PH expands travel ban to Iran and Italy

The Philippines is expanding travel restrictions to include foreign visitors from Iran and Italy due to the COVID-19 scare, effective 12 a.m. of March 16, 2020.

Travelers arriving from or who have transited through Iran and Italy within the last 14 days must present a medical certificate issued within 48 hours prior to arrival, certifying they are COVID-19 free.

Those who can present a medical certificate will be referred to the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) for a 14-day mandatory quarantine.

However, passengers who fail to present a medical certificate will be denied entry into the Philippines.

Exempted from these restrictions are Filipino citizens, their foreign spouses and children, holders of permanent resident visas, and members of the diplomatic corps.

These exempted individuals will still undergo a 14-day quarantine based on existing Department of Health (DOH) guidelines.