The Christmas season has allowed travelers to spend time outside the country.
In a press release on Thursday, December 26, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said that the agency has processed nearly 190,000 travelers during Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
As per the breakdown provided, the bureau recorded 52,437 arrivals and 41,895 departures across the country on Christmas Eve.
Meanwhile, Christmas Day saw almost the same crowd, with 47,669 arrivals and 44,192 departures.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado also noted that the number recorded over the two days remained consistent with figures recorded during the same period last year, which they view as reflective of “a steady recovery of international travel.”
“Our officers are committed to providing seamless services despite the surge in traveler numbers during this peak season,” Viado added.
In line with this, the Bureau of Immigration anticipates a further increase in passenger movement as more travelers are expected to arrive and depart following the New Year celebrations, as many are expected to return to work and school.
The bureau also encourages travelers to arrive early at airports and complete their pre-departure and arrival requirements to help ease the processing flow during the busy holiday period.