Travel ban on 8 countries remains until July 31 -- BI
(Marites Villamor-Ilano
FREEPORT -- Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente reminded the traveling public that the ongoing travel restrictions on passengers coming from 8 countries shall remain until July 31.
According to Morente, the extension of the temporary travel ban for those coming from India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates have been extended until the month's end.
"With the recent inclusion of Indonesia, the temporary ban now covers eight countries," he stated.
An advisory from the BI states that those coming from the eight countries, as well as those with a travel history from said countries within the last 14 days from the date of arrival will not be allowed to enter the Philippines.
"Because of this temporary travel restriction, anyone coming from said countries will be excluded, meaning they will be denied entry, and returned to their port of origin immediately on the next available flight," he said.
Morente clarified that transiting passengers are not included in the travel ban.
Considered transiting are passengers who were there only for a layover, and were not admitted by
immigration authorities in the banned country. BI Port Operations Division Chief Carlos Capulong added that the extended and expanded travel restrictions have been communicated to all airlines for their guidance.
"We appreciate the assistance of the airlines in not boarding anyone coming from the eight countries," said Capulong. "Lest they be turned back which would be an added expense for the airlines," he added.
Excluded passengers, once denied entry by the BI, becomes the responsibility of the carrying airline who shall ensure that the passenger is boarded immediately on his or her outbound flight.