IMPACT — MEDIUM

The Philippine government announced its mandatory annual reporting period for foreign nationals will open Jan. 1, 2023, and will close March 1, 2023.

Key Points:

  • Foreign nationals must report in person to participating Bureau of Immigration offices on or before March 1, 2023, and bring their:
    • Original registration identity card (ACR I-card).
    • Valid passport (except for refugees and stateless individuals).
  • Philippine authorities will not allow representatives to report on the behalves of foreign nationals for the 2023 Annual Report except under limited circumstances. Individuals must schedule an appointment for the 2023 annual report.
  • Individuals who fail to report before March 1, 2023, may face administrative fines or other penalties.

Additional Information: All registered foreign nationals, including those who hold immigrant visas, non-immigrant visas or alien certificate of registration identity cards, must complete the annual reporting requirement within the first two months of each calendar year. Temporary Visitor Pass and Tourist Visa holders are exempt from the annual reporting requirement.

BAL Analysis: Foreign nationals are reminded to complete registration procedures as early as possible to avoid the rush before the deadline.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2022 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT — MEDIUM

The Philippine government has revised its COVID-19 entry requirements.

Key Points:

  • Fully vaccinated travelers do not need proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken before or after arrival to enter the country; however, they must show proof of an official COVID-19 vaccination certificate to enter the country.
  • Travelers who are 15 and older and not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as well as travelers who are under the age of 15, traveling alone and not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 must have proof of a negative antigen test taken with 24 hours before departure or take an antigen test upon arrival to enter the country.
  • Travelers who are under the age of 15, traveling with an adult or guardian and not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 must follow the entry requirements that pertain to the adult or guardian with them to enter the country.
  • Travelers, regardless of their vaccination status or departure country, must have a passport with at least six months of validity, a valid visa (if applicable), and a valid departure ticket (for temporary visitors) to enter the country.

Additional Information: Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 after arrival must undergo a mandatory quarantine. Travelers are considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19 if they receive two doses of a two-dose vaccination or a single dose of a single-dose vaccination more than 14 days before their intended departure date.

BAL Analysis: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2022 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT — MEDIUM

The Philippine government announced that it will replace the One Health Pass with the E-Arrival Card in November.

Key Points:

  • Beginning Nov. 1, travelers must hold an E-Arrival Card instead of the One Health Pass to receive expedited entry processing.
  • Travelers must register for the E-Arrival Card through this website within 72 hours before departure.
  • To register for the card, travelers must submit travel details, biographical information, vaccination status and health declarations.
  • After registration, travelers will receive a QR code to show airline staff before departure and to Philippine authorities at the airport upon arrival.

Additional Information: Travelers who are unable to register for the E-Arrival Card before departure or are unaware of the requirement can register upon arrival. If travelers do not receive a QR code after registration, Philippine authorities will check their vaccination card or, if applicable, check the test results of their pre-departure PCR or rapid antigen test.

BAL Analysis: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2022 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Philippine government has resumed its requirement that foreign nationals submit biometrics when applying for visa renewals and when registering under the Alien Registration Program (ARP).

Key Points:

  • Philippine immigration authorities had previously exempted foreign nationals from the biometrics requirement to limit physical contact during COVID-19.
  • Authorities recently reinstituted the requirement, citing the need to make sure records are complete and accurate.

Additional Information: Immigration authorities have resumed issuing emigration clearance certificates (ECCs) to foreign nationals who have been in the country for more than six months. Foreign nationals must retrieve their ECC from an authorized immigration office at least 72 hours before the foreign national’s departure.

BAL Analysis: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2022 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Philippine government has permitted the entry of certain Ukrainian nationals.

Key Points:

  • As of April 1, Ukrainian nationals are permitted to enter the Philippines if they:
    • Are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with an approved vaccination.
    • Carry or possess acceptable proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
    • Have proof of a negative PCR test taken with 48 hours before departure or a negative antigen test taken within 24 hours before departure.
    • Undergo seven days of self-monitoring for COVID-19 symptoms from the first day after arrival in the Philippines.

Additional Information: Children below the age of 12 who are traveling with fully vaccinated foreign parents are exempt from the vaccination requirement. More information regarding the application process is available here.

BAL Analysis: Employers and employees are reminded that actions taken as a result of the invasion of Ukraine may change with little or no notice.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2022 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.

The Philippine government has eased COVID-19 entry guidelines.

