Advisory 51-2020 on the Updated Summary of Philippine Travel Restrictions and Exemptions

ADVISORY 51-2020
As of 27 Nov 2020

The following is an updated summary of Philippine travel restrictions and exemptions which incorporates the issuance of IATF Resolution 85 dated 26 November 2020.

The Philippine Consulate General in Frankfurt reminds the public that due to the ongoing pandemic, all foreign nationals except those with exemptions, are still restricted from travelling to the Philippines as of this date. The travel restrictions imposed by the Interagency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases are intended to prevent the entry and spread of coronavirus cases that could overwhelm the country’s health system.

The following is a list of exemptions to the travel restrictions:

A. Exemption due to the Balikbayan Program (Republic Act 6768)

1. Filipino citizens’ foreign spouses and children, regardless of age, who are travelling with them; and
2. Former Filipino citizens, together with their foreign spouses and children, regardless of age, who are travelling with them.

Foreigners who belong to the above-mentioned categories may avail of the visa-free privilege beginning 7 December 2020 provided they are nationals allowed to enter the country visa-free under EO No. 408 and must comply with the conditions listed in Section E below.

Other foreign spouses and children who do not belong to the above categories, are still subject to existing travel restrictions. They may apply for visas, as appropriate, provided they are exempted from the temporary suspension of visa issuance. See Advisory no. 49.

B. Exemption due to official capacity or employment

1. Foreign Government and International Organization officials accredited to the Philippines, and their dependents;
2. Foreign airline crew; and
3. Foreign seafarers

Foreigners who belong to the above-mentioned categories are exempted but are required to apply for a visa.

C. Exemption as holder of a valid long-term/immigrant/resident visa

Foreign nationals who are already holders of the following visas, valid at the time of entry, will be allowed entry into the Philippines:

1. Section 13 series of Commonwealth Act No. 613, as amended, which includes:

• 13 Quota, 13(a), 13(b), 13(c), 13 (d), 13 (e), 13(g) visas
• Temporary Resident Visa (based on CA 613, Section 13a (marriage to Filipino)
• Temporary Resident Visa (based on MO ADD-01-038/ADD-02-015 (Indian nationals)
• MCL-07-021 Permanent Resident Visa (based on CA 613, Section 13a (Chinese nationals)
• Native Born Visa (based on CA 613, Section 13c (for foreigners born in the Philippines with at least 1 Permanent Resident parent);

2.   RA 7919 visa
3.   3. EO 324 visa
4. SIRV under EO 226 (not applicable to SIRV under EO 63)

D. Exemption as holder of a valid special non-immigrant/investor visa

• Special visas under Executive Order 226 (Omnibus Investment Code) as amended and Republic Act 8756;
• 47(a-2) visas;
• Visas issued by Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO),
  Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB), Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) and Clark Development Corporation (CDC); and
• Section 9(d) of EO 613, as amended

E. Additional requirements/conditions

All foreign nationals who qualify for the exemptions shall be subjected to the following conditions:

• With pre-booked accredited quarantine facility;
• With pre-booked COVID-19 testing provider; and
• Subject to the maximum capacity of inbound passengers as set by the National Task Force for COVID-19.

The travel restrictions are reviewed regularly by the Philippine government and may be eased should the situation in the country continue to improve.

For concerns or clarification, please send an email message to frankfurtpcg.consular@dfa.gov.ph.