Revised Rules: All Filipinos Abroad Can Enter the Philippines

Foreigners still banned until April.

by Arianne Merez

Photo/s: Jerome Ascaño

All Filipinos abroad can return to the Philippines, the country's National Task Force Against COVID-19 said Friday, revising travel restrictions meant to curb a surge in infections.

The task force revised its travel policy to allow all Filipinos to enter the Philippines, even those who are not migrant workers.

"All Filipino citizens, whether a returning Overseas Filipino or overseas Filipino worker shall be allowed to return to the Philippines," the memorandum circular signed by Defense Sec. Delfin Lorenzana, who chairs the NTF, said.

Supposedly, only overseas Filipino workers can enter the country starting Saturday, March 20 until April 19, 2021. The new memorandum circular however overruled the previous policy to limit the entry ban to foreigners effective March 22 to April 21, 2021.

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The following are exempted from the travel restrictions.

1. Diplomats and members of international organizations and their dependents provided they hold a valid 9(e) visa or 47(a)(2) visa, as the case may be, at the time of entry.

2. Foreign nationals involved in medical repatriation duty endorsed by the Department of Foreign Affairs – Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, provided that they have a valid visa at the time of entry.

3. Foreign seafarers under the “Green Lanes” program for crew change, provided that they hold a 9(c) crew list visa at the time of entry.

4. Foreign spouses and children of Filipino citizens traveling with them provided they have valid visas, provided that they have a valid visa at the time of entry.

5. Emergency, humanitarian and other analogous cases approved by the chairperson of the NTF COVID-19 or his duly authorized representative provided the foreign nationals have valid visas at the time of entry.

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