Important Updates
Important Updates
October 22, 2025 | SwedenSweden: New EU Blue Card Rules Forthcoming
October 22, 2025 | ChinaChina: Updated Online Visa Application System for U.S. Applicants Launched
October 22, 2025 | United KingdomFinancial Times: Scientists Charged Too Much to Come to Work in UK, Says Royal Society
October 22, 2025 | HungaryHungary: Change of Residence Permit Practice Relaxed
October 22, 2025 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
October 22, 2025 | SwedenSweden: New EU Blue Card Rules Forthcoming
October 22, 2025 | ChinaChina: Updated Online Visa Application System for U.S. Applicants Launched
October 22, 2025 | United KingdomFinancial Times: Scientists Charged Too Much to Come to Work in UK, Says Royal Society
October 22, 2025 | HungaryHungary: Change of Residence Permit Practice Relaxed
October 22, 2025 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
October 22, 2025 | SwedenSweden: New EU Blue Card Rules Forthcoming
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationFragomen Consulting EuropeImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapCenter for Strategy and Applied InsightsVietnamese ImmigrationView More
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Fragomen Consulting Europe
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Center for Strategy and Applied Insights
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • View More

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
  • Insights

“More fun in the Philippines” on hold as tourism reopening faces delays

December 30, 2021

Country / Territory

  • Republic of the PhilippinesRepublic of the Philippines

Related contacts

Porthole Headshot Image of Fragomen [Singapore][AssistantManager][AngelaDeGuzman]

Angela De Guzman

Senior Manager

Singapore, Singapore

Email

[email protected]

T:+65 6854 9349

Related services

  • Business Visa Services and Technology

Related industries

  • Hospitality, Travel and Leisure

Related insights

  • Bubble within a Bubble: The Phuket Sandbox

Related offices

  • Singapore

Regional centers

  • Fragomen RCC for Philippines (Singapore)

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Porthole Headshot Image of Fragomen [Singapore][AssistantManager][AngelaDeGuzman]

Angela De Guzman

Senior Manager

Singapore, Singapore

Email

[email protected]

T:+65 6854 9349

Related services

  • Business Visa Services and Technology

Related industries

  • Hospitality, Travel and Leisure

Related insights

  • Bubble within a Bubble: The Phuket Sandbox

Related offices

  • Singapore

Regional centers

  • Fragomen RCC for Philippines (Singapore)

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Porthole Headshot Image of Fragomen [Singapore][AssistantManager][AngelaDeGuzman]

Angela De Guzman

Senior Manager

Singapore, Singapore

Email

[email protected]

T:+65 6854 9349

Related services

  • Business Visa Services and Technology

Related industries

  • Hospitality, Travel and Leisure

Related insights

  • Bubble within a Bubble: The Phuket Sandbox

Related offices

  • Singapore

Regional centers

  • Fragomen RCC for Philippines (Singapore)

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

By: Angela De Guzman, Chiu Yee Koh

Amidst the emerging threat of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus, the Philippine government deferred plans to ease border restrictions for fully vaccinated international tourists arriving from ‘Green List’ countries from 1 December 2021. This decision came merely five days after the government announced that it was reopening borders for tourism. The Philippines, with its Department of Tourism at the helm, prides itself on the enjoyment that each of its thousands of islands can offer (hence its well-known slogan: “It’s more fun in the Philippines”). However, with no specified date for these deferred plans, the question remains whether the Philippines will be able to welcome international tourists anytime soon.

 

Considering the Philippines’ border measures

With a general entry ban on foreign travellers in place and all visa-free privileges suspended since March 2020, the Philippines has among the strictest border measures in the region. Arguably, relatively low vaccination coverage in the Philippines has been one of the largest impediments to the easing of border measures. With only about 43% of its population fully vaccinated as of November, the country is still far from its target vaccination coverage of 70% by the end of 2021. Vaccination rollout in the Philippines has also been slower than its neighbours—for example, more than 70% of the population in Malaysia and Singapore are already fully vaccinated. Nonetheless, while the Omicron variant has halted inbound tourism, it has also spurred the country to launch a massive three-day campaign to vaccinate nine million people against COVID-19.

The nation’s public health and safety remains a priority, but there are also other important factors at play in considering whether the Philippines should reopen its borders to international tourism. For one, as a country that is heavily dependent on people mobility, it may not be economically viable to keep international borders closed for extended periods. Pre-pandemic, tourism was one of the country’s top GDP contributors, amounting to about 13% in 2019 and providing over 5.8 million jobs domestically. However, since the start of the pandemic, tourism has fallen more than 80% and tourism-related employment shrank by 28%.

