With the world opening up, Vaccinated Travel Lanes are starting to become the phrase of the month, and the most recent has been the announcement that Singapore residents can travel to and from the Philippines without quarantine.

Philippine Airlines is the Philippines’ most comprehensive airline service, and after two years of strict border controls, it’s great to see planes once again taking to the skies. 

Philippines are now welcoming fully vaccinated travelers from 150+ countries quarantine and testing free, though it’s the VTL with Singapore we’re focusing on today.

In a nutshell: no on-arrival test or isolation in the Philippines. 50 + weekly non-stop return flights, and stays up to 30 days. Here’s what you need to know, including a quick refresher guide to discovering the country.

 PAL flights are designated VTL flights starting March 4, 2022

Where to Visit

If you are travelling to the Philippines, there’s much choice in where to visit. The country consists of about 7,000 + islands which are broadly categorized under three main geographical divisions from north to south: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

There are many best places to visit in Philippines as some are –

1. White Beach, Boracay
2. Manila Historical Sightseeing Tour
3. Shipwreck Diving, Coron
4. Mayon Volcano, Albay
5. Chocolate Hills, Bohol
6. Underground River Tour, Puerto Princesa
7. Hanging Coffins, Sagada
8. Ride in a Jeepney Manilla
9. Historic Tour of Corregidor Island
10. Tour Colonial Vigan
11. Taal Volcano, Talisay
12. Hanging Bridge, Sevilla
13. Batad Rice Terraces, Banaue
14. Pagsanjan Falls, Laguna
15. Jungle Training, Subic Bay
16. Sugba Lagoon, Siargao

Boracay Island is among our favorites, with many beautiful resorts and beaches, panoramic views, coral reefs and shipwrecks home to diverse marine life.

Then there’s Bohol Island, home of the famous Chocolate Hills, Cebu Island, the center of trade, commerce, and tourism in the Visayas, and Coron Island, best known for world-class World War II-era wreck diving.

There’s also Puerto Princesa Island, famous for Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, Samal Island, with it’s beautiful coast with white sand beaches, abundant marine life, magnificent rock formations, and flourishing flora and fauna, and Apo Island, great for underwater activities such as snorkeling and diving.

Siargao Island on the other hand has almost been solely responsible for introducing surf culture to the country.

Best Time to Visit

Many people are rushing to jump on planes with new announcements of VTL’s, and borders being open again, though does that actually mean it’s a good time to visit the destination?

Remembering that most people head to the Philippines for island life; that is, beaches, it’s important to know that the Philippines has two seasons – a dry season and a wet season.

December and January are the coolest months to travel, and the most popular tourist season because you miss the tropical humidity. February is a great month too because of the transition from cool to hot season.

But what if you want to travel right now, straight away?

These are the hottest three months in the Philippines (March – May), the dry season. It’s a great time to travel because travel between islands is easy, and you don’t have to deal with delays due to tropical storms or typhoons.

June to August the southwest monsoon brings rain to all parts of the country, and these are the wettest months, so if you’re looking to celebrate the opening of the Vaccinated Travel Lane, book your trip soon to visit before June.

Vaccinated Travel Lanes

Travelers from 157 countries, as of March 4 2022, can enter Philippines visa free through a designated VTL, like the recent one open with Singapore.

Vaccination is required for entry, and you arrival must be at least 15 days after your second dose, though at date of writing (April 5 2022), there is no requirement for a booster shot (always check most up to date information yourself).

You’ll need to register with One Health Pass before you arrive, and install the TRAZE contact tracing app on your phone.

Proof of vaccination needs to be one recognized under existing IATF regulations, for instance a World Health Organization International Certificate of Vaccination and Prophylaxis, a VaxCertPH, or a National/state digital certificate of the foreign government which has accepted VaxCertPH under a reciprocal arrangement unless otherwise permitted by the IATF.

You’ll also need a negative COVID-19 test before departing for the Philippines, either a PCR test within 48 hours of departure, or an ART test within 24 hours of departure.

Travel insurance is mandatory too; make sure you have a policy covering COVID-19 treatment costs, with a minimum coverage of US$35,000, valid for the duration of your stay.

Once You’re Back in Singapore

Remebering that you’ll also need to consider your return flight, and the requirements for re-entering Singapore, it’s important to also check the Singapore Government website before you book your flights.

At the time of writing (April 5 2022), passengers arriving in Singapore via a VTL have to have spent at least 7 days in the Philippines – so no short weekend breaks!

You will have up to 24 hours from the time of your arrival to complete a supervised self-swab Antigen Rapid Test (ART) at one of the testing locations scattered throughout the city.

The Testing Notice issued to travelers upon arrival in Singapore will include a weblink to book a test. You’re free to leave once the negative results are released.

Philippine Airlines

Image credit: Tomás Del Coro (CC BY-SA 2.0) via Flickr

As one of the world’s oldest airlines, PAL is dedicated to upholding traditional values while adding a modern twist. It has earned the hearts of travelers all across the world with its services and timeliness.

PAL is also one of our favorites as it contributes to the environment by operating a fuel-efficient fleet even as it expands at a rapid pace.

Mabuhay Class (Business) and Fiesta Class (Economy) are the two classes available on each flight. In-flight entertainment, delicious food, use of a laptop charging station, USB port for music or work, and the recliner seat are all part of the flight experience with a Philippine Airlines booking.

Once booked, you can keep on top of your flight status, whether it has been cancelled etc, by entering your departure date and flight details on the flight status page at www.philippineairlines.com. And all PAL flights have the option of online checkin.

Of course, once you’re in the Philippines there are either domestic flight options, or you can travel between islands by ferries and small boats (keeping in mind if you go the ferry route, bags may be exposed to the weather on docksides, so it’s important to make sure your luggage is waterproof!).