Philippines lifts travel ban to Taiwan

Philippine port authorities have been instructed to allow the entry and exit of travelers to and from Taiwan following the lifting of the travel ban.

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) stated that the order came after the Philippines lifted the ban in efforts to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019.

BI Commissioner Jaime Morente confirmed receiving an order from the Office of the President lifting the travel restrictions, which follows a resolution by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Infectious Disease (IATF).

Travel may now be made by any foreign national to Taiwan from the Philippines and vice versa, including members of the diplomatic corps.

Taiwan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Jaushieh Wu had previously expressed gratitude for the lifting of the ban, noting the close neighborly ties and assuring Filipinos in Taiwan of ongoing disease prevention efforts.

Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific have resumed their flights to Taiwan.

However, the travel ban for foreign nationals coming from China, Hong Kong, and Macau remains in place, with only Filipinos and permanent resident visa holders allowed entry from these areas.