TRAVEL from six more countries has been restricted by the Philippines in an effort to control the entry of the new Covid variant into the country.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in an updated advisory said Portugal, India, Finland, Norway, Jordan, and Brazil are now among countries subject to Travel Restrictions and Rules on incoming unaccompanied minor Filipino passengers.
The DFA reiterated its earlier advisory regarding the travel restriction: 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 Philippines from the 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.
For the period of the restrictions, foreign nationals who have directly come from or who have entered the concerned countries and jurisdiction within the last 14 days from date of arrival in the Philippines will temporarily be restricted from entering the Philippines.
This applies notwithstanding previous visa status, past IATF approval of exemptions and relation to Filipino citizens.
Effective today, (08 January 2021), all unaccompanied minor Filipino citizens coming from countries/jurisdiction where travel restrictions are in place shall not be allowed entry until 15 January 2021, except if such minors are returning through the repatriation program.
All unaccompanied minor Filipino citizens who are not part of the repatriation program arriving prior to 8 January 2021 shall be turned over to an authorized DSWD officer who can similarly ensure the minors’ safety and observance of quarantine protocols.
The DFA once again called for 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 variant in the country.
Travelers were reminded 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.
