In line with the President’s vision to facilitate ease of travel and tourist convenience, Secretary Frasco said the direction taken by National Government agencies is towards the liberalization of travel protocols in the country.
“The direction of the Marcos Administration is to lift the remainder of travel restrictions into the Philippines, and that includes easing of our mask mandates to allow our country to be at par with our ASEAN neighbors who have long liberalized their mask mandates,” said Secretary Frasco.
“In addition to this, it was also discussed that the remainder of stringent protocols, such as the requirement of pre-departure testing into the Philippines would also be removed,” added the DOT Chief.
Indoor mask-wearing, Secretary Frasco noted, will still be required in public transport, medical transport and in medical facilities, and will be “highly encouraged” for unvaccinated, individuals with comorbidities, and senior citizens.
To recall, the National Government announced the removal of the One Health Pass (OHP) to make way for the more traveler-friendly eArrival cards, a joint undertaking of the Department of Health (DOH), Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ), and the Bureau of Immigration (BI) in coordination with the DOT and the Department of Information, Communication and Technology (DICT). The electronic arrival portal aims to simplify the entry procedures for travelers.
Secretary Frasco clarified that per the President’s direction, registration through the eArrival cards shall not be made mandatory prior to boarding. Additionally, special lanes will be provided in the airport for those who are unable to complete the registration process.
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