Many foreigners in the Philippines have expressed concerns about the validity of their visas during the Enhanced Community Quarantine in Luzon and the National State of Calamity due to COVID-19.
From March 17 until April 13, 2020, severe restrictions on the movement of people were put in place. As a result, inbound international passengers are now subject to mandatory quarantine, while domestically, all forms of public transportation, including flights, have been temporarily suspended.
Here are some of the most frequent questions foreigners in the Philippines have while the lockdown is in effect:
MY VISA WILL EXPIRE DURING THE QUARANTINE PERIOD. WILL I GET DEPORTED IF I AM UNABLE TO APPLY FOR AN EXTENSION?
No, you will not get deported. You will be allowed to stay in the country even though your visa has expired during the quarantine period, provided that you will apply for visa extension within 30 days from the lifting of the Enhanced Community Quarantine.
WILL I NEED TO PAY PENALTY OR FINES FOR FILING AN APPLICATION FOR EXTENSION AFTER THE QUARANTINE PERIOD?
Fines and penalties will be waived when you apply for a visa extension, provided you do so within 30 days from the lifting of the Enhanced Community Quarantine.
MY VISA HAS EXPIRED DURING THE QUARANTINE PERIOD, BUT I PLAN TO LEAVE THE PHILIPPINES AFTER THE QUARANTINE IS LIFTED.
The Bureau of Immigration shall waive the payment of fines and penalties related to the application for visa extension of all outbound passengers whose visa extension has expired during the Enhanced Community Quarantine.
I HAVE NO VISA ISSUES BUT I PLAN TO LEAVE THE PHILIPPINES DURING THE QUARANTINE PERIOD. WILL I BE ALLOWED TO LEAVE?
Yes, you will be allowed to leave. Note, however, that you would need to present your ticket to your outbound flight before you are able to enter any office of the Bureau of Immigration.
Here is an advisory from the Bureau of Immigration:
How have you been coping with the quarantine? Let us know in the comments section below.