Is the Philippines Open for Tourists in 2023?
The answer is yes. My name is Furqan, and I recently visited the Philippines in July 2023. Initially, I was a bit worried about COVID-19 vaccinations, so I decided to arrive at the airport 10 hours early just in case I needed to do a COVID-19 test upon arrival. However, upon my arrival at Copenhagen airport, I discovered that I did not need to take a COVID-19 test there, as I could do it upon arrival in the Philippines.
Nevertheless, I still had to fill out my information online through https://etravel.gov.ph/ before entering the country. The entry process in the Philippines was very easy and smooth. My flight landed at midnight, and the airport was practically empty. It took me only 20 minutes to get outside of Manila Airport. It’s worth noting that wearing a facemask was mandatory within the airport premises.
My Experience in Manila and Cebu City
After arriving in Manila, I took a taxi and went to my hotel in Makati. I noticed that only a few people were wearing face masks, and life seemed relatively normal in Manila. People were going about their daily activities as usual. Later, I flew to Cebu City, and the travel process at the airport was smooth, except for some traffic in Manila.
In Cebu City, life was just as normal as in Makati. There were no COVID-19 restrictions, and the check-in process at hotels and the airport was seamless. The nightlife in Cebu City has fully returned to normal, with dance clubs reopening and tourists coming back. However, one thing to note is that during the month of July, there was frequent rain for short periods of time. If you want to rent a motorbike in Cebu
Conclusion
Overall, my visit to the Philippines in 2023 was a pleasant and hassle-free experience despite the initial concerns about COVID-19. The country has reopened for tourists, and both Manila and Cebu City are functioning as they did before the pandemic. It’s great to see life returning to normal with people enjoying their daily routines and tourists enjoying the vibrant nightlife.