Immigration update: Philippines | Additional countries in the travel ban and inbound quarantine protocols
The Bureau of Immigration released an advisory on the implementation of expanded travel ban for travellers coming from Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh starting 7 May 2021. In addition, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) has released a Resolution No. 114 on 8 May 2021 imposing the strict implementation of the 14-day quarantine period to arriving passengers.
Who will be affected?
a. Foreign nationals from Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh
b. Arriving Passengers to any of the Philippines international ports
Background
On 27 April 2021, the Philippine government imposed a travel ban on foreign nationals coming from India within the last 14 days prior to arrival to the Philippines. The travel ban is until 14 May 2021. Due to the new COVID 19 variant that was first detected in India, the IATF has approved the recommendation of expanding the travel ban to include Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
IATF has also approved the strict implementation of the 14-day quarantine protocols for arriving passengers. Arriving passengers will be required to complete the 10-day quarantine period at the accredited quarantine hotel/facility and the remaining 4 days will be under a home quarantine which will be monitored by the local government units.
Impact
1. Foreign travelers, regardless of the visa categories, coming from or those who have been to Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh for the last 14 days prior to arrival to the Philippines will not be allowed entry until 14 May 2021. Hence, those who have booked flights within this period will have to cancel/rebook their flights scheduled for after 14 May 2021.
2. Foreign travelers merely transiting through any of these countries (without immigration clearance to enter the restricted country) covered by the restrictions may be allowed entry provided that:
+ They are holders of visas allowed to enter the Philippines pursuant to the relevant IATF resolutions and BI’s advisories.
+ They have stayed at the airport for their time on the ground, and were not cleared to enter the restricted country by its immigration authorities prior to arrival to the Philippines.
+ Comply with the existing quarantine and immigration protocols and regulations set by the Philippine government for arriving foreign passengers.
+ They have secured an approval from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on the travel ban exemption and holders of a valid visa issued by any of the Philippine Embassy or Consulate.
3. Arriving foreign nationals will have to book a temporary accommodation to any of the accredited hotels or facilities for at least 10 days from the date of entry to the Philippines. Booking confirmation will have to be presented at the airport upon arrival.
4. RT-PCR test will be conducted on the 7th day from the date of entry to the Philippines.
5. Foreign nationals are required to complete the 10-day quarantine period at the accredited hotels or facilities regardless of a negative result which may be released prior to the 10th day of stay in the facility. Once they have completed the 10-day quarantine period, a negative test result is released, and a clearance is provided, the foreign national can check out of the hotel and continue the remaining 4 days at home. Note that they have to coordinate with the local barangay that has jurisdiction over the place of residency for further guidance.
Implementation
Effective 8 May 2021.
Santa Fe Analysis
We are monitoring any new updates closely and will provide additional information once available.
Should you have any questions, please contact the following:
Ma. Emmariza Ola
Immigration Manager
Santa Fe Relocation
Philippines
Tel.: +63 917 848 6830
Email: Emmariza.Ola@santaferelo.com
Robert Day
Group Head of Immigration Operations
Santa Fe Relocation
D: +44 7990 021125
Email: Robert.Day@santaferelo.com
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