While the Philippines continues to face difficulties with its tourism sector, other countries in the region, in contrast, have reopened borders to international tourism. In July, Thailand started its Phuket Sandbox for vaccinated international travellers. Malaysia has also announced plans to reopen borders to all tourists from 1 January 2022. As of mid-December, Singapore extended Vaccinated Travel Lanes (VTL) to over 20 countries (although a suspension of bus and flight VTL ticket sales has since been imposed given the threat of the Omicron variant).

 

Implications on business immigration

Until the Philippines reopens its borders more fully, business may not be as usual. Prior to the travel ban, business visitors could enter the Philippines as tourists and start working as soon as they secured work authorisation. Now, they are likely to face longer waiting periods before securing the relevant approvals required just for entry into the country. Companies are advised to plan well ahead and integrate flexibility into their travel and relocation plans into the Philippines to minimise the turbulence amidst an unpredictable immigration climate.

That said, avenues for entry into the Philippines for business purposes remain open (if not unwieldy). In recent months, the Philippine government has introduced some flexibility to facilitate business entries into the country. Previously, foreign nationals were limited to applying for long-term work visas only after they had entered the country (an almost fully in-country process that was unique to the Philippines). Now, such foreign nationals have the option to apply for certain long-term work visas while overseas (introduced as a concession during the pandemic).

 

Matter of time

We are hopeful that the recent setback to plans to reopen the country for tourism is only temporary, as the world quickly learns more about the Omicron variant and how to manage its health risks effectively. Borders are likely to reopen only after this holiday season, as the Philippine government must manage a possible spread of the virus as many Filipinos travel back home.

Nonetheless, the Philippine government is poised to reopen borders as they prepare their immigration infrastructure to meet the much-anticipated arrivals, alongside strengthening the country’s healthcare system to manage COVID-19 infections.

 

Need to Know more?

For further information on this topic, please contact Angela de Guzman at [email protected] or Chiu Yee Koh at [email protected]. This blog was published on 30 December 2021, and due to the circumstances, there are frequent changes. To keep up to date with all the latest updates on global immigration, subscribe to our alerts and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Country / Territory

  • Republic of the PhilippinesRepublic of the Philippines

Related contacts

Porthole Headshot Image of Fragomen [Singapore][AssistantManager][AngelaDeGuzman]

Angela De Guzman

Senior Manager

Singapore, Singapore

Email

[email protected]

T:+65 6854 9349

Related services

  • Business Visa Services and Technology

Related industries

  • Hospitality, Travel and Leisure

Related insights

  • Bubble within a Bubble: The Phuket Sandbox

Related offices

  • Singapore

Regional centers

  • Fragomen RCC for Philippines (Singapore)

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Porthole Headshot Image of Fragomen [Singapore][AssistantManager][AngelaDeGuzman]

Angela De Guzman

Senior Manager

Singapore, Singapore

Email

[email protected]

T:+65 6854 9349

Related services

  • Business Visa Services and Technology

Related industries

  • Hospitality, Travel and Leisure

Related insights

  • Bubble within a Bubble: The Phuket Sandbox

Related offices

  • Singapore

Regional centers

  • Fragomen RCC for Philippines (Singapore)

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Porthole Headshot Image of Fragomen [Singapore][AssistantManager][AngelaDeGuzman]

Angela De Guzman

Senior Manager

Singapore, Singapore

Email

[email protected]

T:+65 6854 9349

Related services

  • Business Visa Services and Technology

Related industries

  • Hospitality, Travel and Leisure

Related insights

  • Bubble within a Bubble: The Phuket Sandbox

Related offices

  • Singapore

Regional centers

  • Fragomen RCC for Philippines (Singapore)

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Blog post

Costa Rica Family Relocation: Understanding Residency for Dependents

Immigration Director Adriana Martínez Garro explains the residency process in Costa Rica for families relocating with dependents, outlining key legal considerations and steps for securing status.

Learn more

Media mentions

Financial Times: Scientists Charged Too Much to Come to Work in UK, Says Royal Society

Fragomen contributed data showing how UK visa and health surcharge costs compare with other leading research nations.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Contributes to Migration Observatory Report on Gender and Migration in the UK

Fragomen supported this report, which explores how gender shapes migration patterns, visa routes, employment and settlement in the UK.

Learn more

Blog post

Polish Citizenship Rules Under Review: What the Proposed Amendments Mean

Senior Associate Tomasz Rdzanek or Poland Immigration Strategy Director Tomasz Rogala discuss proposed changes to Poland’s citizenship law aimed at simplifying eligibility and clarifying naturalisation procedures for foreign nationals.

