With COVID-19 results spiking and a new strain of the virus being detected, the Philippines decided to officially close its borders to the United States, and several other countries.

The Philippines’s Bureau of Immigration decided than Jan. 3 would be the last day for entry for travelers from: The United Kingdom, Denmark, Ireland, Japan, Australia, Israel, the Netherlands, Hong Kong, Switzerland, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Lebanon, Singapore, Sweden, South Korea, South Africa, Canada, and Spain.

Resident Filipinos who needed to travel back from the United States, or any of the other countries listed, would be able to do. However, they must undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine.

There are also strict rules regarding flying from any of the prohibited countries on a layover. If you decide to exit the airport on a layover in any said of the listed countries, you will not be able to enter the Philippines.

Candy Tan, the BI Port Operations Division Chief, is hoping this temporary travel ban will keep the new strain away from the Philippines. While she is focused on the safety of the citizens and residents of the country first, she is also very confident that this will be a temporary measure, and international travel will be able to resume again soon.

Related: Japan Plans For The Reopening Of Its International Borders In 2021