FOREIGN nationals, except those coming from India, are again allowed entry to the Philippines beginning May 1, 2021, Malacañang said Friday, April 30.
The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) approved the entry of foreign nationals in a meeting Thursday, April 29, but subject to the following conditions.
* They have valid and existing visa at the time of entry, except for those qualified under the Balikbayan program under Republic Act 6768, or the Act Instituting the Balikbayan Program.
* With pre-booked accommodation for at least seven nights in an accredited quarantine hotel/facility.
* Subject to Covid-19 testing at the quarantine hotel/facility on the sixth day from date of arrival.
* Subject to maximum capacity of inbound passengers at the port and date of entry.
The IATF clarified, however, that travel restrictions imposed under Resolution 112, which was issued on April 27, 2021, will continue to be in force.
"Travel restrictions, however, shall continue to be in effect for those coming from India or those with travel history to India," said Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque in a statement.
The Philippine government banned the entry of travelers from India and those with travel history to India within the last 14 days preceding arrival for two weeks, from April 29 to May 14, 2021.
The ban was issued due to the increasing number of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) cases in India, Malacañang said.
The restriction also applies to Filipino travelers.
"The foregoing is without prejudice to immigration laws, rules and regulations such that the Commissioner of Immigration shall have the exclusive prerogative to decide on waiver or recall of exclusion order for foreign nationals, including other foreign nationals who have entered the Philippines by virtue of IATF resolutions, subject to regular reporting to the IATF Secretariat at the end of each calendar month," said the IATF.
The task force has ordered the Bureau of Immigration to formulate the necessary guidelines to ensure the smooth implementation of the resolution.
Resolution 113 was released Friday, April 30. (LMY/SunStar Philippines)