NTF Revised Memo: All Filipino citizens now allowed entry to Philippines

The National Task Force Against COVID-19 (NTF) has revised its earlier memorandum regarding pandemic-related restrictions on international travel.

In Memorandum Circular No. 6 dated March 18, 2021, the NTF clarified that all Filipino citizens, including those that are not overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), will be allowed to enter the Philippines.

The circular also said the entry of foreign nationals is suspended from March 22 to Apr. 21, 2021.

The new circular revised a March 16 circular that directed all concerned agencies to implement the travel restrictions from March 20 to April 19.

The previous circular temporarily suspended the entry of returning Filipinos who are not OFWs.

Exempted foreign nationals

Foreigners exempted from the travel restrictions are diplomats and members of international organizations and their dependents 9(c) or 47(a)(2) visa at the time of entry; foreign nationals involved in medical repatriation; foreign seafarers under the “Green Lanes” program for crew change; foreign spouses and children of Filipino citizens with valid visas at the time of entry; and emergency, humanitarian and other analogous cases approved by the NTF.

The NTF said during the March 22-April 21 period, the travel of Filipinos and exempted foreign nationals “shall be subject to the arrival quota set by the Department of Transportation.”

The new memorandum circular is signed by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, NTF chairperson.