Immigration update: Philippines | Travel ban extended to Malaysia and Thailand
The Office of the President has released a Memorandum from the Executive Secretary that imposes a travel ban for travellers coming from Malaysia and Thailand effective 0001H of 25 July 2021 until 31 July 2021.
Who will be affected?
a. Foreign nationals from Malaysia and Thailand.
b. Arriving Passengers from Malaysia and Thailand at any of the Philippines international ports.
Background
With reference to 21 July 2021 Joint Recommendation of the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Philippine government imposed a restriction on travellers from Malaysia and Thailand to prevent further entry of the B.1.617 variant (Delta Variant).
Impact
1. All passengers who have been to Malaysia and Thailand within 14 days immediately preceding their arrival in the Philippines and who are arriving before 0001H of 25 July 2021 (Manila time):
a. shall be allowed entry; and
b. will be required to undergo a facility-based 14-day quarantine period regardless of a negative RT-PCR result.
2. Foreign travellers, regardless of the visa categories, coming from or those who have been to Malaysia and Indonesia for the last 14 days prior to arrival in the Philippines, and who will arrive after 0001H of 25 July 2021 (Manila time) will not be allowed entry until 31 July 2021. Hence, those who have booked flights within this period will have to cancel/rebook their flights. It is highly advised not to make any irreversible plans until further guidance is received from the Philippine government.
3. Those who will only be transiting in the said countries, have not exited the airport, have not been cleared to enter by immigration authorities in the said countries, and will only be landing for a layover, may be allowed to enter the Philippines provided that:
a. They are holders of visas allowed to enter the Philippines pursuant to the relevant IATF resolutions and BI’s advisories
b. They have stayed at the airport the whole time and were not cleared to enter the restricted country by its immigration authorities prior to arrival to the Philippines
c. Comply with the existing quarantine and immigration protocols and regulations set by the Philippine government for arriving foreign passengers
d. 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
Implementation
Effective 23 July 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 or your respective case consultants.
Joanna Caraig
Immigration Manager
Santa Fe Relocation
Tel.: +63 917 848 6830
Email: Joanna.Caraig@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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