PH extends travel ban to 32 countries until Jan 31

The Philippines has extended its travel ban on 32 countries until January 31, 2021, due to the emergence of new COVID-19 variants.

However, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is not included in this extension, contrary to earlier reports.

President Duterte will be the one to decide if the UAE should be included in the travel ban.

This decision follows the detection of the UK variant in a Filipino traveler who arrived from the UAE.

Foreigners arriving from the 32 restricted countries before January 31 must undergo a 14-day facility-based quarantine, irrespective of a negative RT-PCR test.

Filipino citizens are still allowed to enter but must undergo COVID-19 screening and a 14-day facility-based quarantine.

Unaccompanied minor Filipino citizens coming from restricted countries will not be allowed boarding by airlines until January 31, unless part of a repatriation program.