingintheph ) it states that valid return ticket(s) to the original port of origin or next port of destination for not more than 30 days from the date of arrival in the Philippines is/are required. Since I want to go for 3 months can I assume this is now impossible? Please help

Hi Norman! Thanks for visiting our blog. Tourists entering the Philippines visa-free are allowed to stay for not more than 30 days. Thus, the need for a valid return ticket to your country of origin or your next destination dated not more than 30 days from the date of arrival in the Philippines. If you want to stay in the Philippines for more than 30 days, you will need to apply for a Philippine tourist visa. You need to contact the Philippine Embassy or Consulate near you for information on how to apply for a Philippine tourist visa. I hope this helps.

I am a Filipino citizen with Philippine passport and vaccinated, I will be traveling with my family to Philippines – my husband american citizen fully vaccinated, but my 1.5 yrs old son also american citizen and not vaccinated. We are just planning to stay in the Philippines for 1 week just for my son to meet my parents. My question is, will he/we still need to be in quarantine? Thanks

Hi Camille. Thanks for visiting our blog. According to the Philippine’s quarantine rules, children below the age of 12 who cannot be vaccinated must follow the quarantine protocols of the parents traveling with them. Since you and your husband are fully vaccinated and do not need to quarantine, your son is not required to quarantine as well. You may also contact the Philippine Bureau of Immigration for more information regarding entry requirements.

I heard the quarantine laws recently changed. I am a US citizen fully vaccinated. I have two questions…

1) Do I still have to quarantine? 2) Will I be admitted with a work visa?

Thanks for visiting our blog. If you are traveling to the Philippines from the United States and fully vaccinated, you still need to quarantine at a government approved facility until the result of a RT-PCR test taken on the 5th day of quarantine is released. If the result is negative, you’ll be allowed to continue the quarantine at home until the 10th day. You can check the post for more details about quarantine rules in the Philippines. Regarding your work visa, if it is valid and existing, then you may be allowed to enter the Philippines. We advise that you contact the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate in your area to get more information and before attempting travel.

Travel to the Philippines My legal wife is an ex-Philippine citizen having been “required” to give it up on becoming a Canadian citizen, more years ago than I’m “allowed to divulge”! I’m a naturalized Canadian citizen originally from the UK, a few years ago shall we say! Am I correct in believing my wife can travel “home” without a pre-authorized but will we granted a “tourist” visa on arrival, and that I may accompany her getting a “balikbyan” visa on arrival?

Vaccine “Combo” Canada considers us “fully” vaccinated against COVID-19 with 1st Dose Pfizer-BioNTech & 2nd Dose Moderna Mrna vaccines, but is this “combo” accepted by the Philippines?

Vaccination-Quarantine I understand that as we are “fully” vaccinated we will be required to “reside” at a hotel for 7 days with a PCR test on Day 5, and if the PCR test is clear we can then shorten the full 14-day period to 10 days? Can the hotel be “of our choice” if that hotel provides such facilities, or are their only “designated” hotels to choose from? At the hotel do we have full access to its facilities such as swimming pool etc if open, or are we “imprisioned” in our rooms for the duration?

Post-Quarantine Travel in the Locale Are there any restrictions for “ALL” in moving around the locale to say attend golf courses if open, and can we travel by public transport. Are there any “AGE” restrictions as we are seniors, although the exact ages are a “closely guarded secret”!

Travel to Provences On arrival into Manila can we “immediately” transfer to the domestic airport for travel to the Provences for quarantine, or do we have to quarantine in Manila before moving on?

Best wishes William & Lourdes

Hello, William and Lourdes, and thank you for visiting our blog. These are important questions you have, and travel restrictions can certainly be confusing, not to mention constantly changing. We are only able to track a limited set of scenarios, which we post for free on the blog. To answer specific questions beyond what’s in our post, we would recommend working with a travel agent to ensure your trip needs are met. We’ll also see where we can better clarify some of the information in our post in the coming days. Best regards.

I would like to get a visitor visa for the Philippines as I plan to marry my fiancé who is a Philippine resident in January 2022. Can you guide me to websites so that the visa process for the Philippines can be simplified if that is possible, or inexpensive visa service for the Philippines? Thank you for any help you can provide me. Anthony

Hi Anthony. Thank you for your question. As we do not have personal experience using a visa service ourselves, we can only recommend doing a web search for “philippines visa services” and checking for recent user reviews. Perhaps one of our other readers will be able to chime in with a suggestion in the future.

Hi – Is there a quarantine exception offered for emergency travel from the U.S. (fully vaccinated) such as caring for sick/dying family member?

Thanks for visiting our blog. We are not aware of emergency exceptions at this time. With the many changing rules, we have to focus on those that apply to the majority of travelers, so a travel agent or visa service that specializes in the Philippines may be more help for specific scenarios or exceptions.

