During the Yuletide season, borders in the country will still remain closed to foreign travelers until further notice, according to the Bureau of Immigration.

While Filipino nationals, spouses or children of nationals, and residents returning from abroad are exempted from the entry ban, and may be subject to quarantine for a maximum of 14 days or COVID-19 testing upon arrival. They should also have pre-booked reservations to a quarantine facility and pre-booked testing for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) at a laboratory operating at the airport. These costs shall be covered by passengers, and everyone must fill out a Case Investigation Form online.

Their travel is also subject to the maximum capacity of inbound passengers at the port and the date of entry.

Foreigners must also secure a pre-booked accredited quarantine facility and COVID-19 testing provider, and must cover their own costs of quarantine and/or testing.

Also before travelling, visitors are asked to check to see if the airport they are arriving at has specific requirements in place. Face masks are still recommended inside all airports.

Who are allowed to enter PH?

Foreign nationals with existing long-term visas are allowed to enter the Philippines, but subject to certain conditions:

• The visa must be existing at the time of entry – no new entry visas will be accepted. Visas must fall under one of the following categories:
• A non-immigrant visa issued under Section 13 of the Immigration act (Section 13 series visa: a,b,c,d,e,g)
• Anyone who acquired resident status under Republic Act 7919 or Alien Social Integration Act (RA 7919 visa)
• Anyone who falls under Executive Order 324 or Alien Legalization Program (EO 324 visa)
• Native-born foreign nationals (Native-born visa).

These travelers are permitted to enter, so long as a valid visa is secured through the Embassy of the Philippines located in your country of residence:

A foreign spouse of a Filipino national

A minor child of a Filipino

Children of a Filipino with special needs, regardless of age

Foreign parent of minor Filipinos, and foreign parent of Filipino children with special needs, regardless of age.

Visa Policy Update

Anyone without a valid passport and transport arrangements for departing the Philippines will be denied entry. Visa issuance and entry permission are temporarily suspended for the majority of foreign nationals. With few exceptions, it is not possible to travel to the Philippines for foreign citizens at the moment.

Foreigners from visa-exempt countries who wish to stay for longer than the time specified must apply for a Philippines visit visa, meeting all the requirements laid out by the government based on the purpose of the trip and nationality.

Who Is Affected by the Philippines Visa Suspension?

All visas for foreigners are now suspended. No new visas will be issued and those previously granted are cancelled . Only visas issued to non-Filipino spouses and children of natives continue to be valid. The Philippine’s visa-free policy has also been stopped.

The Bureau of Immigration noted that all these measures are temporary, and the normal policy will resume once COVID-19 has been brought under control.