Learn more

Video

Oman Introduces a Golden Visa Program | #MobilityMinute

Manager David Makau discusses Oman's recent introduction of a Golden Visa program.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Stage: Actors, Dancers and Writers Set to Escape Visa Ban

Partner Louise Haycock highlights the inclusion of performing arts occupations on the temporary shortage list and what it means for international talent in the sector.

Learn more

Media mentions

Arts Professional: Creative Sector Must ‘Come Together’ to Give Artists Easier Access to Visas

Partner Louise Haycock highlights opportunities for easier access to overseas talent for the UK creative sector while guiding businesses through evolving visa rules.

Learn more

Blog post

British Citizenship for Adopted and Surrogate Children: What Families Should Know

Associate Amelia Haynes and Paralegal Clare Macmillan Bell discuss the legal considerations surrounding British citizenship for children born through adoption or surrogacy.

Learn more

Media mentions

Financial Times: Boom Time for Immigration Lawyers as US and UK Tighten Restrictions

Partner Bo Cooper provides insight on how evolving US and UK immigration policies, including recent H-1B changes, are shaping corporate mobility and compliance strategies.

Learn more

Video

Atividades Técnicas sob Status de Visitante | #MobilityMinute

O Diretor Executivo da Fragomen Brasil, Diogo Kloper, destaca uma atualização importante na política migratória brasileira, que muda significativamente o que estrangeiros podem fazer no país sob o status de visitante.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Founders Without Frontiers: Navigating Immigration Rules for Start-Ups

Partner Rajiv Naik provides insight on how immigration frameworks across the UK, Europe and EMEA are evolving to support start-ups and entrepreneurial talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

The New York Times: Visiting the European Union? Expect to Give Your Biometric Data.

Partner Jo Antoons discusses the rollout of the EU's new Entry/Exit System.

Learn more

Blog post

Costa Rica Family Relocation: Understanding Residency for Dependents

Immigration Director Adriana Martínez Garro explains the residency process in Costa Rica for families relocating with dependents, outlining key legal considerations and steps for securing status.

Learn more

Media mentions

Financial Times: Scientists Charged Too Much to Come to Work in UK, Says Royal Society

Fragomen contributed data showing how UK visa and health surcharge costs compare with other leading research nations.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Contributes to Migration Observatory Report on Gender and Migration in the UK

Fragomen supported this report, which explores how gender shapes migration patterns, visa routes, employment and settlement in the UK.

Learn more

Blog post

Polish Citizenship Rules Under Review: What the Proposed Amendments Mean

Senior Associate Tomasz Rdzanek or Poland Immigration Strategy Director Tomasz Rogala discuss proposed changes to Poland’s citizenship law aimed at simplifying eligibility and clarifying naturalisation procedures for foreign nationals.

Learn more

Video

Oman Introduces a Golden Visa Program | #MobilityMinute

Manager David Makau discusses Oman's recent introduction of a Golden Visa program.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Stage: Actors, Dancers and Writers Set to Escape Visa Ban

Partner Louise Haycock highlights the inclusion of performing arts occupations on the temporary shortage list and what it means for international talent in the sector.

Learn more

Media mentions

Arts Professional: Creative Sector Must ‘Come Together’ to Give Artists Easier Access to Visas

Partner Louise Haycock highlights opportunities for easier access to overseas talent for the UK creative sector while guiding businesses through evolving visa rules.

Learn more

Blog post

British Citizenship for Adopted and Surrogate Children: What Families Should Know

Associate Amelia Haynes and Paralegal Clare Macmillan Bell discuss the legal considerations surrounding British citizenship for children born through adoption or surrogacy.

Learn more

Media mentions

Financial Times: Boom Time for Immigration Lawyers as US and UK Tighten Restrictions

Partner Bo Cooper provides insight on how evolving US and UK immigration policies, including recent H-1B changes, are shaping corporate mobility and compliance strategies.

Learn more

Video

Atividades Técnicas sob Status de Visitante | #MobilityMinute

O Diretor Executivo da Fragomen Brasil, Diogo Kloper, destaca uma atualização importante na política migratória brasileira, que muda significativamente o que estrangeiros podem fazer no país sob o status de visitante.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Founders Without Frontiers: Navigating Immigration Rules for Start-Ups

Partner Rajiv Naik provides insight on how immigration frameworks across the UK, Europe and EMEA are evolving to support start-ups and entrepreneurial talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

The New York Times: Visiting the European Union? Expect to Give Your Biometric Data.

Partner Jo Antoons discusses the rollout of the EU's new Entry/Exit System.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.