BI sees gradual increase in overseas travelers in coming months

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Thursday said it expects international arrivals to increase in the coming months as the Philippines slowly reopens its borders amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

BI port operations division chief Carlos Capulong said international flight operations could begin returning to normal before the year ends as the country aggressively pursues its vaccination program for all adult citizens.

The BI official added the increase in international flights would be gradual.

“We are anticipating new batches of immigration officers to be deployed to our airports to ensure we have the adequate personnel to cope with this anticipated increase in the volume of international passengers,” Capulong said.

Only foreigners with valid visas are currently allowed to visit the Philippines. International tourists will not be allowed entry into the country.

The Philippines has imposed travel restrictions for people coming from India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Oman and the United Arab Emirates until May 31.

This measure was implemented to prevent the entry of the coronavirus variant that was first detected in India. -MDM, GMA News