More foreign nationals allowed to enter Philippines despite new COVID-19 variants

The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Thursday, February 4, 2021, allowed the entry to the Philippines of foreign nationals with visas issued as of March 20, 2020, and still valid and existing at the time of entry, and who were not permitted to enter the country under previous IATF resolutions. Also allowed to enter the Philippines are holders of valid and existing Special Resident and Retirees Visa (SRRV) and Section 9 (A) visas as long as they present an entry exemption document to the Bureau of Immigration upon arrival.

This shall take effect on February 16, 2021 and shall be subject to the following conditions, namely, foreign nationals with pre-booked accommodation for at least six (6) nights in an accredited quarantine hotel/facility; foreign nationals subject to COVID-19 testing at the quarantine hotel/facility on the 6th day from date of arrival; and foreign nationals subject to the maximum capacity of inbound passengers at the port and date of entry.

This expanded list, however, is without prejudice to existing immigration laws, rules and regulations. The Commissioner of Immigration has the exclusive prerogative to decide on waiver or recall of exclusion orders for all foreign nationals allowed to enter the country under relevant IATF resolutions.