Hi! Fully vaccinated foreign travellers who have been in a green list country for at least 14 days are allowed to enter the Philippines without any problems as long as they quarantine 7 days in an approved facility, right? So for me who live in Italy, the only way I can currently access the Philippines would be to travel to Albania (green list country) right after I get my second dose, stay there 2 weeks and then fly from Albania to the Philippines.

Hi Andrea, thank you for visiting our blog. That is a very good question. The Philippines’ green lane was created to lessen the quarantine period of fully vaccinated individuals who are allowed to enter in the Philippines. Therefore, it is important to determine first if you belong to any of the traveler categories who can enter the Philippines. For foreign citizens, you must have a valid and existing Philippine visa. If without a visa, you must be a former Filipino or a family member traveling with a former Filipino. You can check the complete details of who can enter the Philippines here .

If you are one of those travelers who are allowed to enter, fully vaccinated, and traveling from Albania or any of the countries in the Philippines’ green list, the quarantine period would only be 7 days.

Hi Ailene and thank you for your kind reply. I guess I will need a visa and probably an exemption document which I have now idea how to get and if there are any requirements I don’t think I meet them anyway since the purpose of the trip would be to visit my girlfriend hence why I am considered as a mere tourist.

I’m from Arizona currently looking for a way to travel to the Philippines ASAP to marry my fiance. I have my vaild US passport, however found myself needing a tourist visa with a possible certificate of entry as well..would you recommend going through a travel agency, a family member who is Filipino, or waiting for the covid travel restrictions to be lifted? Point me in the right direction or any vaild news will be greatly appreciated. Thanks & God bless.

Hi Chris. Without a valid and existing visa, you would need to wait for restrictions to change. We’ll be sure to update this post as we get more news. In general, we do recommend working with a travel agent who is familiar with Philippine visas to help navigate the ever-changing travel situation these days.

Chris You and so many others are in the same situation. I am looking into flying my Fiance to another country, (Mexico, Columbia or Costa Rica) Getting married there Then fly back together on a Balikbayan Visa.

Hi! We want to visit Philippines in February. If we are vaccinated with 2 doses do we still need to do a covid test? We need to fill out a form before entering the Philippines? but for Boracay? Thank you!

Hello Cristina! Based on the current Philippine travel rules, a booster is no longer required for entry, therefore, you no longer need to provide a negative Covid test. However, you need to register on the Philippines eTravel website and you can register up to three days in advance of your departure. For Boracay, a filled out tourist arrival form, hotel booking, and passport for foreign tourists are required. You can check details here or you may contact the Aklan government through their Facebook page for additional information.

Hi! I was just wondering, are fully vaccinated senior citizen (60 years and older) coming from Canada allowed to enter Philippines? Are there any travel restriction for their age group? Thanks a lot!

Thanks for visiting our blog. We’ve been focusing on requirements primarily for US citizens, as it can vary by country and it’s a challenge to track all the changes. I would double-check with the Canadian State Department and/or a travel agent for more specific guidance. It’s my understanding that the age group restrictions don’t apply for entering the country but rather for going out and about once there – so far this has only been relevant to Philippine residents and will likely change with local vaccination rates eventually.

Hi, thank you for a really good blog. I am fully vaccinated norwegian man, and I wonder if you know anything about when it will be possible to travel to the Philippines. Cebu is a possible destination. If you dont know, because I think no one can know for sure now, what will be your educated guess. I have a close friend I want to visit there.

I’m glad you’ve found our blog helpful. I wish we had more insight as to when things will open up more. Some countries in Southeast Asia have indicated that they may wait until a majority of their own population is vaccinated, so it really is uncertain. We’ll do our best to provide updates here as they come out.

I am a fully-vaccinated US citizen. Do I understand correctly that I can fly into Cebu with no quarantine requirements? What covid-related requirements would I be subjected to (e.g. tests, etc). Thank you!

Hi James. Thank you for visiting our blog. Travelers flying in directly to Cebu don’t have to quarantine at the hotel, provided that they receive a negative test result conducted immediately upon arrival at the airport. Please note that this is applicable only to permitted foreign nationals. We recommend that you contact the local government of Cebu or the Cebu-Mactan International Airport for complete details and requirements. Also, as of today, only US citizens with visa, US citizens who are former Filipinos, and US citizens who are family members and traveling with a Filipino citizen or former Filipino are allowed entry in the Philippines. Please see the Philippine Bureau of Immigration page for complete details. It is also advisable to contact the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in your area for more information and before attempting travel.

My daughter was born in Manila in 2020. What do i need to do to get to the philippines? The philippines embassy in los angelas doesn’t replay to my emails and nobody picks up the phones. please help

Hello and thank you for visiting our blog. We do our best to provide regularly updated information on this post for free to the public, as our small team does not have capacity to provide individualized advice for everyone who requests. If you’re not able to find what you need in the details of our post or through the official resource links we have provided above, many travelers are finding this type of support through travel agents.

