The Philippines will reopen to fully vaccinated tourists from most countries on February 10 and lift quarantine requirements, AFP reported.

Tour operators across the archipelago country, known for its beaches and diving sites, have been devastated by a sharp drop in foreign visitors and domestic travel restrictions.

The tourism industry can now recover and make a big contribution to the creation of jobs, livelihoods and economic growth of the country, Presidential spokesman Karlo Nograles said at a briefing.

This announcement allows the resumption of visa-free travel for short-term travel by citizens from 157 countries who already enjoyed visa-free entry to the Philippines prior to the pandemic.

Fully vaccinated tourists from listed countries are required to present a negative Covid-19 test result shortly before departure to the Philippines and will not be required to quarantine upon arrival.