Since the pandemic came, traveling was put on pause that led to thousands of cancelled flights and postponed trips to flatten the curve. It’s been three months since lockdowns were implemented and we know that avid travelers out there, like you, are now itching to take an adventure again. But don’t fret, because the good news is, wanderlust amid the pandemic may be satisfied through the “travel bubble”.

What is travel bubble?

According to the Philippine Senate, travel bubbles refer to the arrangements between countries for travelers to enter each other’s borders without the need for strict quarantines or at least very minimal periods of quarantines. Travel bubbles are also known as corona corridors and travel bridges.

What’s inside this blog about travel bubble

Read on to learn more about it as we’ll share everything you need to know about bubble tourism.

tourists in bohol

How does it work?

girl in palawan

The pandemic has taken a heavy toll on the tourism industry all over the world and the Philippines isn’t an exemption. To revive the Philippines tourism industry, the government is eyeing to implement the travel bubble in the future. 

Travel Bubble Philippines would allow the reopening of destinations with zero COVID-19 cases to foreign tourists from COVID-free nations. This way, the Philippines tourism could bounce back inch by inch amid the pandemic. 

The Department of Tourism said that they are already talking to countries with less to zero COVID-19 cases about the travel bubble Philippines. 

Countries that consider bubble tourism

a happy girl traveling an asian country

As a way to revive the tourism industry, many countries are also exploring the concept of bubble tourism. 

These countries include Australia and New Zealand since their COVID cases are decreasing or almost zero already. Aside from these two, other Asian countries are also considering bubble tourism such as Thailand, Singapore, China, South Korea, Vietnam, and Japan, now that their economies are starting to open up again after going through lockdowns due to the pandemic.

Putting our planned trips behind is hard but keeping safe is the most important of all during this situation. One day, we will be able to travel again. Till then, stay safe! 🙂

Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Bubble

Q: What is travel bubble?

A: According to the Philippine Senate, travel bubbles refer to the arrangements between countries for travelers to enter each other’s borders without the need for strict quarantines or at least very minimal periods of quarantines. Travel bubbles are also known as corona corridors and travel bridges.

Q: Who can travel in travel bubble?

A: Only locals residing in the areas who have agreed to enter each other’s borders are allowed to travel in areas implementing bubble tourism.

Q: What countries are on travel bubbles?

A: As a way to revive the tourism industry, many countries are exploring the concept of bubble tourism like Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Singapore, China, South Korea, Vietnam, Japan, and the Philippines.

Q: Is travel authority still needed in the Philippines?

A: Local tourists can freely visit areas under modified general community quarantine without the need for a travel authority. However, they are required to secure a travel authority if they have to pass through areas that are under general community quarantine, modified enhanced community quarantine or enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

Please Note, LGUs have the authority to impose curfews and require quarantine passes, as needed.

Q: Can foreigners enter the Philippines?

A: The following category of foreigners are allowed to enter the Philippines:

  1. Section 13 series visa of the Philippine Immigration Act, as amended (13 visa, 13(a) visa, 13(b) visa, 13(c) visa, 13(d) visa, 13(e) visa and 13(g) visa)
  2. Foreign nationals who have been granted a legal residence status under The Alien Social Integration Act of 1995 or RA 7919
  3. EO 324 visa
  4. Native-born
  1. Pre-requisite must-haves for above category foreigners who are entering the Philippines
  2. Valid and existing visas at the time of entry. No new 9(a) entry visa application shall be accepted;
  3. Pre-booking with accredited quarantine hotels in Manila and facility;
  4. Pre-booking with a COVID-19 testing provider;

Please note: Conditions are also subject to the maximum capacity of inbound passengers at the port and date of entry.

For more details about ROF, OWs, and OFWs Returning to Philippines Guidelines and Quarantine hotel bookings amid COVID-19, please refer to our COVID-19 Support Page & FAQs.

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