Travel Restrictions for Inbound and Outbound Travelers Imposed Amid COVID-19
In pursuant to the Enhanced Community Quarantine (EQC) implemented by the national government to prevent the further transmission of COVID-19 in the country, here are travel restrictions imposed by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) for both inbound and outbound travelers, foreign and local.
Inbound Travel Restrictions on Foreign Travelers
As per the travel advisory issued by DFA last March 20:
- Entry of foreign nationals is restricted starting March 22, 2020, 12 a.m.
- All issuance for entry visas for visa-required foreign nationals is suspended.
- All previously-issued visas are canceled.
- Visa-free privileges of foreign nationals are temporarily suspended.
Inbound Travel Restrictions on Filipino Travelers
- All arriving Filipino passengers, including their spouse and children whether they are Filipino or foreign national, shall be allowed entry subject to quarantine procedures.
- Foreign crew members, as well as foreign government and International Organization officials, accredited to the Philippines shall be allowed entry.
- Land, air, and sea travel of uniformed personnel for official business, especially those transporting medical supplies, laboratory specimens, related to COVID-19, and other humanitarian assistance shall be allowed.
Outbound Travel Restrictions on Foreign Travelers
Upon the updated guidelines of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) last March 18, all individuals including foreign nationals, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW), and balikbayans are now allowed to fly out of the country at any time provided they travel only to the airport within 24 hours of the date and time of their departure.
Outbound passengers may only be accompanied by one person and shall carry and provide the documents of their departure such us electronic ticket (e-ticket) or flight itinerary.
Tourist assistance
DOT, in close collaboration with Local Government Unit officers, local airport staff and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, also created a Tourism Airport Team that will provide a 24-hour service to all the tourists at the airport. This assistance includes arranging of flights, securing of bookings, transportation, meals, and accommodation.
On the other hand, the Regional Offices of DOT have also been exerting effort in informing tourism stakeholders such as hotels, island resorts, tour operators and local government units to communicate the intensified travel restrictions of the Enhanced Community Quarantine to foreign tourists in each destination, most especially those that are located in remote islands.
Source: Department of Tourism and Department of Foreign Affairs
