Public Advisory: For Filipinos Intending to Travel to the Philippines

PASAY CITY 31 December 2020 — With regard to the Memorandum from the Executive Secretary dated 29 December 2020 on the regulation of entry for travelers from or transiting through countries that have reported incidence of the new COVID-19 variant, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) informs and reminds Filipinos abroad of the following:

* All overseas Filipinos are reminded of the limited quarantine facilities in place and are thus strongly urged to reconsider travel plans to the Philippines for the duration of the travel restrictions, which is set to end on 15 January 2021;

* Those entering the country from affected countries and jurisdiction are also reminded that they will be required to undergo and complete a strict mandatory 14-day quarantine at a DOH-approved facility, regardless of negative RT-PCR result.

As such the DFA strongly advises that all travelers to the country to carefully reconsider their travel plans, including postponing their trips until after the end of the travel restrictions to avoid personal inconvenience and possible additional expenses as well as help prevent the incidence of the new COVID-19 strain in the country.

For the given period, non-Filipino nationals coming from the concerned countries and jurisdiction, regardless of previous visa status, exemptions granted, or relation to Filipino citizens, will temporarily be restricted from entering the Philippines.

As always, the DFA reminds travelers to always check ahead of travel dates with their airlines before departure or before booking a ticket as information published could change at any time. END