We have an update on when travelers can return to the Philippines, Hawaii is redefining the definition of ‘fully vaccinated’ for visitors, and American Airlines takes a step towards returning to pre-pandemic normalcy.
Starting today the Philippines is open to travelers. It’s been nearly two years since visitors have been allowed to enter this archipelago nation. The Philippines is re-introducing visa-free travel as well as lifting the requirement that all visitors quarantine in a government facility. Like many countries, the Philippines is waiving quarantine requirements for vaccinated travelers to enter, and proof of a negative COVID PCR test taken within 48 hours of departure is required. Unvaccinated travelers will need to quarantine in a government facility for up to 14 days. Children under 18 are exempt from the vaccination and quarantine requirements.
Hawaii has revised their definition of fully vaccinated for visitors. They have recently announced that a booster shot will no longer be necessary for vaccinated travelers to be considered fully vaccinated. The decision was made based on a variety of factors including good vaccine rollout to residents and declining COVID numbers in the rest of the country. This is a welcome departure to the tone put forth by the governors office just a few weeks ago when he signed an emergency proclamation extending covid restrictions.
And finally, as travel continues to move back towards a pre-pandemic normalcy American Airlines has announced that it will be bringing back hot meals for domestic first-class passengers starting February 16. It has been almost two years since hot meals were suspended as part of a broader effort to keep passengers safe during the pandemic.