Additional Measures to be observed relative to the New SARS-CoV-2 Variants

Further to Public Advisory No. 06-2021 - https://bernepe.dfa.gov.ph/advisories/1114-public-advisory-no-06-2021-additional-measures-to-be-observed-relative-to-the-new-sars-cov-2-variants, please be informed of the following additional measures issued under Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) Resolution No.95:

The following foreign nationals with valid visas who will come from or has travel history within the last 14 days prior to arrival in the Philippines in countries/jurisdictions covered by the travel restriction due to the new COVID-19 variants, will be permitted entry into the Philippines until 31 January 2021, notwithstanding any previous IATF resolutions or exemptions:

1. Accredited foreign diplomats and personnel of accredited international organizations, provided that they will undergo RT-PCR test upon arrival at the airport, execute an undertaking, and observe strict 14-day quarantine pursuant to relevant DOH memorandum circular;

2. Foreign dignitaries who shall observe existing testing and quarantine protocols upon arrival;

3. Those for medical and emergency cases, including their medical escorts, if any, subject to the applicable testing and quarantine protocols as prescribed by the DOH; and

4. Spouse and minor children of Filipino citizens travelling with them, subject to the same testing and quarantine protocols applicable to Filipino citizens.

Note that “Filipino citizens” include those who have reacquired or retained their Philippine citizenship under Republic Act 9225 (Dual Citizenship Law).

The Embassy will accept 9(a) Temporary Visitor’s visa applications to qualified applicants subject to the submission of documentary proof of filiation including but not limited to the following documents:

• Foreign spouse of a Filipino national

• Original Marriage Certificate from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), if married in the Philippines;
• Report of Marriage (ROM), if married abroad and has no PSA copy yet;
• Proof of Filipino citizenship of spouse;
• Proof that they are travelling together (e.g., flight itinerary)

• Foreign minor child of a Filipino national

• Authenticated/apostilled Birth Certificate;
• Proof of Filipino citizenship of parent/s;
• Proof that they are travelling together (e.g., flight itinerary)

All visa-issued foreign nationals are hereby reminded that they should be able to present, if required by Immigration Officials at the airport, documentary proof of filiation to the Filipino spouse/parent (i.e., PSA Birth Certificate or Marriage Certificate; if issued by a foreign government, the Birth Certificate or Marriage Certificate must be authenticated or apostilled) to avoid possible exclusion or denial of entry by BI officials.

Arrival Protocols

IATF Resolution No.95 further provides that arriving Filipino nationals, including those for highly exceptional and/or medical reasons, as well as accredited diplomats, shall be subject to the applicable quarantine protocols as prescribed by the DOH.

Incoming passengers shall be tested upon arrival and shall be quarantined until the result of a subsequent test administered on the fifth day is released.

Negative results from the two COVID-19 tests shall be endorsed to the passengers’ local government units, who shall then strictly monitor the remainder of the 14-day quarantine through their respective Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams.

The Embassy calls on the public 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 variant in the country.

The Embassy again reminds travellers to always check ahead of travel dates with their airlines before their scheduled departure date or before booking a ticket as information published could change at any time.

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