MANILA, May 28 (dpa): The Philippine government has announced that it was further easing travel requirements for foreign tourists to the country as part of efforts to boost the economy’s revival from the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Starting on Monday (May 30), international travellers who are vaccinated with the primary series and have at least one booster shot will no longer be required to take pre-departure Covid-19 tests, the inter-agency task force on the pandemic said.
"Travel insurance is no longer required, but still highly encouraged, for arriving passengers," the government said in a statement. "All types of vaccination certificates, regardless of country of origin, will also be accepted."
Since the Philippines opened up its border to foreign tourists, more than 517,000 visitors have visited the country from February 10 to May 25, according to data from the Department of Tourism.
The bulk of the tourists were from the United States, followed by South Korea, Canada, Australia, Britain and Japan. Other visitors were from Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Italy, Ireland and France.
Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo Puyat welcomed the removal of the Covid-19 test and insurance requirements.
"The Department of Tourism sees this development as a win for the local tourism industry as welcoming more tourists in the country will yield more revenues for our micro, small and medium enterprises and restore more jobs and livelihoods in the sector," she said.
The government has imposed the lowest level of alert on Covid-19 in most parts of the country, allowing restaurants, public transport and other commercial establishments to operate at 100% capacity. But all are still required to wear face masks indoors and outdoors.- dpa