Consulate of Georgia in Manila

It is with deep sadness that we share the news that the Honorary Consul of Georgia in Manila, Joselito Aseniero, has joined our Creator this morning

Consul Aseniero will be remembered for his great generosity, kindness, and his long history of service

BI Reminds Public of Travel Restrictions

MANILA, Philippines—the Bureau of Immigration (BI) reminded the public that travel restrictions set following the Covid-19 pandemic is still in place.

In a statement, BI Commissioner Jaime Morente reiterated that foreign tourists are still not allowed in the country.

“Generally speaking, only Filipinos, their spouse and minor children are allowed to enter the country holding tourist visas,” said Morente.

Current restrictions likewise allow foreign children with special needs of Filipinos, foreign parent of minor Filipinos, and foreign parent of Filipino children with special needs to enter the country.

Morente stressed that those who are eligible to enter are required to secure an entry visa from Philippine embassies or consulates, prior to their arrival.

“We have encountered instances when spouses of Filipinos who previously enjoyed visa-free privileges try to enter the country under the same manner,” said Morente.

It can be recalled that in March, the Department of Foreign Affairs temporarily suspended visa-free privileges, including those to pursuant to visa waiver arrangements. A total of 157 countries previously enjoyed visa-free privileges are now required to secure entry visas from foreign posts.

Apart from said categories, accredited foreign government and international organization officials and their dependents, foreign airline crew members, foreign seafarers with 9(c) visas, and foreigners with long-term visas are also allowed.

The reminder comes following the petition of the movement, which made waves in social media. Said movement petitions that foreign fiancés of Filipinos be allowed to enter the country.

However, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles yesterday stated that the country is not yet ready to open to foreigners, as it is a step-by-step process and the Inter Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases continuous to iron out some issues and set up protocols before this can be allowed.

“We acknowledge the petition of the movement, and we understand how difficult it must be to be separated from your loved one. But this is a temporary measure. We trust the wisdom of the IATF, and we are ready to implement immediately, should there be any changes in travel restrictions,” Morente stated.

Meanwhile, Morente also reminded the public of departure travel restrictions set by the IATF.

Only foreign nationals, overseas Filipino workers, permanent visa holders, students enrolled abroad and participants accepted in exchange visitor programs, and those who are traveling for essential reasons are allowed to depart the country.

Essential travel, according to Morente, is for immediate business, medical emergency, and other humanitarian reasons. They may be allowed subject to sufficient supporting documents. “Visiting relatives abroad for a vacation is still not considered under essential travel,” said Morente. “These restrictions were set by the IATF to protect everyone from the threat of Covid-19. If your travel is non-essential, it is best to defer it when the pandemic has subsided,” he added.

Tourists from 5 countries asked to present PCR tests starting today – quarantine time for all arrivals decreased to 8 days All foreigners entering Georgia, including from Germany, France, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia – countries to which Georgia has opened its borders unconditionally – will be required to present PCR test results from the proceeding 72 hours to enter Georgia or undergo PCR testing at their own expe...

PRESS RELEASE
04 August 2020

BI Main Office scales down operations;
suspends online appointment scheme

MANILA, Philippines - The Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced that starting today, 04 August 2020, it is temporarily suspending its online appointment system for foreign clients at the agency's main office in Intramuros, Manila due to the reimposition of the modified enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila.

In a public advisory, BI Commissioner Jaime Morente advised clients with confirmed appointments from August 3 to 18 may just reapply for new schedules to transact at the bureau after the Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) is lifted.

Morente explained that suspending the online scheme was necessary because the BI will revert to maintaining a skeletal workforce at its main office while MECQ is in effect.

Nonetheless, the BI Chief disclosed that the online appointment system will remain open to foreigners who are scheduled and are intending to leave the Philippines during the MECQ period.

He said the system will continue to reserve slots for departing aliens who need to secure their Emigration Clearance Certificate (ECC), re-entry permit and update their extension fees.

However, he said that outbound foreigners should present their confirmed flight bookings or plane tickets prior to entering the bureau's premises.

According to the advisory, the following transactions at the main office are suspended:
- applications for conversion to or renewal of immigrant visa;
- petition for recognition as Philippine citizens, including Republic Act 9225 or the dual citizenship law;
- downgrading of visa status;
- tourist visa extension;
- special work permits (SWP) and provisional permit to work (PPW);
- renewal of alien certificate of registration (ACR I-Cards); and,
- implementation of applications for visa conversion or extension approved by the Bureau's Board of Commissioners (BOC).

The BI further advised departing aliens under tourist visa, who overstayed in the country for not more than six months, to just pay their visa extension fees at the airport.

ADVISORY

The Government of the United Arab Emirates is requiring all passengers coming from the Philippines to have a negative PCR certificate before they are allowed to board flights flying to the emirates including Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

All affected passengers are strongly advised to get in touch with their respective air carriers to get the details on the implementation of the new regulation.

Passengers without the required negative PCR test certification may not be allowed to check-in for their flights even if they have confirmed bookings.

ADVISORY

To ensure protection to our dear clients, Please be advised that BI MAKATI EXTENSION OFFICE will be closed on Monday, 06 July 2020 due to sanitation and disinfection.

The office will resume on 07 July 2020.

For any immigration query, you may contact us at:

Hotline Numbers:
(63)(2) 465-2400 (Trunkline)
(63)(2) 524-3769

E-mail Messaging Unit
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]

Social Media Unit
Facebook: officialbureauofimmigration
Twitter: immigrationPH