Philippines announce travel rules for foreigners to be further eased; Covid-19 total hits 533,587


Vendors and customers wearing face masks for protection against the coronavirus disease are seen inside a public market in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines,on Friday (Feb 5). - Reuters
MANILA, Feb. 5 (Xinhua): The Department of Health (DOH) of the Philippines reported on Friday 1,894 new Covid-19 cases, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the South-East Asian country to 533,587.

The death toll climbed to 11,058 after 61 more patients died from the viral disease, the DOH said.

It added 397 more patients recovered, raising the total number of recoveries to 488,274.

The Philippines, which has about 110 million population, has tested over 7.4 million people since the disease emerged in January last year.

The Philippines will ease the coronavirus travel rules for foreigners who wish to enter the country this month.

Starting Feb 16, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the Philippines will allow foreigners with visas issued as of March 20, 2020, and still valid at the time to enter the country.

Foreigners with valid and existing special resident and retirees and Section 9 (A) visas will also be allowed "as long as they present an entry exemption document to the Bureau of Immigration upon arrival," he added.

Section 9 (A) or temporary visitor's visas are issued to foreign nationals coming to the Philippines for business, tourism, or medical purposes.

However, Roque reiterated foreign tourists are "not allowed still unless with (an) exemption."

He said the government will decide on exemptions on a case-to-case basis.

Foreign nationals must also have pre-booked accommodation for at least six nights in an accredited quarantine hotel or facility and subject to Covid-19 swab test on the sixth day from date of arrival while on quarantine. - Xinhua

Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 11.12/month

Billed as RM 11.12 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 9.87/month

Billed as RM 118.40 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
Philippines , Covid-19 , Cases , Rising , Govt , Decide , Visas , Rules , Easing , Travellers

Next In Aseanplus News

Johor polls: Bersama announces full 15-candidate lineup
Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Friday (June 26, 2026)
Chinese online scam suspect wanted by Interpol Beijing arrested in Indonesia
Magnitude 5.6 quake hits Yamanashi in Central Japan, nearby areas
19-year-old woman stabbed in India's Madhya Pradesh, accused at large
Condo by-laws cannot limit owners’ right to rent out units: Singapore's Building and Construction Authority
Search continues for man feared attacked by crocodile in Brunei's Sungai Bera
Johor polls: MCMC to ensure optimum internet coverage throughout campaigning period
Kedah Immigration Dept detains another suspect in migrant smuggling case
No foul play in death of boy who fell from Teluk Kumbar condo

Others Also Read