The Philippine government has implemented updated guidelines for inbound travelers including an extension of the entry ban to travelers coming from seven restricted countries.1
WHY THIS MATTERS
Border restrictions will continue to change and, as such, travelers to the Philippines will be impacted. They may experience inconvenience, disruption, and/or be obliged to alter travel plans. It is necessary for companies and individuals alike to be updated of the travel limitations and requirements to prevent the possibility of being refused entry at the border.
Employers with workers coming from the restricted countries must closely monitor and manage the immigration and tax issues arising from the travel ban extension. They may wish to consider their personnel and work arrangements due to the evolving situation.
The Philippines may soon consider softening restrictions for vaccinated individuals but until then, remote working may still be a “best practice” for globally-mobile employees – apart from essential workers – to the extent possible and is a way for employers to foster the safety of their employees and help with business continuity.
Updated Travel Guidelines in the Philippines
1. Foreign nationals coming from India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Oman, and United Arab Emirates or who have been to these travel-restricted countries within the last 14 days preceding arrival in the Philippines shall not be allowed to enter until 30 June 2021.2
2. Filipinos arriving under the repatriation program of the government shall undergo an absolute 14-day facility-based quarantine from the date of arrival in the Philippines, with the date of arrival being the first day.
3. Filipinos arriving under non-Philippine-government repatriation shall:
a. present a negative RT-PCR test, taken within 48 hours prior to boarding the aircraft or vessel;
b. undergo an absolute 14-day facility-based quarantine from the date of arrival in the Philippines, with the date of arrival being the first day.
4. The following may be allowed entry provided they are authorized to enter the country through relevant resolutions of the IATF-MEID3 and subjected to existing testing and quarantine protocols issued by the Department of Health (DOH):
a. Those who transited or who have a mere lay-over at the airport of travel-restricted countries (lay-over at the airport and with no immigration admission at said countries).
b. Those not coming from travel-restricted countries.
5. Arriving passengers who are fully vaccinated shall be required to undergo a seven-day facility-based quarantine from the date of arrival in the Philippines, with the date of arrival being the first day.
6. Holders of a valid and existing Special Resident Retirees Visa (SRRV) shall be allowed to enter the country without need of an entry exemption document.
FOOTNOTES
1 See BI Public Advisory posted on the official Facebook page 7 June 2021.
2 See BI Public Advisory posted on the official Facebook page 15 June 2021.
3 For prior coverage of the travel guidelines in the Philippines, read GMS Flash Alert 2021-138 (7 May 2021).
* Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.
The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in the Philippines.
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