The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has implemented additional travel restrictions for foreign nationals to include those from Iran and Italy due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

The implementation of the travel restriction is effective March 16, 12 midnight.

BI Commissioner Jaime Morente said, “Passengers coming from, or have transited through Iran and Italy in the last 14 days, shall be required to present a medical certificate issued by competent medical authorities within the last 48 hours prior to arrival in the country certifying that they are [COVID-19-free].”

Morente explained that if the passenger presented a medical certificate, he will be referred to the Bureau of Quarantine for a 14-day mandatory quarantine. However, the passenger's failure to present a medical certificate will be denied entry into the country.

Filipino citizens including their foreign spouse and children, holders of permanent resident visas, and members of diplomatic corps are exempted from the travel restrictions.

Further, Morente announced that Balik Manggagawa Overseas Filipino Workers deployed in China will be allowed to return except for those deployed in Hubei Province.

As of Monday, travel restrictions to and from China, Hong Kong, Macau, and North Gyeongsang to include Daegu and Cheongdo are still in effect.