Philippines halts visas on arrival for Chinese on virus fears

Tuesday, 28 January 2020 10:24

The Philippines has stopped issuing visas on arrival to Chinese nationals amid the spread of the deadly coronavirus worldwide.

"We are taking this proactive measure to slow down travel, and possibly help prevent the entry of the 2019-nCov," Jaime Morente, the commissioner of the Philippines' Bureau of Immigration, said in a statement.

Officials confirmed there is no travel ban, and Chinese nationals can still apply for visas at any Philippine embassy or consulate at their place of residence.

Meanwhile, Kazakhstan has stopped issuing electronic visas on arrival for Chinese nationals, and instructed fresh visa applicants from the country to attach a medical certificate.

Thailand has also issued new screening for those arriving from China as the tally of virus infections hits 14.

More from International News

Israeli attacks on Gaza killed 60 people in 24 hours

Israeli occupation forces committed multiple massacres against families in the Gaza Strip over the past 24 hours, resulting in the killing of at least 60 Palestinians and the injury of 162 others, according to medical reports.
Trump fires National Security Agency director

U.S. President Donald Trump fired General Timothy Haugh as director of the National Security Agency on Thursday, according to two officials familiar with the decision, and congressional Democrats denounced the removal of the nonpartisan official from a top security post.
Israel steps up Syria strikes, says Turkey aims for 'protectorate'

Israel stepped up airstrikes on Syria, declaring the attacks a warning to the new rulers in Damascus as it accused their ally Turkey of trying to turn the country into a Turkish protectorate.
US sending Israel 20,000 assault rifles that Biden delayed

The Trump administration moved forward with the sale of more than 20,000 US-made assault rifles to Israel last month, according to a document seen by Reuters, pushing ahead with a sale that the administration of former president Joe Biden had delayed.