COVID-19: Visa grace period announced, health protocols updated

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Philippines government recently granted a grace period for foreign nationals whose visas expired during the pandemic and updated health and vaccination protocols.

Key Points:

• Foreign nationals, whose visas expired between March 16, 2020, and July 7, 2021 and have not left the country, have until Nov. 30 to apply for a visa extension or renewal without facing repercussions.
  • Individuals who fail to extend or renew their visa before Nov. 30 may be subject to deportation proceedings.
  • Foreign nationals are only eligible for the grace period if they did not leave the country in the time frame in question.
  • Tourist visa holders are not eligible for the grace period.
• Individuals are considered fully vaccinated if at least two weeks have passed since the last required dose of an approved vaccine was administered.
• Fully vaccinated individuals who come into close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case must undergo a shortened seven-day quarantine and take a PCR test on the fifth day of quarantine.

BAL Analysis: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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