IATF amends protocols, exempts some foreigners from travel ban

MANILA, Philippines – The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID) has amended its earlier resolution to exempt some foreigners from a travel ban imposed by the Philippines against the new coronavirus variant, the Malacañang said Friday.
“The IATF amended its earlier resolution, IATF Resolution No 92, on all foreign travelers covered by travel restrictions because of the new COVID-19 variants by specifying those exempted, such as foreign nationals with valid visas, which include personnel of accredited international organizations, and spouse and minor children of Filipino citizens traveling with them,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement.
“Those who arrive for medical and emergency cases, including their medical escorts, if any, are now subject to applicable testing and quarantine protocols as prescribed by the Department of Health (DOH),” he added.
The country’s travel restriction, which will last until January 31, covers travelers from the following countries:
- United Kingdom
- Denmark
- Ireland
- Japan
- Australia
- Israel
- The Netherlands
- China (including Hong Kong)
- Switzerland
- France
- Germany
- Iceland
- Italy
- Lebanon
- Singapore
- Sweden
- South Korea
- South Africa
- Canada
- Spain
- United States
- Portugal
- India
- Finland
- Norway
- Jordan
- Brazil
- Austria
- Pakistan
- Jamaica
- Luxembourg
- Oman
- UAE
- Hungary
Meanwhile, from the strict observation of an absolute 14-day facility-based quarantine period for Filipino citizens coming from areas where travel restrictions are in place, Roque said the IATF amended this to prescribed testing and quarantine protocols.
“Further, Filipino citizens arriving for highly exceptional and/or medical reasons and local diplomats are now subject to applicable quarantine protocols as prescribed by the DOH,” he added.
On testing and quarantine protocols for passengers coming from, or transiting through, countries where travel restrictions are in place due to new COVID-19 variants, Roque said that these incoming passengers shall be tested upon arrival and shall be quarantined until the result of the subsequent test administered on the fifth day is released.