I’m from Canada and I’m also a citizen here. I don’t understand why United States citizen foreigners are allowed in the Philippines but not Canadians when their country is much worse with the current situation with the covid virus. Or are Canadians allowed also? Thank you.

Hello and thanks for visiting our blog. Because the majority of our blog readers are from the US and rules do vary by country and change frequently, we have chosen to focus on restrictions for Americans in this particular post. This does not mean other nationalities are excluded from entering the Philippines. I would suggest checking the Canadian State Department website for details that apply to your home country.

Thanks for all the info! Hoping to head to the Philippines December of this year, of course plans are put on hold until then.

I’m planning a trip in August. Do you think the borders will be reopened? If so, I want to go to Iloilo directly, can I quarantine there instead of Manilla even though I have a 1h change (stopover because of a direct flight with terminal as Iloilo) of plane there? Thank you

Hi. Thanks for visiting our blog. We do our best to keep this post updated as things change, but we don’t have any special insight as to when changes will happen in the future. For advice on specific trip questions that you can’t find in our post, we recommend seeking a professional travel agent. Safe travels.

My American boyfriend planning to come and meet me this coming month of July. He should get a visa in US before coming here in the Philippines or he could get a visa when he landed here in the Philippines then? His destination will be in Kalibo, Aklan. Any idea about the protocols travelling to Kalibo, Aklan? And if he need to be quarantine for 14 days? He’s already fully vaccinated with Moderna vaccine. He is also tested in Covid and had a negative results. Thank you.

Thank you for visiting our blog. Traveling to the Philippines without a visa, unfortunately, that has been temporarily suspended because of the pandemic so he would need to arrange a visa before traveling. You can find details on the Philippine Bureau of Immigration Facebook page . Please note that we are not able to advise travelers regarding specific situations outside of the free information we already provide above. If you’re not able to find answers for your particular trip in our post, we recommend working with a professional travel agent to ensure your personal trip needs are met.

I’M TRYING TO TRAVEL IN JULY IS IT POSSIBLE FOR ME TO VISIT MY FAMILY. I’M AN AMERICAN CITIZEN BUT FORMERLY FILIPINO CITIZEN. FULLY VACCINATED AND JUST GOT SWAB FOR COVID 4 TIMES ALREADY. THANK YOU

Hello and thank you for visiting our blog. We do our best to provide regularly updated information on this post for free to the public, as our small team does not have capacity to provide individualized advice for everyone who requests. I hope you’ll find what you need in the details of our post or through the official resource links we have provided above. If you need further assistance, many travelers are finding this type of support through travel agents.

i don’t know how accurate your info is as i work with a filipino here in the US and he watches Philip news online and told me that if you fly into Cebu which is where i go not Manila that you get a temp check at the airport and only have to quarantine for 1 day not 14 like u said, also can you answer this question. I being a American and traveling with a passport the bureau of philippines website said if your traveling to the PI for less then 30 days you don]t need a tourist visa just your passport…any truth to that?? Thanks

Hi Will. As a general rule, a mandatory quarantine of 7-14 days is required for persons traveling to the Philippines. In the Province of Cebu, it is true that quarantine is no longer a requirement as of March 31, 2021. However, this is only for repatriated Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and returning non-OFWs. You can visit the Cebu Provincial Tourism Office page for more information about this.

About traveling to the Philippines without a visa, unfortunately, that has been temporarily suspended because of the pandemic. Please check the Philippine Bureau of Immigration Facebook page for information and updates on who are allowed entry into the Philippines at this time.

Thank you so much for the information, that helps a lot….can’t wait to be there, but I know it may get delayed again. Just as long as everyone is safe and protected I can wait. I love the Philippine people, such beautiful souls.

I have rescheduled my trip from USA Arizona to Lapu-Lapu city where I will be staying with my friend who lives there this coming August….4th time rebooking since COVID. I will be there for 3 weeks. I have my COVID vaccination already and got a Hepatitis A vaccine. Do you know what other vaccines are required? Also, will I need to get a Visa since I am on a limited stay? Been trying to get there since last May, but want to be safe for everyone there. I am so looking forward to being with my friend this has been 2 years in the making. Thank you for any information you can give.

Hi Kenneth. I hope your trip will finally come to fruition. As you know, it’s still a difficult time to plan travel and the situation continues to change month to month. According to the State Department, U.S. citizens must have a visa to enter the Philippines for all travel purposes. The best place to find vaccination requirements and recommendations would be through the CDC: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list

I am a Physician in Mexico with a Philippine wife. She is returning there on May 2. I am wondering what I need to travel only to Manilla in June or July only to accompany her back to Mexico. I would have no problem staying at motel around Manila for the approximately 30 days that I will be there. Any help on this ?

Hello and thanks for visiting the blog. Your ability to enter the Philippines as the spouse of a Filippino citizen in June/July will depend on whether the suspension is lifted for foreign nationals. We will do our best to update this post as the situation changes. Please refer to our post for other protocols and recommended hotels for quarantine in Manila. For further assistance, you may wish to work with a travel agent.

