AT least 40 countries have relaxed their inbound travel restrictions to Filipinos amid the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs.
The DFA said among the countries now allowing Filipinos to enter their jurisdiction are the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Jamaica, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, French Polynesia, New Macedonia, Tanzania, Zambia, Kenya and Sudan. Entry to these countries, however, is subject to strict medical restrictions and other protocols imposed by their governments.
China, Taiwan, Vietnam, the Marshall Islands, Sri Lanka and Guyana now allow entry exemptions to Filipinos holding dual citizenships or returning residents, overseas Filipino workers with work visas and contracts, diplomatic or UN passport holders and government officials going to post or on official travels.
“In addition, 146 countries now allow Filipinos to return to the Philippines, subject to flight availability and other special arrangements. This development has contributed to the successful
DFA-facilitated and funded repatriations of more than 115, 000 overseas Filipinos since February 2020,” the DFA added.
The DFA however, said 55 countries and territories still do not allow entry into their borders.
The DFA also informed the public that it does not issue travel permits to outbound Filipino travelers. It said the Bureau of Immigration issues permits and other relevant regulations issued by the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases on outbound travel.
