Philippines allows entry of foreigners with valid visa except tourists

The Philippines has allowed the entry of foreigners with valid visas except for tourists, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said Friday.

Previously, only foreigners with issued visas dated March 20, 2020 onwards were allowed to enter the Philippines as part of restrictions amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Ito po iyon mga namumuhunan [sa Pilipinas],  nagnenegosyo, nagtatrabaho, may kamag-anak na asawa, anak sa Pilpinas, halos lahat ng dayuhan except ang mga turista,” Roque said on state-run PTV-4.

Roque, however, said that a foreigner who will be traveling to the Philippines to visit a person he or she has a romantic relationship with is still prohibited.

“Yes, love is not tourism, pero naka tourist visa pa rin iyon. Magintay-intay lang po tayo,” Roque said, referring to #LoveIsNotTourism calls. —KBK, GMA News