A Checklist To Travel: Make Sure You're Cleared For Takeoff

Originally Published on: 07 January 2022

With 2021 behind us, it's only natural that many people look to the skies in anticipation of finally taking off and traveling once again. The travel industry has been rapidly adapting to the new restrictions and demands of Covid and it's become the responsibility of every good traveler to keep up with these changes to help fend off the virus that's been crippling the world for the better part of the past 2 years.

In this article, we put together this Covid Travel Checklist with everything you need to know about domestic or international travel before you take off. Whether it be for leisure, business, or visiting family, we've got you covered.

For Domestic Flights

According to Guide To The Philippines, the Philippines is currently not open for tourism due to Covid-19. Only non-visa countries, former Filipinos, those traveling with a Filipino, former Filipino spouse or parent, and foreigners with valid and existing visas are only allowed to enter the Philippines. That said, traveling domestically is an option for Filipinos, albeit the options are limited to certain destinations and often with restrictions.

Here's a list of domestic destinations that don't require RT-PCR tests for fully vaccinated travelers:

Traveling to these places, however, isn't just a simple matter of booking a ticket and showing up. Depending on your destination, there may be additional requirements such as the following:

• Vaccination certificate from vaxcert.doh.gov.ph if fully vaccinated or vaccination card
• Valid ID
• If unvaccinated or partially vaccinated, travelers need negative RT-PCR test results 48 or 72hrs before arrival
• Pre-Booking at DOT accredited hotel
• Registration and Travel Permit from s-pass.ph
• A StaySafe.ph QR code for contact tracing

For International Flights

While not every foreign national is allowed into the Philippines, Filipinos can travel to and from the Philippines given that they meet certain criteria. Usually, fully vaccinated citizens are allowed to travel between countries so long as they have citizenship, permanent residence, or an immediate family member within that country. It would be relevant to note that while unvaccinated or partially vaccinated travelers may be subject to the passenger cap mandated by the departing traveler's government.

For country-specific requirements, one might want to check in on the government website or simply ask a nearby embassy or consulate. That said, common destination requirements include items such as a recognized proof of vaccination, foreign-issued vaccination certificate, negative RT-PCR Test Result taken within 72 hours before departure, an approved travel exemption, and a country health declaration form.

Will I need to quarantine upon arrival within the Philippines?

The need for quarantine can once again be subdivided into domestic and international flights. For international arriving passengers, here's a table showing your quarantine needs depending on the Covid-level of your country.

Quarantine Protocols

Green Alert Level

• Fully vaccinated individuals are required to present a negative RT-PCR test conducted within 72 hours before departure from the country of origin. Upon arrival, they shall undergo facility-based quarantine with an RT-PCR test taken on the 3rd day.
• Individuals who are unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, or whose vaccination status cannot be independently validated shall be required a negative RT-PCR test conducted within 72 hours before departure from the country of origin. Upon arrival, they are to undergo facility-based quarantine with an RT-PCR test done on the 7th day. Upon the release of a negative RT-PCR test, individuals shall be required to undergo home quarantine until the 14th day from the date of arrival.

Yellow Alert Level

• Fully vaccinated individuals are required to present a negative RT-PCR test conducted within 72 hours before departure from the country of origin. Upon arrival, they shall undergo facility-based quarantine with an RT-PCR test taken on the 5th day.
• Individuals who are unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, or whose vaccination status cannot be independently validated shall be required a negative RT-PCR test conducted within 72 hours before departure from the country of origin. Upon arrival, they are to undergo facility-based quarantine with an RT-PCR test done on the 7th day. Upon the release of a negative RT-PCR test, individuals shall be required to undergo home quarantine until the 14th day from the date of arrival.

Red Alert Level

Regardless of vaccination status, those coming from Red List countries/territories/jurisdictions within the last 14 days before the arrival within the Philippines shall not be allowed.

For domestic travelers, the good news is that passengers will no longer have to undergo quarantine unless an individual shows symptoms upon arrival at the LGU of destination. Travel Authority issued by the Joint Task Force COVID Shield and Health Certificates will also no longer be required.

On Getting Your Requirements For Travel

Getting overwhelmed by all the requirements and forms you'll need to complete before takeoff? Well, don't worry. Dashlabs.ai was built from the ground up to help you get your test results as fast as possible. With our 24/7 customer support system, our systems make sure that your chosen testing site operates smoothly and efficiently to leave you one less thing to worry about before you take off. So what are you waiting for? If you need to book a test, head on over to Dashlabs.ai and pick one of our partnered organizations.