Non-Essential Outbound Travel Ban Allowed Starting October 21
If you are among the people who had to postpone their travels this year due to the pandemic, here’s good news because Filipinos may now continue with their travels as the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) recently relaxed its ban on non-essential outbound travel for Filipinos.
During a meeting last October 15, the IATF-EID made the decision to allow non-essential outbound travel for Filipinos effective starting October 21.
According to IATF-EID’s Resolution No. 79, OFWs, students enrolled abroad and participants accepted in exchange visitor programs, permanent residents of foreign jurisdictions, and foreign nationals may leave abroad through any airports or seaports in the country.
Travelers must submit confirmed roundtrip tickets, execution of an immigration declaration acknowledging the risks involved in traveling, and negative antigen test results for COVID-19 within 24 hours before departure in accordance with guidelines issued by the Department of Health.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque also said that Filipinos intending to travel abroad as tourists must have adequate travel and health insurance for those traveling on tourist visas to cover travel disruptions and hospitalization in case of COVID-19 infection during their stay abroad.
In addition, outbound Filipino travelers shall likewise follow the Guidelines of the National Task Force for returning overseas Filipinos upon return.
The Resolution, however, also states that the provisions do not apply for outbound travels to countries where travel restrictions are still in place.
Also read:
DOT Reopens Ilocos Norte to Luzon Tourist Starting Oct 15!
Boracay to Reopen for Tourists Starting October 1
Sources: Philippine News Agency, IATF-EID Resolution No. 79
