Coronavirus: Philippines to open country to foreigners effective from August

The Philippines Presidential spokesperson, Mr Harry Roque, has disclosed that the country would allow some foreign nationals with long-term visas to enter the country as from 1st August.

The move, which was announced on Friday July 17, 2020, is an attempt by the government to get its economy back running as some lockdown restrictions are eased in the country.

“Foreigners with valid and existing visas would need to undergo quarantine upon arrival,” Roque said.

Mr. Roque explained that long term visa holders are those living and working in the country.

It was said that new entry visa would not be accepted, and that Filipinos who are returning would have options on inbound flights because of the existing cap on airport capacity.

Meanwhile in March, as a measure to curtail spread of coronavirus the Bureau of Immigration banned foreigners from entering the country except for only Filipinos and foreign diplomats.

Ranked second highest in terms of Covid-19 infections and deaths rates in South-east Asia after Indonesia, the Philippines has recorded 61,266 confirmed cases and 1,643 coronavirus-related deaths.