Now that we’re slowly heading towards post-pandemic times, leisure travel (among other things) is making a comeback. More countries around the world are opening up their borders, easing international travel restrictions, and some even allowing visa-free entry to recover from tourism during the pandemic. And with the holidays nearing, more Filipinos are considering going on a vacation or visiting friends and relatives abroad. To make trip planning easier for you, consider these international destinations that have dropped their COVID-19 requirements!
Also read: Citizenship by Investment: Travel to More Countries Without Applying for Visa!
International destinations without COVID-19 travel restrictions
Note: Make sure to check for any additional travel guidelines and requirements specific to Philippine passport holders for the following destinations.
Singapore
Singapore was the first Asian country to ever open its borders to tourists during the global pandemic. As of writing, Singapore welcomes all fully vaccinated travellers and unvaccinated children aged 12 years old and below. For these individuals, there is no need to undergo pre-departure and on-arrival RT-PCR testing, as well as quarantine.
For more Singapore travel information and updates, click here.
Also read: Singapore Travel Requirements for Philippine Passport Holders
Thailand
After months of strict travel restrictions and COVID-19 protocols, Thailand is slowly easing up to allow visitors to explore the country. Since 1 May 2022, fully vaccinated travellers have been allowed entry without pre-arrival or arrival RT-PCR testing. Children under 18 years old travelling with vaccinated parents need not complete any COVID-19 testing before departure.
For more Thailand travel information and updates, click here.
Also read: Thailand Travel Requirements for Philippine Passport Holders
Malaysia
Since 1 Aug 2022, Malaysia has welcomed all tourists regardless of their COVID-19 vaccination status. Moreover, visitors are no longer required to undergo RT-PCR or RT-ART testing before and upon entering Malaysia. You don’t need to undergo quarantine upon arrival, either.
For more Malaysia travel information and updates, click here.
Japan
Japan has always been a top travel destination, no matter what time of the year. But a white Christmas in Japan? Now, that sounds inviting! Since 7 Sep 2022, incoming triple vaccinated tourists no longer need to provide a negative RT-PCR test result upon arrival in Japan. In addition to eased travel restrictions, Japan has also granted visa-free entry to select countries.
For more Japan travel information and updates, click here.
Also read: Japan Travel Requirements for Philippine Passport Holders
India
Known for its majestic beauty and vibrant culture, India remains to be one of South Asia’s best-loved treasure troves of wonders. Earlier this year, India announced it will be dropping its RT-PCR testing requirements for over 80 countries, including the Philippines. However, tourists are required to complete and submit a Self-Declaration Form before their scheduled flight. Moreover, temperature checks and simplified COVID-19 protocols will still be followed.
For more India travel information and updates, click here.
France
Fancy a romantic holiday in Paris, France? Fully-vaccinated travellers who plan on exploring the City of Love no longer have to present a COVID-19 or a health declaration form test upon arrival in France. On the other hand, unvaccinated tourists or those with incomplete vaccinations are required to provide a negative RT-PCR or antigen test before arrival. However, all travellers are allowed to explore the country quarantine-free!
For more France travel information and updates, click here.
United Kingdom
Or On 18 Mar 2022, the Government of the United Kingdom dropped its remaining COVID-19 international travel restrictions for all tourists. This means both fully-vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers need not undergo pre-departure nor arrival testing upon entering the country.
For more United Kingdom travel information and updates, click here.
Italy
There are no COVID-19 restrictions in place for travelling to the stunning peninsula of Italy. Since 1 Jun 2022, incoming passengers are no longer required to undergo testing and proof of vaccination. Moreover, travellers no longer need to show proof of complete vaccination to enter the country. What’s more, wearing face masks is optional during flights to and from Italy!
For more Italy travel information and updates, click here.
United States of America
Since 12 Jun 2022, pre-departure and on-arrival COVID-19 testing are no longer required to enter the United States of America. However, this protocol applies to vaccinated travellers who have received a single dose of the Johson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine or two doses of the following approved brands: Novavax, Moderna, or Pfizer. All travellers must still show proof of complete vaccination, as well as the necessary U.S. travel requirements.
For more United States of America travel information and updates, click here.
Switzerland
The landlocked mountainous country of Switzerland waived its RT-PCR or antigen testing upon entry last January 2022. While no proof of vaccination, recovery, or testing is required, unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travellers cannot enter Switzerland. However, there is an exception for unvaccinated children under the age of 18 travelling with fully vaccinated parents.
For more Switzerland travel information and updates, click here.
Also read: 15 Overseas Destinations Filipinos Can Travel to Under ₱20K Budget
Are any of these international destinations on your travel bucket list for the holidays? We would love to know which countries you’re planning to visit, now that international travel restrictions are slowly easing. Share your thoughts with us on our official Facebook page!
Featured image credited to Netfalls via Canva Pro.
