BI issues travel guidelines amid exodus

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) is urging international travelers to arrive at airports at least three hours before their scheduled flights to avoid delays during an expected Holy Week passenger surge.

In a statement released Sunday, the bureau announced it has intensified the deployment of frontline personnel across major international airports to manage the increased volume.

BI commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said that while officers are fully deployed to ensure smooth processing, the public must come prepared with complete documents to prevent congestion.

The bureau issued specific reminders for various traveler groups to ensure a seamless experience at immigration counters. Foreign nationals who have stayed in the country for more than six months are required to secure emigration clearance certificates before departure.

Additionally, registered foreigners holding ACR I-Cards should obtain their re-entry permits ahead of time through bureau offices or the dedicated one-stop shop at Ninoy Aquino International Airport.