THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) said it will be implementing the new policy of the government expanding the categories of aliens allowed to enter the country.

BI Commissioner Jaime Morente stated this is in line with the recent resolution from the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID).

He said fully vaccinated aliens may be allowed to enter the Philippines starting February 10.

Morente clarified that foreign nationals from the 157 countries listed under Executive 408, series of 1960 as amended, and other nationalities covered by related Foreign Service Circulars may be allowed to enter the country visa free.

Those who are visa-required must secure an entry visa and an Entry Exemption Document (EED) from the nearest Philippine consulate or embassy.

Arriving fully vaccinated foreigners need to present proof of vaccination as approved by the IATF-MEID, a negative RT-PCR result valid for 48 hours prior to departure from country of origin and a travel insurance for Covid-19, with a minimum coverage of USD 35k, valid for the duration of their stay in the country, which will be presented to the airlines upon check-in.

Arriving tourists are also required to have a passport valid for at least 6 months and an outbound ticket.

The IATF-MEID resolution stated that those whose proof of vaccinations cannot be confirmed will be subjected to a facility-based quarantine until the release of their negative RT-PCR test taken on the 5th day.

Morente said unvaccinated foreign nationals, regardless of visa type, will not be allowed entry.

“Following the direction of the IATF-MEID, unvaccinated and partially vaccinated aliens will not be allowed entry,” said Morente. “Only those who are fully vaccinated may be admitted.”

Morente said unvaccinated foreign nationals and those who are unable to present the required documents will be excluded and will be boarded in the next available flight back to their port of origin.

He urged airlines to board eligible foreign nationals only.

Morente warned that those who board ineligible aliens will be subjected to fines and sanctions.