A total of 31 out of 177 countries and territories across the Americas, Asia and the Pacific, Europe, Middle East, and Africa have already lifted the inbound border restrictions on Filipino travels, subject to medical protocols on arriving passengers, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Sunday, July 5.
Among the newly added countries who have recently opened their borders to Filipinos include Bahamas, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
On the other hand, some 78 countries and territories,despite their border closures, provide entry exemptions to Filipinos who are citizens of the destination country and returning residents, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) with work visas and contracts, and diplomatic or UN passport holders going to post or on official travel.
Newly added territory under this category is Macau SAR, with imposed medical protocols.
Meanwhile, 68 countries and territories from all over the world still do not allow entry in their borders such as Cuba, Haiti, Palau, Timor Leste, France, and most countries in the Middle East and African regions, among others.
In its latest infographic, the DFA confirmed that 138 countries now allow Filipinos to return to the Philippines, subject to flight availability and other special arrangements.
New countries that have allowed departures for the Philippines include the mentioned countries, which also recently opened their inbound restrictions.
With the recent announcement of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) of the resumption of international flight operations in NAIA Terminal 3 starting 12:01 a.m. of July 8, the DFA reiterates that travel restrictions can change without prior public notice.
The foreign affairs office advised all travelers to always check ahead of travel dates with the airlines that will be used, as well as with relevant embassies or consulates before departure or before booking a ticket.