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This March 26, 2020 photo shows an empty Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City. INQUIRER PHOTO / RICHARD A. REYES
MANILA, Philippines – The number of Filipinos leaving the country for overseas tourism remains low, even if the government has already lifted flight restrictions and allowed non-essential one-way travel, the Immigration Bureau (BI ).
According to the office, only 95 Filipinos with tourist visas went abroad as of Wednesday, October 21.
BI commissioner Jaime Morente said this number is considered “low,” especially compared to the 64 people who left the country on the same day last week, when only those with essential reasons to travel were allowed to leave. .
“It could mean that Filipinos are still reluctant to travel internationally during the pandemic,” Morente said in a statement.
However, he said, the BI expects this number to increase during the holiday season.
However, the BI commissioner reminded travelers that arrival restrictions are still in effect.
Currently, only Filipinos, their spouse and minor children with a tourist visa can enter the country.
Furthermore, government regulations only allow entry to foreign children of Filipinos with special needs, foreign parents of Filipino minors, and foreign parents of Filipino children with special needs.
Those who are eligible to enter the country must obtain an entry visa from Philippine embassies or consulates prior to their arrival, BI stressed.
“We are monitoring any policy changes established by the IATF and the Office of the President, and we are ready to implement them as they see fit,” Morente said.
Malacañang previously announced the decision to lift the ban on non-essential outbound travel from October 21.
READ: Outbound nonessential travel allowed starting October 21
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said Filipinos wishing to leave the country must have negative antigen tests, confirmed airline tickets, and travel and medical insurance.
KGA
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