Philippines Opens Its Beaches to Fully‑Vaccinated Travelers
After weeks of waiting, the Philippines has officially given the green light to welcome foreign tourists who’ve been fully vaccinated against Covid‑19. The Tourism Ministry announced the move on Friday, November 19, following the trend set by several other Southeast Asian neighbors.
What’s the Plan?
- The coronavirus task force has approved in principle entry for fully vaccinated visitors from countries with low infection rates.
- Full guidelines are still being worked out, so keep an eye on the official releases.
Why This Matters
Tourism in the Philippines is a vital lifeline. Last year saw an 83% drop in international arrivals, with only ~1.4 million visitors instead of the 8.2 million that came in 2019. Today’s biggest markets are Japan, South Korea, and China – all giants in the travel scene.
From Lockdown to Comeback
During the pandemic, the Philippines imposed some of Asia’s toughest entry requirements and suffered heavy losses in cases, deaths, and the economy. Now, just over a quarter of its population has been vaccinated. It’s a long way from the stricter days, but the country is moving fast.
What Others Are Doing
Thumbs up from the region: neighbors like Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia have rolled out varying degrees of reopening as local vaccination numbers climb.
Minister’s Take
“Allowing tourists from green countries or territories that have majority vaccination rates and low infection rates will hugely boost our recovery efforts,” said Tourism Minister Bernadette Romulo‑Puyat in the statement.
Green‑List Highlights
- Japan
- China
- Saudi Arabia
- United Arab Emirates
- India
So, if you’re all geared up and vaccinated, the Philippines is ready to roll out the welcome mat. Get ready to soak up the sun, dive into crystal‑clear waters, and experience the untouched beauty of its islands – this time, with safety in mind.
