Effective 01 February 2024, visa applicants are no longer required to secure medical clearance from the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ clearance) as part of their visa requirements. This is a welcome improvement for the concerned nationalities as it lessens the processing time and costs for visa applications.

Prior to this suspension, nationalities under Annex A of Operations Order SBM-059 & 059A are required to secure BOQ clearance prior to conversion to and extension of long-term Philippine visas. The nationalities involved are enumerated below: