Philippines to begin accepting foreigners with investor visas on Nov. 1

Foreigners with investor visas will be allowed to enter the Philippines starting on November 1, Malacañang announced on Friday.

These foreign nationals include those with visas issued by the Bureau of Immigration under the Omnibus Investments Code of 1987 and Republic Act 8756, and those with special non-immigrant visas under Section 47(a)(2) of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, according to presidential spokesperson Harry Roque.

Also covered by the new policy are foreigners with visas issued by the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.

Roque said the foreigners must have a valid and existing visa at the time of the entry and a pre-booked accredited quarantine facility. 

In addition, they must be subject to the maximum capacity of inbound passengers at the port and date of entry and should follow applicable immigration laws, rules and regulations.

Roque said the new policy was approved by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) on Thursday.

Other travelers allowed to enter the country include Filipinos, their spouse and minor children.

Restrictions allow foreign children with special needs of Filipinos, foreign parents of minor Filipinos, and foreign parents of Filipino children with special needs to enter the country.

Those who are eligible to enter are required to secure an entry visa from Philippine embassies or consulates, prior to their arrival.

Accredited foreign government and international organization officials and their dependents, foreign airline crewmembers, foreign seafarers with 9(c) visas, and foreigners with long-term visas are also allowed to enter the country. —KBK, GMA News