In a statement released on March 13, the Philippine Department of Justice announced that its head, Fredderick A. Vida, has instructed the Bureau of Immigration to implement visa relief measures for foreign nationals affected by air travel disruptions linked to the conflict in the Middle East.
According to the authorities, hostilities in the region have led to the large-scale cancellation of international flights, preventing some travelers from leaving the Philippines within the timeframe permitted by their visas.
To prevent these situations from resulting in administrative violations or financial penalties for the travelers concerned, the government has decided to introduce a temporary measure of leniency.
Stay authorized until April 1, without fees or penalties
The decision is set out in Department Order No. 159, s. 2026, signed on March 9, 2026 by the Secretary of Justice.
The document specifies that foreign nationals whose authorized stay expired on February 28, 2026, or after that date, will be allowed to remain legally in the Philippines until April 1, 2026, without having to pay administrative fees, fines, or overstay penalties.
The order explicitly states that the measure is being adopted in the context of the “ongoing conflict in the Middle East resulting in the mass cancellation of outbound flights from the Philippines to the said region and other affected areas.”
The Philippine Bureau of Immigration has been tasked with implementing the directive “for strict compliance,” according to the wording used in the official document.
A “compassionate gesture of support” in solidarity with the whole world
In the statement, the Secretary of Justice emphasized that the decision is primarily intended to support travelers affected by these exceptional circumstances.
This is the Philippine government’s simple way of extending relief not only to those directly affected by the ongoing hostilities in the Middle East, but also a compassionate gesture of support to stand in solidarity with the whole world during this difficult time of socio-economic and political upheavals.
Fredderick A. Vida – Secretary of Justice of the Philippines
According to the authorities, the initiative reflects the Philippines’ willingness to demonstrate administrative flexibility and humanity in response to the international consequences of the crisis.
However, the extension remains strictly time-limited, with affected travelers authorized to remain in the country until April 1, 2026.
By then, Philippine authorities hope that the gradual resumption of international air services will allow stranded travelers to reach their destination or return to their home country under normal conditions.
