The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in Philippines has confirmed on Sunday (Sept 1) that 6 countries including Niger in West Africa, has also lifted travel restrictions on Filipino travelers, amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Earlier on August 24, the other five countries that had lifted restrictions on entry and exit of Filipino travelers are Benin, Brazil, Chad, Kiribati and the United Kingdom.

However, Filipino travelers have to comply with medical protocols while their travel to above countries. The medical protocols include reporting negative COVID-19 test results, purchasing health insurance, undergoing home or institutional isolation and other tests, where applicable.

These countries have re-opened their borders, subject to availability of scheduled flights and other special arrangements. Previous information regarding travel restrictions for other countries and regions remain unchanged.

In addition to above, the Department of Foreign Affairs reminds the public that information about travel restrictions is subject to change without any prior notice. The DFA recommends that Filipino travelers must contact the airlines and relevant embassies and consulates before booking their tickets and before departure.

Many countries started taking steps for reopening the country’s borders with medical protocols in place to revive the badly affected tourism industries across the world, despite the mounting numbers of COVID-19 cases.

Filipinos travelers can travel to Antigua and Barbuda, Dominican Republic, Bahamas, Mexico, Haiti, Ecuador, Jamaica and the United States, in accordance with the implementation protocols.

In Europe, Filipinos travelers are allowed to visit Azerbaijan, Andorra, Croatia, Belarus, Serbia, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Ukraine and Turkey.

In the Asia Pacific region, Filipinos travelers can travel to Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia, Maldives, Bangladesh, Pakistan, New Zealand, Micronesia, French Polynesia, Timor Leste, Korea, Mongolia, Nauru and Papua New Guinea

On the other side, Armenia, Canada, Kuwait and the Slovak Republic have not yet allowed general entry. These countries have implemented stricter medical protocols for those who are exempt from entry restrictions such as returning citizens, diplomatic and United Nations passport holders.