Only fully vaccinated foreign nationals will be allowed to enter the Philippines starting Feb. 16, Malacañang said Friday as the country prepares to implement new COVID-19 travel protocols.
Filipinos abroad are not covered by the new rule, Cabinet Sec. Karlo Nograles said since the policy only applies to foreign nationals.
"Basta absolutely by Feb. 16, ang pwede lamang na pumasok na foreign nationals ay fully vaccinated lamang," Nograles told reporters.
The announcement came as the Philippines prepares to implement new entry protocols based on vaccination status for international arrivals by Feb. 1 in place of the current "Green-Yellow-Red List" system, which is based on country of origin.
READ: GUIDE: New Rules for International Arrivals Replaces Red-Yellow-Green Lists
The measure is the latest in the Philippines' travel limitations for unvaccinated and partially vaccinated individuals.
Locally, only vaccinated individuals are allowed to ride public transport.
