The government of the Philippines has lifted a ban on non-essential outbound foreign travel by Filipinos.
Filipinos can now travel overseas but complicated pre-travel formalities and limited destination options have not led to a mass exodus.
The Immigration Bureau said the easing of restrictions hasn’t seen an immediate spike in outbound travel.
Travellers are required to show travel and health insurance, a health declaration and a negative Covid-19 test within 24 hours of departure.
The number of countries accepting Filipinos for non-essential travel is still limited.
The country has recorded the second-highest number of cases in Southeast Asia with more than 360,000 and over 6,690 deaths.
Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said the government is mulling opening borders for inbound travellers from countries with low to medium Covid-19 transmission rates.
It will take ‘a step-by-step process’ and is currently studying what on the ground measures it needs to take to ensure the health care system can adequately cope.
Countries chosen would be based on a ‘factor of reciprocity’ with those that allow entry for Filipino travellers.
Written by Ray Montgomery, Asia Editor