Planning to come home to the Philippines on May from a very long time (1982) since I left PI.. I am now a Us Passport holder, am I qualified as a Philippine balikbayan? Do I need to get a Philippine visa? Is my husband the same?

Hi Nimfa. Thanks for visiting our blog! Under the Philippines Balikbayan Program , you are considered a “balikbayan”. You can visit the Philippines and stay for 1 year without a visa. Your husband can also get the same privilege as long as he is traveling with you.

However, please take note that traveling to the Philippines has been recently suspended until April 19, 2021. Check our blog for updates on who will be allowed entry in May. We also advise that you contact the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate in your area for more information and before attempting travel.

With vaccines starting to arrive in PI and some places starting to make roll out plans- Any idea when tourist visas will start to be processed again and citizens will be able to take a trips out of PI?

Hi Dan. Thank you for your question, but I’m afraid we don’t have any special insight about when the Philippines will make changes to travel protocols.

i am now in the us, i left manila last march and coming back in april, do i still need to book a hotel for quarantine? most articles i see are for ofw’s and balikbayans.

also, do you know kung sino sasagot ng food ng magku-quarantine? coz hindi makakalabas yun tao to buy food and water. just wondering.

Hi Cher. Yes, you still need a confirmed booking at any accredited quarantine hotel in Metro Manila for at least 7 days (or 6 nights) from the date of your arrival. This is to accommodate the schedule of your RT-PCR test (which will be on the 5th day) and the release of the result. Your food during your stay at the hotel will be at your own expense. You may also have food from outside the hotel delivered to your room, but you need to check with the rules and regulations of the hotel first if it is allowed.

You may check the Philippine Airlines or the Philippines Travel website for the complete guidelines. I hope this helps.

Hello Is there a list of the hotels like in Manila or Subic that might be quarantine hotels and what the costs would be for the 14 day duration. .

Hi Bob. The current list of accredited hotels by the Bureau of Quarantine can be found here: http://quarantine.doh.gov.ph/facilities-inspected-as-of-february-18-2021/ You would need to look up the costs for individual hotels that interest you.

What is the best website to get Current travel updates for traveling to the Philippines this spring if possible.

Hi and thanks for visiting our blog. We are doing our best to update this post on a weekly basis with current information about travel to the Philippines. Your home country’s State Department website is probably the most reliable source. To get an official answer for your Spring travel, you can contact the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate (if in the United States).

The Philippine Airlines website is the most up to date regarding travel restrictions.

If one has had a coronavirus vaccine in the US, can one come to the Philippines without the need to quarantine and have the Covid test? I should have my second round of the Moderna vaccine on March 4th. Could I travel to the Philippines shortly after that time if I have a card proving that I had the vaccine?

That is a good question and I think many are wondering the same thing about other destinations as well. We can’t predict when the Philippines will reopen to travelers, nor what they will choose to require in terms of vaccines. From what I’ve read, I would guess that most destinations will continue to require a Covid test regardless of the vaccine since the timeline for immunity after vaccination is still uncertain.

I look forward to the country opening again. It is certainly one of my favorites!

Can I book myself on June or July to go to manila since they ( Department of Tourism ) mencioned that they will reopen the country for international tourism around June so ????

Hi Ricardo. We cannot predict if you’ll be able to fly into Manila at that time. What we personally are doing is making sure any flight we book is fully refundable, or can at least be changed to a later date without change fees if travel is not allowed for our original flight date. This will depend on the particular airline’s terms and conditions.

Do you know when is the date or anything that the Philippine government is gonna let foreigners for tourism cause I’ve been planning this trip for a year and its getting the people so angry that we cant go to the Philippines and nobody can give me a straight up answer.

Hi Clint. Thanks for your question. We know how frustrating it can be to have travel plans up in the air. Unfortunately, most countries do not have set dates for opening tourism yet because so much depends on ever-changing situations, both domestically and internationally.

Covid is spreading rapidly and nobody is vaccinated there stay home and keep you and the Philippines safer

The Philippines has no intention of opening up to tourism any time soon. The president has said that when the country is between 70 to 80 percent vaccinated it will reopen the country it currently is at 19%. So if you want to take a vacation start thinking of an alternative destination or your going to be waiting for at least a year.

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Automatic Refunds and No More Hidden Fees: D.O.T. Sets New Rules for Airlines

The Transportation Department issued new requirements on refunds when flights are canceled or delayed and on revealing “junk” fees before booking. Here’s what passengers can expect.

By Christine Chung

The Transportation Department on Wednesday announced new rules taking aim at two of the most difficult and annoying issues in air travel: obtaining refunds and encountering surprise fees late in the booking process.

“Passengers deserve to know upfront what costs they are facing and should get their money back when an airline owes them — without having to ask,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in a statement, adding that the changes would not only save passengers “time and money,” but also prevent headaches.

The department’s new rules, Mr. Buttigieg said, will hold airlines to clear and consistent standards when they cancel, delay or substantially change flights, and require automatic refunds to be issued within weeks. They will also require them to reveal all fees before a ticket is purchased.

Airlines for America , a trade group representing the country’s largest air carriers, said in a statement that its airlines “abide by and frequently exceed” D.O.T. consumer protection regulations.

Passenger advocates welcomed the new steps.

Tomasz Pawliszyn, the chief executive of AirHelp, a Berlin-based company that assists passengers with airline claims, called it a “massive step forward and huge improvement in consumer rights and protection” that brings the United States closer to global standards in passenger rights.

Here’s what we know about the D.O.T.’s new rules, which will begin to go into effect in October.

There’s now one definition for a “significant” delay.

Until now, airlines have been allowed to set their own definition for a “significant” delay and compensation has varied by carrier . Now, according to the D.O.T., there will be one standard: when departure or arrival is delayed by three hours for domestic flights and six hours for international flights.

Passengers will get prompt refunds for cancellations or significant changes for flights and delayed bags, for any reason.

When things go wrong, getting compensation from an airline has often required establishing a cumbersome paper trail or spending untold hours on the phone. Under the new rules, refunds will be automatic, without passengers having to request them. Refunds will be made in full, excepting the value of any transportation already used. Airlines and ticket agents must provide refunds in the original form of payment, whether by cash, credit card or airline miles. Refunds are due within seven days for credit card purchases and within 20 days for other payments.

Passengers with other flight disruptions, such as being downgraded to a lower service class, are also entitled to refunds.

The list of significant changes for which passengers can get their money back also includes: departure or arrival from an airport different from the one booked; connections at different airports or flights on planes that are less accessible to a person with a disability; an increase in the number of scheduled connections. Also, passengers who pay for services like Wi-Fi or seat selection that are then unavailable will be refunded any fees.

Airlines must give travel vouchers or credits to ticketed passengers unable to fly because of government restrictions or a doctor’s orders.

The vouchers or credits will be transferable and can be used for at least five years after the date they were issued.

Fees for checked baggage and modifying a reservation must be disclosed upfront.

Airlines and ticket agents are now required to display any extra fees for things like checking bags or seat selection clearly and individually before a ticket purchase. They will also need to outline the airline’s policies on baggage, cancellations and changing flights before a customer purchases a ticket.

The rules, which apply to all flights on domestic airlines and flights to and from the United States operated by foreign airlines, have varying start dates.

For example, automatic refunds must be instituted by the airlines within six months. But carriers have a year before they’re required to issue travel vouchers and credits for passengers advised by a medical professional not to fly.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Christine Chung is a Times reporter covering airlines and consumer travel. More about Christine Chung

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

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Travel Unpacked: Emirates' autism-friendly flights and trending summer destinations

The national rounds up the most interesting tourism news you might have missed.

Philippines is one of Pinterest's trending summer destinations for 2024. Photo: Unsplash / Alexey Turenkov

What type of summer holiday are you craving? Perhaps you want to party in India or maybe you prefer to explore dark histories in Edinburgh ? Either way, Pinterest has shared plenty of inspiration via its Summer 2024 Travel Trends Report.

In Dubai, Emirates is working to make flying more inclusive for travellers with neurodivergent children, and Beond Airlines is launching new flights between the city and Zurich.

Here's a round-up of recent travel and tourism news – in case you missed it.

Emirates Airline guides families through an autism-friendly route at Dubai Airport

Emirates Airline is taking steps to make flying easier for families with neurodivergent children.

The Dubai airline hosted a familiarisation flight including a check-in experience as part of its commitment to help children with autism and other disorders navigate the airport.

The experience included 30 children and their caregivers who went through the motions at Terminal 3 of Dubai International Airport using a dedicated Autism Friendly Route. This included access to priority lanes at check-in and passport control and fast-track lanes at security. Travellers using the route also get priority boarding.

Emirates check-in staff and specially trained cabin crew were on hand to support the journey.

Flight EK2605 departed DXB at 11.20am and landed back one hour later to give children a short real-life experience of boarding a flight. This included announcements from the captain, in-flight services and the sounds and sights of a real take-off and landing.

A recent study by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards found that 93 per cent of families with neurodiverse children would take more flights if there were more autism-certified options. Currently, only 13 per cent of families with neurodiverse children surveyed take family holidays because flying is too stressful and triggering for the children’s heightened sensory responses.

Goa, Philippines and Okinawa in Pinterest's trending 2024 summer destinations

Used by millions for travel inspiration, Pinterest has revealed its 2024 summer travel trends report, detailing the types of trips people are looking to take this year and where they want to go.

The social media platform has more than one billion annual travel-related searches and eight out of 10 users employ the app to curate the perfect summer holiday.

