Immigration: Tourist departuresremain low

CLARK FREEPORT --- The number of departing Filipino tourists remain low despite the lifting of restrictions allowing non-essential outbound travel, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said on Thursday.

As of Wednesday, out of the 1,172 Filipinos who departed, only 95 left under a tourist visa, the agency stated.

This is in contrast with the 64 that left during the same day last week, when only those with essential reasons for travel can depart.

"The number of travelers remain low," said BI Commissioner Jaime Morente. "It could mean that Filipinos still feel hesitant to travel internationally ,

during the pandemic," said Morente.

He added that they expect the numbers to pick up during the holiday season.

Morente said arrival restrictions remain in place.

"We are monitoring any policy change set by the IATF and the Office of the President, and we are ready to implement these as they may deem fit," he sai d .

Only Filipinos, their spouse and minor children are allowed to enter the country holding tourist visas at present.

Restrictions likewise allow foreign children with special needs of Filipinos, foreign parent of minor Filipinos, and foreign parent of Filipino children with special needs to enter the country.

Those who are eligible to enter are required to secure an entry visa from Philippine embassies or consulates, prior to their arrival.

Apart from said categories, accredited foreign government and international organization officials and their dependents, foreign airline crewmembers, foreign seafarers with 9(c) visas, and foreigners with long-term visas are also allowed.