THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) is urging international travelers to prioritize early check-in by arriving at least three hours before their scheduled flight.
BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco underscores the importance of arriving promptly at the airport to ensure a seamless travel experience.
“Early check-in is not just a recommendation; it’s a key factor in ensuring smooth immigration procedures. Passengers should make it a priority to complete check-in, and proceed directly to the immigration area,” he stated.
BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco asked travelers to arrive earlier than three hours if they wished to enjoy the other facilities of the airport, including its various restaurants, coffee shops, and other amenities. He said that number of travelers is expected to surge due to the Undas long weekend.
Tansingco shared that they have beefed up their operations through deployment of additional immigration officers, the assignment of augmentation teams, and the introduction of mobile counters to expedite the processing of arriving and departing passengers.
Despite the inevitable increase in passenger volume during peak travel periods, Tansingco assures that the BI is well-prepared to manage the situation effectively.
“While we anticipate some waiting times due to simultaneous arrivals and departures, we have implemented measures to ensure that lines remain manageable,” he stated.
To guarantee a seamless operation, Tansingco instructed all terminal heads to closely monitor the BI’s operations in the coming weeks to detect and resolve any potential issues promptly.
He said that their daily operations in international airports are posted on social media during holidays and weekends to allow travelers to prepare in advance.
Meanwhile, the BI Chief expressed his gratitude to the dedicated immigration officers who work tirelessly during peak travel seasons, ensuring the security and efficiency of the country’s immigration procedures.
“Their sacrifices during this holiday season, their commitment to their duty, and their service to our nation does not go unnoticed,” he stated.