In 2024, wellness travel, adventure tours, solo trips and off-the-beaten path experiences top Pinterest users' wishlists. Nature travel and visits to mysterious destinations are also high on travellers' to-do lists. Budget-friendly trips are also in fashion, with Gen Z hoping to forge deeper connections with friends through intimate but non-expensive road trips.

But where are people going for these types of holidays? When it comes to adventure travel, safaris in Tanzania and nature exploration in the Philippines are trending in 2024.

Quiet travel – think digital detoxes, wellness escapes and solo trips – are also on the up with the English countryside and Japan's Okinawa the top trending destinations for serene-minded explorers this summer.

Machu Picchu and Edinburgh are trending destinations for travellers seeking mystery and cultural immersion while Canada's Jasper is on the up for road trips. When it comes to experiential travel, Pinterest's 2024 summer travel trends report found a 340 per cent rise in travel searches for London lifestyle, a 320 per cent rise for South African Food, a 300 per cent rise for Santorini and a 270 per cent rise for Goa nightlife.

Beond launches private jet flights from Dubai to Zurich

The world’s first premium leisure airline is launching flights from Dubai to Zurich.

Beond Airlines aim to offer travellers an experience that is more akin to flying by private jet than premium or business-class travel on legacy airlines.

It will begin direct flights from Al Maktoum International Airport to Zurich on May 3, with two services per week. The new route comes after the airline launched flights between Dubai and the Maldives earlier this month.

Every passenger flying with Beond is a premium traveller, thanks to the aircraft’s all-business seat configuration. Designed to offer a private-jet-like journey, Beond’s cabins have 44 stylish seats that all become lie-flat beds.

“Linking Zurich with Dubai reflects our vision to enhance our network in alignment with our passengers' preferences,” said Tero Taskila, chief executive and chairman of Beond.

“Europe's interest in Dubai as a leading resort and tourism hub is met with equal enthusiasm by those in Dubai for Europe’s unparalleled cultural, shopping and leisure offerings.”

Starting in July, the airline will also become the first in the world to offer travellers Apple Vision Pro headsets on flights. Loaded with films, games and more, they are designed to transform the in-flight entertainment experience.

Six Senses makes its debut in Japan

Six Senses Hotels, Resorts and Spas has made its debut in Japan.

Six Senses Kyoto opened its doors on Tuesday in the historic Japanese city. It's the first hotel in the land of the rising sun for the luxury hotel group famed for its sustainability and wellness offerings.

Located in the heart of Japan's ancient capital, the stunning property has been inspired by the city's golden age of art and culture, with beautiful artworks, graphics and design pieces visible throughout the hotel. In the 81 guest rooms and suites, travellers can escape the bustle of the city in a well-designed sanctuary and take advantage of Sleep with Six Senses – the hotel group's signature programme designed to enhance slumber. Personalised sleep consultations are on hand for guests looking to boost their downtime and treatments include nutritional guidance and meditation.

The hotel's luxury spa is inspired by Kyoto's Zen philosophy and every visitor has the option to undergo a wellness screening, where experts will provide them with key biomarkers before offering personalised recommendations. And when it comes to dining, travellers can enjoy a journey through the ancient Japanese calendar – with seasonality a focus.

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Airlines will now be required to give automatic cash refunds for canceled and delayed flights

FILE - Passenger drop off their baggage at United Airlines in C Terminal at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023, in Houston. The Biden administration issued final rules Wednesday, April 24, 2024, to require airlines to automatically issue cash refunds for things like delayed flights and to better disclose fees for baggage or canceling a reservation. (Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle via AP, File)

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The Biden administration issued final rules Wednesday to require airlines to automatically issue cash refunds for things like delayed flights and to better disclose fees for baggage or canceling a reservation.

The Transportation Department said airlines will be required to provide automatic cash refunds within a few days for canceled flights and “significant” delays.

Under current regulations, airlines decide how long a delay must last before triggering refunds. The administration is removing that wiggle room by defining a significant delay as lasting at least three hours for domestic flights and six hours for international ones.

Airlines still will be allowed to offer another flight or a travel credit instead, but consumers can reject the offer.

The rule will also apply to refunds of checked-bag fees if the bag isn’t delivered within 12 hours for domestic flights or 15 to 30 hours for international flights. And it will apply to fees for things such as seat selection or an internet connection if the airline fails to provide the service.

Complaints about refunds skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic, as airlines canceled flights and, even when they didn’t, many people didn’t feel safe sharing a plane cabin with other passengers.

Airlines for America, a trade group for large U.S. carriers, noted that refund complaints to the Transportation Department have fallen sharply since mid-2020. A spokesperson for the group said airlines “offer a range of options — including fully refundable fares — to increase accessibility to air travel and to help customers make ticket selections that best fit their needs.”

The group said the 11 largest U.S. airlines issued $43 billion in customer refunds from 2020 through 2023.

