Advisory on the Temporary Suspension of Visa Issuance and Visa-Free Privilege
The Philippine Embassy informs the public that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is temporarily suspending visa issuance in all its Foreign Service Posts, including Japan, effective immediately and will be valid and effective until further notice.
The temporary suspension of visa issuance is in light of Proclamation No. 922, dated 08 March 2020, declaring a “State of Public Health Emergency” throughout the Philippines; and Proclamation No. 929, dated 16 March 2020, declaring a “State of Calamity” throughout the Philippines due to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
With the temporary suspension, the following measures will be observed:
All visa-free privileges are temporarily suspended, effective 22 March 2020;
The temporary suspension of visa issuance will deem all previously issued visas canceled, and foreigners with visas issued by Philippine Foreign Service Posts (primarily 9a Temporary Visitor/Tourist visas) will not be allowed entry into the country starting 22 March 2020.
The following categories are exempted from this temporary suspension:
Foreign spouses and children of Filipino nationals, including previously issued visas;
Visas previously issued to accredited Foreign Government and International Organization officials and their dependents will remain valid and will be honored when entering the country even after said date.
This temporary suspension has no impact on foreign nationals that are already in the country or on holders of visas issued by other government agencies.
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For the DFA announcement, please see link below:
