Immigration update: Philippines | Lifting of Ban on Outbound Travels
Lifting of Ban on Non-Essential Outbound Travels
On 18th October 2020, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) informed the public that the bureau will ease the travel restrictions for Philippine citizens who intend departing the Philippines.
Who will be affected?
• Philippine citizens who have non-essential travel outside the Philippines
Background
On 19 March 2020, the Department of Foreign Affairs released an advisory restricting the travel of Filipinos outside the country for tourism and other non-essential travels. Only the following categories were allowed to depart the Philippines:
• Foreign nationals
• Overseas Filipino Workers
• Permanent resident visa holders to the country of destination
• Students enrolled abroad or participants accepted in exchange visitor program
On 18th October 2020, BI Commissioner Jaime H. Morente reminded the public that the travel ban for arriving foreign nationals is still in place, except for the following exempted categories:
• Foreign spouse and minor children of Filipinos
• Foreign children with special needs (regardless of age) of Filipino
• Foreign parent/s of minor Filipinos
• Foreign parent/s of Filipino children with special needs (regardless of age)
• Accredited foreign government and international organization officials and their dependents
• Foreign airline crew members
• Foreign seafarers with 9(c) visa
• Section 13 series visa of the Philippine Immigration Act, as amended (13 quota visa, 13(a) visa, 13(b) visa, 13(c) visa, 13(d) visa, 13(e) visa and 13(g) visa)
• Foreign nationals granted a legal residence status under The Alien Social Integration Act of 1995 or RA 7919
• EO 324 visa
• Native-born visa
• Temporary resident visa (based on Memorandum Order No. ADD-01-038/ADD-02-015)
Those who are eligible to enter are still required to present a valid visa or secure an entry visa from Philippine Embassy or Consulate prior to their planned trip to the Philippines.
Impact
1. Non-essential travel of Filipinos may now be allowed subject to immigration protocols and requirements mentioned below:
• Confirmed round-trip ticket;
• Travel and health insurance to cover travel disruptions and hospitalization in case of COVID-19 infection during their allowable period of stay abroad;
• Signed BI Declaration of acknowledging the risks involved in travelling, including risk of delay in their return trip; and
• A negative Antigen test result taken within 24 hours before departure.
2. Outbound travel to countries where travel restrictions are in place for Filipinos shall not be allowed.
3. Foreign nationals are still not allowed to enter the Philippines unless they fall under the exempted categories on the travel ban or they have a travel ban exemption from the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Implementation
Effective 21 October 2020
Santa Fe Analysis
We are monitoring any new updates closely and will provide updated 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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