The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) has allowed foreigners with long-term visas to enter the country, a move to further ease restrictions on foreign travelers.
Previously, the IATF only allowed those foreign nationals with visas valid until March 20, 2020.
“Lahat po ng long-term visas na na-issue natin pupuwede na pong pumasok. Antayin na lang po natin kailan papayagan ang mga turista,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in an interview on PTV.
“Sa ngayon po, ang pinapayagan lang e lahat ng mga visas ng mga namumuhunan, mga nagtratrabaho, mga kamag-anak ng Pilipino, mga may asawa na Pilipino, mga anak. Halos lahat ng dayuhan, except ang mga turista,” he explained.
On Thursday, the Tourism Department said that it is hoping to welcome foreign nationals in the country this year, hoping to revive the tourism sector which was badly hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat said that there’s no definitive timeline yet.
“It’s hard to give a timeline,” Puyat said in a press conference.
“We’re hoping slowly. We’re hoping sana this year we will be able to open up to other countries not only confined to balikbayans,” she added.
Earlier this month, the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai has issued the guidelines to those who are planning to enter the Philippines.
The following will be allowed to enter the Philippines subject to testing and quarantine protocols against COVID-19:
Diplomats and members of international organizations and their dependents
Foreign seafarers provided that they have 9(c) visa upon entry
Holders of 13 series visa under the Immigration Act
Holders of Republic Act No.7919 visas
Holders of Executive Order 324 visas
Foreign spouses of Filipino nationals provided that the Filipino spouse is in the Philippines
Foreign minor children, and foreign children with special needs regardless of age of Filipino nationals
Foreign parents of minor Filipino children and of Filipino children with special needs regardless of children
Holders of special visas issued by Immigration Bureau under Republic Act 8756
Holders of 47(a-2) visas issued by the DOJ
Holders of 9(d) visas issued by the BI
Holders of visas issued by economic zones
Holders of Special Investors Visas
Dual Filipino citizens carrying foreign passports
Filipino citizen’s foreign spouses and children regardless of age from non-visa required entries
Holders of 9(g) visas who departed from the Philippines on or after December 17, 2020.
All those who are allowed to enter the Philippines must secure pre-booked accommodation for seven nights in a DOT-accredited quarantine facility. They will also undergo RT-PCR tests on the sixth day.
