The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Thursday, April 29, 2021, allowed the entry to the Philippines of foreign nationals permitted under previous IATF resolutions.

They are, however, subject to conditions, such as they must have a valid and existing visa at the time of entry, except for those qualified under Balikbayan Program under Republic Act No. 6768, or the Act Instituting the Balikbayan Program.

These foreign nationals must likewise have a pre-booked accommodation for at least seven (7) nights in an accredited quarantine hotel or facility and they must subject to COVID-19 testing at the quarantine hotel / facility on the sixth (6th) day from the date of arrival. In addition, they are subject to the maximum capacity of inbound passengers at the port and date of entry.

Travel restrictions, however, shall continue to be in effect for those coming from India or those with travel history to India, as imposed by IATF Resolution No. 112.

All these are without prejudice to immigrations, rules and regulations. The Commissioner of Immigration shall have the exclusive prerogative to decide on the waiver or recall of exclusion orders of foreign nationals, subject to regular reporting to the IATF Secretariat.

To ensure its smooth implementation, the Bureau of Immigration has been directed to formulate the necessary guidelines.

Meanwhile, the IATF approved in its 113th meeting the recommendation to allow restaurants, eateries and other food preparation establishments to resume their indoor dine-in services in areas under Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) at an initial 10% venue or seating capacity.

Also allowed is the resumption of operations of beauty salons, beauty parlors, barbershops and nail spas at an initial 30% venue or seating capacity in MECQ areas. ###