Two countries in Asia and the Pacific - Laos and Afghanistan - have lifted inbound restrictions on Filipino travelers, subject to flight availability and medical protocols amid the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a report on Monday.
On the other hand, Malaysia, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Nepal, Tajikistan, and Hong Kong have imposed stricter medical protocols and visa regulations for those who are exempt from entry restrictions.
Mongolia’s borders, meanwhile, remain open but inbound travelers in the country are now required to present negative COVID-19 test results and must have all applicable documents to support their visa status.
In Tokyo, the Japanese government has gradually opened up inbound entry for students, dependents, and technical interns but still prohibit entry of short-stay travelers, including tourists.
Back here at home, beginning October 21, Filipinos may resume their overseas plans after Malacañang announced the lifting of restrictions for non-essential outbound travelers, including tourists.
Outbound Filipino tourists may be allowed to leave the country after submitting confirmed roundtrip tickets and adequate travel and health insurance.
With the still evolving changes in travel restrictions worldwide due to the pandemic, the DFA advises Filipino travelers to always check ahead of their travel dates with airlines, as well as with relevant Embassies or Consulates before booking a ticket and before departure.