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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PH relaxes travel restrictions on foreigners

PH relaxes travel restrictions on foreigners

Published Apr 30, 2021 11:50 am

The government is reopening the country's borders to certain foreign nationals starting May 1, 2021 as part of easing travel restrictions.

(Photo by Ted ALJIBE / AFP / MANILA BULLETIN)

The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) however imposed some conditions, including having valid and existing visas at the time of entry and strict testing and quarantine protocols, for inbound foreigners.

The government earlier imposed entry restrictions on some foreign nationals from March 22 to April 21, 2021 as a precaution against the spread of the coronavirus disease. The temporary travel ban on foreigners was later extended until April 30.

"Beginning 01 May 2021, the foreign nationals allowed under previous IATF resolutions shall be allowed to enter the Philippines," Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said, citing the latest IATF Resolution No. 113.

He said the foreigner must have a valid and existing visa at the time of entry except for those qualified under the Balikbayan program under Republic Act No. 6768 or the Act Instituting the Balikbayan Program.

Inbound foreigners must also have pre-booked accommodation for at least seven nights in an accredited quarantine hotel/facility. The foreigners must also take coronavirus testing at the quarantine hotel/facility on the sixth day from the date of arrival.

Roque said the entry of foreigners will also subject to the maximum capacity of inbound passengers at the port and date of entry.

The Bureau of Immigration has been directed to formulate the necessary guidelines to ensure smooth implementation of the latest IATF decision. Roque said the immigration commissioner will have the exclusive prerogative to decide on waiver or recall of exclusion orders for foreign nationals.

Meantime, the entry ban on travelers from India will remain in force until May 14, according to Roque.

The government recently ruled that passengers from India will not be allowed to enter the country from April 29 to May 14, 2021 following the surge of coronavirus cases in the South Asian country.

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