By Noreen Jazul
Foreign nationals will be temporarily banned from entering the country starting Sunday, March 22, as part of the efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
NINOY AQUINO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
(MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)
Read more: Gov’t amends travel restrictions; travelers may leave through any Luzon port with conditions
NINOY AQUINO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT(MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)
The Department of Transportation made the clarification Friday after the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) earlier announced that “all persons, regardless of nationality, except for Filipino tourists,” were allowed to enter and leave the country, “at any time” at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).“Only 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,” DOTr said.
On the other hand, OFWs, balikbayans, and foreign nationals will be allowed to depart the country “through any ports in Luzon,” given that they will present a travel itinerary “scheduled within twenty-four (24) hours.”
Filipino tourists, however, will not be allowed to leave the county.
DOTr said land, sea, and air travel will be allowed for uniformed personnel with official business relating to efforts on COVID-19.
“Those transporting medical supplies, laboratory specimens related to the COVID-19, and other humanitarian assistance will be allowed,” DOTr said.
The transportation department said only one person can drop off or fetch a passenger at the NAIA terminals.
“The driver should carry with him/her a copy of the airline ticket of the passenger as proof of conveyance,” it said.