The Transportation Department issued a separate rule requiring airlines and ticket agents to disclose upfront what they charge for checked and carry-on bags and canceling or changing a reservation. On airline websites, the fees must be shown the first time customers see a price and schedule.

The rule will also oblige airlines to tell passengers they have a guaranteed seat they are not required to pay extra for, although it does not bar airlines from charging people to choose specific seats. Many airlines now charge extra for certain spots, including exit-row seats and those near the front of the cabin.

The agency said the rule will save consumers more than $500 million a year.

Airlines for America said its members “offer transparency and vast choice to consumers” from their first search.

The new rules will take effect over the next two years. They are part of a broad administration attack on what President Joe Biden calls “junk fees.” Last week, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced that his department will let state officials in 15 states help enforce federal airline consumer protection laws .

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Biden-Harris Administration Announces Final Rule Requiring Automatic Refunds of Airline Tickets and Ancillary Service Fees

Rule makes it easy to get money back for cancelled or significantly changed flights, significantly delayed checked bags, and additional services not provided  

WASHINGTON – The Biden-Harris Administration today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued a final rule that requires airlines to promptly provide passengers with automatic cash refunds when owed. The new rule makes it easy for passengers to obtain refunds when airlines cancel or significantly change their flights, significantly delay their checked bags, or fail to provide the extra services they purchased.

“Passengers deserve to get their money back when an airline owes them - without headaches or haggling,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg . “Our new rule sets a new standard to require airlines to promptly provide cash refunds to their passengers.”  

The final rule creates certainty for consumers by defining the specific circumstances in which airlines must provide refunds. Prior to this rule, airlines were permitted to set their own standards for what kind of flight changes warranted a refund. As a result, refund policies differed from airline to airline, which made it difficult for passengers to know or assert their refund rights. DOT also received complaints of some airlines revising and applying less consumer-friendly refund policies during spikes in flight cancellations and changes. 

Under the rule, passengers are entitled to a refund for:

• Canceled or significantly changed flights: Passengers will be entitled to a refund if their flight is canceled or significantly changed, and they do not accept alternative transportation or travel credits offered. For the first time, the rule defines “significant change.” Significant changes to a flight include departure or arrival times that are more than 3 hours domestically and 6 hours internationally; departures or arrivals from a different airport; increases in the number of connections; instances where passengers are downgraded to a lower class of service; or connections at different airports or flights on different planes that are less accessible or accommodating to a person with a disability.  
• Significantly delayed baggage return: Passengers who file a mishandled baggage report will be entitled to a refund of their checked bag fee if it is not delivered within 12 hours of their domestic flight arriving at the gate, or 15-30 hours of their international flight arriving at the gate, depending on the length of the flight.  
• Extra services not provided: Passengers will be entitled to a refund for the fee they paid for an extra service — such as Wi-Fi, seat selection, or inflight entertainment — if an airline fails to provide this service.

DOT’s final rule also makes it simple and straightforward for passengers to receive the money they are owed. Without this rule, consumers have to navigate a patchwork of cumbersome processes to request and receive a refund — searching through airline websites to figure out how make the request, filling out extra “digital paperwork,” or at times waiting for hours on the phone. In addition, passengers would receive a travel credit or voucher by default from some airlines instead of getting their money back, so they could not use their refund to rebook on another airline when their flight was changed or cancelled without navigating a cumbersome request process.  

The final rule improves the passenger experience by requiring refunds to be:

• Automatic: Airlines must automatically issue refunds without passengers having to explicitly request them or jump through hoops.   
• Prompt: Airlines and ticket agents must issue refunds within seven business days of refunds becoming due for credit card purchases and 20 calendar days for other payment methods.  
• Cash or original form of payment: Airlines and ticket agents must provide refunds in cash or whatever original payment method the individual used to make the purchase, such as credit card or airline miles. Airlines may not substitute vouchers, travel credits, or other forms of compensation unless the passenger affirmatively chooses to accept alternative compensation.    
• Full amount: Airlines and ticket agents must provide full refunds of the ticket purchase price, minus the value of any portion of transportation already used. The refunds must include all government-imposed taxes and fees and airline-imposed fees, regardless of whether the taxes or fees are refundable to airlines.

The final rule also requires airlines to provide prompt notifications to consumers affected by a cancelled or significantly changed flight of their right to a refund of the ticket and extra service fees, as well as any related policies.

In addition, in instances where consumers are restricted by a government or advised by a medical professional not to travel to, from, or within the United States due to a serious communicable disease, the final rule requires that airlines must provide travel credits or vouchers. Consumers may be required to provide documentary evidence to support their request. Travel vouchers or credits provided by airlines must be transferrable and valid for at least five years from the date of issuance.

The Department received a significant number of complaints against airlines and ticket agents for refusing to provide a refund or for delaying processing of refunds during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. At the height of the pandemic in 2020, refund complaints peaked at 87 percent of all air travel service complaints received by DOT. Refund problems continue to make up a substantial share of the complaints that DOT receives.

