EXEMPTION FROM THE TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF VISA-FREE PRIVILEGES Re-Entry of 9(e) and 9(g) Visa Holders

Foreign nationals with valid and existing visas under Section 9(e) and 9(g) of Commonwealth Act No. 613, as amended, who departed the Philippines starting 17 December 2020, may be allowed entry into the Philippines, subject to the following conditions:

a. They have valid and existing visa on the date of arrival;
b. With re-booked quarantine facility;
c. With pre-booked COVID-19 testing at a laboratory operating at the airport; and
d. Subject to the maximum capacity of inbound passengers at the port and date of entry.
All of the foregoing is without prejudice to the exercise of the mandate of the Bureau of Immigration in Arrival and Departure Formalities.

Further, to be allowed entry into the Philipppines without the need to secure a DFA endorsement letter on the exemption for travel restrictions, Section 9(e) and 9(g) visa holders must meet the following conditions:

1. Departed the country on 17 December 2020;
2. In possession of a valid visa;

a. For 9(e) visa holders, only diplomats accredited to the Philippines including foreign embassies and International Organizations
b. Or 9(g) visa holders, must present a valid ACR I-Card and ECC-SRC (Special Return Certifiate).
Those who departed the country on 16 December 2020 or earlier shall secure an endorsement for their re-entry from a PH government agency. The government agency, in turn, will forward said endorsement to the DFA for the latter’s evaluation. Once approved, the DFA will grant the re-entry and inform the Bureau of Immigration accordingly. Failure to comply with said guidelines will be a ground for exclusion. END

20 December 2020