By EMMIE V. ABADILLA
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced a temporary travel ban on foreigners entering the country starting at 12:00 AM today, March 22, 2020.
Only Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), repatriating Filipinos, their foreign spouses and children (provided that the foreign spouse and children are traveling with the Filipino national), foreign government and international organization officials accredited to the Philippines, will be allowed to enter the country.
However, OFWs, balikbayans, and foreign nationals leaving for abroad through any of the ports in Luzon shall be allowed at any time for the duration of the Enhanced Community Quarantine provided they show proof of international travel itinerary scheduled within twenty-four hours.
Departing Filipino tourists are temporarily not allowed to depart. Land, air and sea travel of uniformed personnel for official business, especially those transporting medical supplies, laboratory specimens related to the COVID-19, and other humanitarian assistance, shall be allowed.
Sweeper flights for foreign nationals to bring them to airports will be allowed to continue operations.