DOT’s Historic Record of Consumer Protection Under the Biden-Harris Administration

Under the Biden-Harris Administration and Secretary Buttigieg, DOT has advanced the largest expansion of airline passenger rights, issued the biggest fines against airlines for failing consumers, and returned more money to passengers in refunds and reimbursements than ever before in the Department’s history.

• Thanks to pressure from Secretary Buttigieg and DOT’s flightrights.gov dashboard, all 10 major U.S. airlines guarantee free rebooking and meals, and nine guarantee hotel accommodations when an airline issue causes a significant delay or cancellation. These are new commitments the airlines added to their customer service plans that DOT can legally ensure they adhere to and are displayed on flightrights.gov .  
• Since President Biden took office, DOT has helped return more than $3 billion in refunds and reimbursements owed to airline passengers – including over $600 million to passengers affected by the Southwest Airlines holiday meltdown in 2022.   
• Under Secretary Buttigieg, DOT has issued over $164 million in penalties against airlines for consumer protection violations. Between 1996 and 2020, DOT collectively issued less than $71 million in penalties against airlines for consumer protection violations.  
• DOT recently launched a new partnership with a bipartisan group of state attorneys general to fast-track the review of consumer complaints, hold airlines accountable, and protect the rights of the traveling public.  
• In 2023, the flight cancellation rate in the U.S. was a record low at under 1.2% — the lowest rate of flight cancellations in over 10 years despite a record amount of air travel.  
• DOT is undertaking its first ever industry-wide review of airline privacy practices and its first review of airline loyalty programs.

In addition to finalizing the rules to require automatic refunds and protect against surprise fees, DOT is also pursuing rulemakings that would:

• Propose to ban family seating junk fees and guarantee that parents can sit with their children for no extra charge when they fly. Before President Biden and Secretary Buttigieg pressed airlines last year, no airline committed to guaranteeing fee-free family seating. Now, four airlines guarantee fee-free family seating, and the Department is working on its family seating junk fee ban proposal.  
• Propose to make passenger compensation and amenities mandatory so that travelers are taken care of when airlines cause flight delays or cancellations.   
• Expand the rights for passengers who use wheelchairs and ensure that they can travel safely and with dignity . The comment period on this proposed rule closes on May 13, 2024.

The final rule on refunds can be found at https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/latest-news and at regulations.gov , docket number DOT-OST-2022-0089. There are different implementation periods in this final rule ranging from six months for airlines to provide automatic refunds when owed to 12 months for airlines to provide transferable travel vouchers or credits when consumers are unable to travel for reasons related to a serious communicable disease. 

Information about airline passenger rights, as well as DOT’s rules, guidance and orders, can be found at   https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer .

Delta recovers emergency slide that separated from Boeing plane

An emergency slide that fell from a Delta flight just a few minutes after takeoff has been recovered from the Atlantic Ocean in New York City.

The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation said that the airline recovered the slide on Sunday in a jetty near Beach 131st Street in Queens, about 10 miles from where the flight took off Friday at John F. Kennedy International Airport.

"As nothing is more important than the safety of our customers and people, Delta flight crews enacted their extensive training and followed procedures to return to JFK," Delta said in a statement about the diverted plane issued Friday.

The company said that the plane landed safely and "it was observed that the emergency slide had separated from the aircraft," after returning to a gate.

The company confirmed the recovery of the slide Monday and referred to its earlier statement.

Flight returned due to alert crew

Flight 520 to Los Angeles returned to JFK after the flight crew saw an indicator light related to the right overwing exit and heard a "non-routine" sound near the right wing.

The crew also reported a vibration , according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

The flight was operated by a 33-year-old Boeing 767 , according to data from  Airfleets.net , and passengers were accommodated on a different flight later in the morning. There were 183 people aboard the flight.

The FAA said it is investigating the incident and Delta said it would cooperate with that investigation.

Separated slide latest in Boeing parts problems

The separated slide is the latest in a series of parts failures that led to increased regulatory scrutiny and seeing company culture excoriated by a whistleblower in Senate hearings.

Earlier this month, an engine cowling fell off a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-800 during takeoff, causing the flight headed for Houston to turn back, according to the FAA in Denver.

In March, an FAA audit  of Boeing and subcontractor Spirit AeroSystems “found multiple instances where the companies allegedly failed to comply with manufacturing quality control requirements.”

In February, the National Transit Safety Board reported that an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft was missing four bolts in a mid-cabin door plug that led to an explosive decompression that sparked the audit.

The same month, a 737-800 flown by United Airlines was diverted from Houston to Atlanta after the crew reported a potential engine issue. The incident occurred days after a different 737-800 was forced to land in Denver due to a cracked windshield.

Contributing: Sara Al-Arshani, Eve Chen, Kathleen Wong