BI: Foreigners with DFA-issued travel exemption docs can now enter PH

PHOTO by ED LUSTAN / INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Foreigners who were given entry exemption documents before the implementation of the travel ban in March may now enter the country, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said Saturday.

Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said foreigners with entry exemption documents issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) before March 22 are now allowed to enter the Philippines during the period of the implementation of pandemic travel restrictions, which was extended until the end of April.

However, Morente stressed that other foreign nationals are still barred from entering the country and that the Balikbayan privilege of former Filipino citizens remains suspended.

“The foreign parent, spouse, and children of Filipinos may enter the country, provided they are traveling with the Filipino principal, and have a valid entry visa,” he added.

Based on the policy of the national government, the BI also allows other foreigners with valid entry visas to enter the country, such as diplomats and members of international organizations with valid 9(e) or 47(a) (2) visas; those involved in medical repatriation endorsed by the DFA and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration; seafarers with 9(c) visa for crew change; and those with emergency, humanitarian and analogous cases approved by the chairperson of the National Task Force Against COVID-19 or his authorized representative.

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