Advisory 50-2020
25 November 2020
The following is an updated summary of Philippine travel restrictions and exemptions which incorporates the issuance of IATF Resolution 84 dated 19 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 visa-free balikbayan privilege for former Filipinos is suspended until further notice. Former Filipinos who have acquired a foreign citizenship and have not applied to reacquire their Philippine citizenship, and who do not fall under any of the exemptions indicated below, cannot travel to the Philippines and cannot apply for visas at this time.
The following is a list of exemptions to the travel restrictions:
A. Exemption due to relationship to Filipino nationals
- Foreign spouses of Filipino nationals or foreigners married to Filipino nationals;
- Foreign minor children, and foreign children with special needs regardless of age, of Filipino nationals; and
- Foreign parents of minor Filipino children, and of Filipino children with special needs regardless of age.
Foreigners who belong to the above-mentioned categories are exempted but are required to apply for a visa. The requirement for a visa includes those nationals who previously enjoyed visa-free privileges including former Filipino nationals, naturalized as citizens of other countries and are included in the above-mentioned categories.
Those who fall under categories 1, 2, and 3 are required to present documentary proof in addition to the standard requirements for visa application. They are also required to present proof that the Filipino spouse, parents, or child/children are in the Philippines or traveling with them. Once the appropriate visas are issued, they are also advised to bring the same documents/proof for presentation to the Bureau of Immigration officials upon arrival in the country.
B. Exemption due to official capacity or employment
- Foreign Government and International Organization officials accredited to the Philippines, and their dependents;
- Foreign airline crew; and
- 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:
- 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);
- RA 7919 visa
- EO 324 visa
- 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
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.
