(TAN): The temporary travel ban on Taiwanese visitors, that was put in place earlier this month, has been lifted by the Philippines, reports said.
The travel restrictions were meant to be a preventive measure to contain the spread of the coronavirus, as per reports.
According to reports, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases lifted the ban as Taiwan was taking strict actions to limit the spread of the virus.
[ALSO READ: Japan Airlines offers 50,000 free return flights to tourists]
The move was reportedly welcomed by the Philippines Department of Tourism. Filipino Tourism Secretary Bernadette-Romulo-Puyat reportedly said they looked forward to seeing the crisis end soon.
“(This) is highly assuring and we hope that the nCov crisis would soon be resolved, worldwide. Ultimately, the recovery of all affected countries is a universal prayer, especially that tourism is an inclusive and sustainable business for and of the people,” she was quoted by TTG Asia as saying.
Taiwan was included in the travel ban, initially imposed on China, since the World Health Organization considers Taiwan a part of China, reports said. The ban was reportedly criticised by Taiwanese capital, Taipei, which said it could undertake counteractions if Philippines did not terminate the restrictions.
Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific Air will recommence service between Philippine capital Manila and Taiwan after the ban was lifted, as per reports.
Taiwan is reportedly Philippines’ fifth largest market in terms of tourist numbers that saw over 35% growth in arrivals in the first 11 months of 2019.
Under the travel ban, foreigners travelling directly from China, Hong Kong and Macau and those with travel history to those regions in the past two weeks are barred from entering Philippines, as per reports. Philippines nationals and permanent resident visa holders are reportedly allowed entry but are quarantined for two weeks.
Related posts:
European Union locks down external borders, bans nonessential incoming travel for 30 days
Argentina imposes strict travel ban, stops commercial flight sales until September 1
US, Canada likely to extend ban on nonessential travel until June 21
Kuwait retains travel ban on 34 countries, rejects shortening of quarantine
