Immigration updates for Philippines, Singapore and the United States
Americas
United States: Covid negative results required for all air passengers
From January 26, 2021, passengers (two years old plus) flying to the U.S. will be required to provide proof of a Covid-19 negative result or documentation of a recent positive viral test, accompanied by a letter from the healthcare provider/public health official stating that they are cleared to travel. Any of these documents will need to be issued no more than three days before flight departure. This includes U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Roberta Carnaccini, Global Operations Director, Immigration.
Asia-Pacific
Philippines: Extended travel restrictions
The travel ban imposed on the countries listed below has been extended until January 31, 2021.
Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, Germany, Finland, France, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Portugal, SAR, Spain, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands, United Emirates, United Kingdom, and the United States.
The prohibition to enter the Philippines applies to all foreign nationals entering from these countries regardless of:
- Their visa category
- Any previously issued travel ban exemptions from the Department of Foreign Affairs
- Balikbayan privilege for foreign spouses/children of Filipinos
Those who traveled to these countries 14 days prior to their arrival will also be unable to enter. The travel ban excludes returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). They will be allowed to enter the country but are required to undergo a facility-based 14-day quarantine period, regardless of the RT-PCR test results.
Those who passed through these countries or are on a layover flight with no immigration admission may be allowed to enter, provided that:
- They are authorized to enter the country through relevant resolutions of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emergency Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID)
- They are subjected to the RT-PCR test
- The Department of Health’s Quarantine and isolation protocols are followed
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Philippines News Agency.
Singapore: All travelers are required to undertake Covid-19 tests upon arrival
The Ministry of Health (MOH) has put in place more stringent border measures to mitigate the risk of imported cases of the new Covid strain. All travelers, including Singapore citizens and permanent residents (SCs and PRs) must take a Covid-19 PCR test upon arrival. The existing Stay Home Notice (SHN) requirements (seven to 14 days), including the PCR test at the end of the SHN period, remain in effect.
Effective January 24, 2021, all travelers, including Singaporeans and permanent residents, will need to take a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test upon arrival in Singapore. Existing SHN requirements, including a PCR test at the end of the notice period, will continue to be in place.
Travelers from high-risk countries will still be required to undertake a Covid-19 PCR test within 72 hours before departure and obtain a valid negative test result as a pre-requisite to enter Singapore.
All returning SCs and PRs from the U.K. and South Africa are now subject to an additional seven days’ self-isolation at their place of residence, following their 14-day SHN at dedicated SHN facilities. They also require a further test at the end of their self-isolation period. These additional measures also apply to travelers who are currently serving their SHN.
Entry and transit restriction will continue to be in place for all long-term pass holders and short-term visitors with recent travel history to the U.K. and South Africa.
No source available at the time of writing.
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Debra Jane Beynon, Regional Immigration Manager (APAC).
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