Key Points:

  • Beginning today, foreign nationals can enter the Philippines without having an Entry Exemption Document (EED) if they have:
    • The required proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with an approved vaccine.
    • A negative PCR test result taken within 48 hours before arrival or a negative antigen test taken within 24 hours before departure.
    • A passport with at least six months of validity from their date of arrival in the Philippines.
    • Obtained travel insurance that covers COVID-related health issues for at least $35,000 for the duration of their stay.
    • A valid onward or return ticket.
  • Foreign nationals who meet these requirements will not have to undergo a facility-based quarantine. Instead, they must self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms for the first seven days after arrival.

Additional Information: Foreign nationals who hold valid EEDs issued before April 1 will be allowed to enter the country if they meet the aforementioned requirements (excluding the travel insurance).

BAL Analysis: Philippine authorities intend to allow more travelers who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter the country. Travelers should continue check entry requirements before planning travel to the Philippines. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2022 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Philippine government has eased its COVID-19 quarantine and testing requirements for those entering the country as of Feb. 27.

Key Points:

  • Fully vaccinated Philippine citizens and foreign nationals are no longer required to quarantine upon arrival; instead, they must self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms for the first seven days after arrival.
  • Philippine citizens who are not fully vaccinated must undergo a facility-based quarantine until they receive a negative PCR test taken on their fifth day after arrival and then quarantine at home until their fourteenth day after arrival. Foreign nationals who are not fully vaccinated are not allowed to enter the country.
  • Children who are not fully vaccinated must follow the quarantine requirements applicable to their parents or accompanying guardians traveling with them.

BAL Analysis: Philippine authorities intend to allow more travelers who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter the country. Travelers should check entry requirements before planning travel to the Philippines. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2022 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Philippine government has added countries to its list of approved COVID-19 vaccination certificates.

Key Points:

  • As of Feb. 24, Philippine authorities recognize vaccination certificates from Albania, Argentina, Azerbaijan, Brazil, the British Virgin Islands, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Chile, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, Estonia, Greece, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Macao, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Myanmar, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Portugal, Romania, South Korea, Spain, Syria, Timor Leste and Uruguay.
    • The Philippines now accepts vaccination certificates from 64 countries/regions, including Australia, Canada, India, Singapore, the U.K. and the U.S.
  • Individuals who have proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 will self-monitor for seven days upon arrival instead of having to undergo a mandatory quarantine.

Additional Information: More information regarding the Philippine’s entry and health requirements is available here.

BAL Analysis: Philippine authorities intend to allow more travelers who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter the country. Travelers should check entry requirements before planning travel to the Philippines. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2022 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Philippine government’s annual reporting period for foreign nationals is open until March 1.

Key Points:

  • Foreign nationals or their representative must report in-person to participating Bureau of Immigration offices on or before March 1and bring their:
    • Original registration identity card (ACR I-card).
    • Valid passport (except for refugees and stateless nationals).
  • Individuals must schedule an appointment for the 2022 annual report through this website.
  • Individuals who fail to report before March 1 may face administrative fines or other penalties.

Additional Information: Foreign nationals holding immigrant visas, non-immigrant visas or alien certificate of registration identity cards must complete the annual reporting requirement within the first two months of each calendar year. Temporary Visitor Pass and Tourist Visa holders are exempt from the annual reporting requirement.

BAL Analysis: Foreign nationals are reminded to complete registration procedures as early as possible to avoid the rush before the deadline.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2022 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

The Philippine government has updated its entry requirement for all travelers and suspended its color-coded travel lists.

Key Points:

  • As of Feb. 1, authorities have temporarily suspended the green, yellow and red travel lists.
    • Fully vaccinated travelers, regardless of departure country, must have proof of a negative PCR test result taken within 48 hours of departure and self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms for seven days after arrival.
    • Travelers who are not fully vaccinated must have proof of a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours of departure, quarantine at a designated facility for five days, take an additional PCR test on the fifth day after arrival and quarantine at home until the fourteenth day after arrival.
  • Beginning Feb. 10, nationals of non-visa required countries can enter the Philippines if they:
    • Are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with an approved vaccine.
    • Have a passport with at least six months of validity at the time of arrival.
    • Hold a return ticket to their country of origin.
    • Follow current testing and quarantine requirements for fully vaccinated international arriving travelers.

Additional Information: Children below the age of 18 from non-visa required countries are exempted from the COVID-19 vaccination requirement. Authorities will not count fully vaccinated nationals of non-visa required countries toward the daily arrival quota.

BAL Analysis: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2022 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.