BI reminds airlines not to board foreigners banned from PH entry

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) is reminding airlines not to board foreigners who are currently disallowed from entering the Philippines.

Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente stated that only foreigners with valid visas are permitted entry, and tourist arrivals remain temporarily restricted.

Foreigners who are banned from entering will be excluded upon arrival and immediately booked on the next available flight back to their origin.

Airlines found allowing improperly documented aliens to board will face fines and sanctions.

The BI acknowledged the cooperation of airlines in implementing these measures, which are deemed necessary by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) to curb the spread of COVID-19.

The ban on travelers from India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka is in effect until May 14.

Only those qualified for the Balikbayan privilege, including Filipinos, former Filipinos, and their accompanying foreign spouses and children, are exempted from needing an entry visa.