Immigration update: Philippines | Travel ban for travellers from seven countries

    The Bureau of Immigration has released an advisory on the extension of the travel restrictions for travellers coming from India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates until 23:59 on the 15th June 2021.

    Who will be affected?

    a. Foreign nationals from India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates
    b. Arriving Passengers to any of the Philippines international ports

    Background

    On 6 May 2021, the Bureau of Immigration released an advisory on the implementation of expanded travel ban for travelers 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.

    In addition, the IATF 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 home quarantine which will be monitored by the local government units.

    Impact

    1. Foreign travellers, regardless of the visa categories, coming from or those who have been to India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates for the last 14 days prior to arriving in the Philippines will not be allowed entry until 15 June 2021. Hence, those who have booked flights within this period will have to cancel/rebook their flights after 15 June 2021.
    2. Those travellers who will only be transiting in the above mentioned countries, and will not exit the airport or be cleared through immigration authorities, will be allowed to enter the Philippines 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 the whole time 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 1 June 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:

    Liberty Galero
    Immigration Team Lead
    Santa Fe Relocation Philippines
    Tel.: +63 917 8661 051
    Email: Liberty.Galero@santaferelo.com

    Robert Day
    Group Head of Immigration Operations
    Santa Fe Relocation
    D: +44 7990 021125
    Email: Robert.Day@santaferelo.com


    To read more immigration updates, click here

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