PH allows entry of more foreigners with valid visas starting Feb. 16

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines has allowed more foreign nationals with valid visas to enter the country starting February 16, 2021, Malacañang announced Friday.

Foreigners with visas issued as of March 20, 2020 and are still valid at the time of entry have been allowed by the Inter–Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) to enter the country.

“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,” he added.

Section 9 (A) or temporary visitor’s visa is issued to foreign nationals coming to the Philippines for business, tourism or medical purposes.

But in a separate message to reporters, Roque said “tourists [are] not allowed still unless with exemption.”

“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,” he further noted.

All foreign nationals allowed to enter the country must have pre-booked accommodation for at least six nights in an accredited quarantine hotel or facility.

They must also be subject to Covid-19 testing on the sixth day from the date of their arrival in the country.

EDV