PSA: Non-Essential Outbound Travel Allowed Starting Oct 21

People have been uncertain about travel conditions for months now because of the pandemic. Thankfully for those who have been looking forward to leaving the country for a reason that’s considered non-essential, you will soon be able to do so.

The ban on non-essential outbound travel has been lifted, Malacañang announced last Friday. The Malacañang also stated that this was a decision made by the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases during a meeting a day before the announcement. This will be implemented by October 21, 2020. 

So, for those who have meaning to go abroad for leisure or to reunite with family and other loved ones, be ready to pack your bags soon. Just make sure that you comply with all the requirements before getting to the airport. 

During the announcement, Presidential Spokesperson said that in order to qualify for travel, you must:

• Submit your confirmed roundtrip tickets
• Submit adequate travel and health insurance (for those traveling using tourist visas)
• Complete the execution of an immigration declaration acknowledging the risks involved in traveling
• Have a negative result for an antigen test taken 24 hours before travel

Those planning to travel must also prepare to undergo a swab test and quarantine for 14 days upon returning to the Philippines.