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Manila, Philippines – The Immigration Bureau (BI) reminded the public on Wednesday that travel restrictions amid the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic are still in effect.
In a statement, BI commissioner Jaime Morente reiterated that foreign tourists are still prohibited from entering the country.
He stressed that only Filipinos, their spouses and minor children with a tourist visa can enter the country.
Also, current restrictions allow foreign children with special needs of Filipinos, foreign parents of Filipino minors and foreign parents of Filipino children with special needs to enter the country, he added.
The reminder follows a petition on social media seeking the entry of foreign boyfriends of Filipinos.
The co-chair of the Inter-Institutional Working Group (IATF) and cabinet secretary, Karlo Nograles, previously stated that the country is not yet ready to open up to foreigners, emphasizing that it is a step-by-step process. He also emphasized the need to establish protocols before foreign tourists are allowed in.
“We acknowledge the request of the #Loveisnottourism movement, and we understand how difficult it must be to separate from your loved one. But this is a temporary measure, ”Morente said.
“We are confident in the wisdom of the IATF and are ready to implement it immediately, should there be any change in travel restrictions,” he added.
Morente also emphasized that those who are eligible to enter must obtain an entry visa from Philippine embassies or consulates, prior to arrival.
“We have come across cases where spouses of Filipinos who previously enjoyed visa-free privileges try to enter the country in the same way,” he said.
In March, the Department of Foreign Affairs temporarily suspended visa-free privileges to curb the spread of COVID-19.
A total of 157 countries that previously enjoyed visa-free privileges must now obtain entry visas for foreign positions.
Apart from these categories, the BI said that accredited officials of foreign governments and international organizations and their dependents, crew of foreign airlines, foreign seafarers with 9 (c) visas and foreigners with long-term visas are also allowed.
Meanwhile, Morente also reminded the public of the outbound travel restrictions set by the IATF.
Only foreign nationals, Filipino workers abroad, permanent visa holders, students enrolled abroad, and accepted participants in exchange visitor programs, and those traveling for essential reasons are allowed to leave the country.
According to the immigration chief, essential travel is for immediate business, medical emergencies and other humanitarian reasons, subject to sufficient supporting documents.
“Visiting family members abroad for a vacation is still not considered essential travel,” Morente said.
“These restrictions were put in place by the IATF to protect everyone from the threat of Covid-19. If your trip is not essential, it is better to postpone it when the pandemic has subsided, ”he added.
