THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) has advised international travelers to be at the airport three hours before their scheduled departure, following long queues at immigration counters early Thursday due to the unusual influx of passengers.
In an advisory, Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco said that crowding at immigration counters started at 6:10 a.m. due to multiple departing flights.
“July is considered a peak season in international travel because of the school breaks. All are advised to check in at least 3 hours prior to their flights to give ample time for airport procedures,” he added.
He said that all immigration counters at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) were fully manned to quickly check everyone’s travel documents.
“In less than an hour, by 6:43 a.m., the queue was moderate, and by 7 a.m. it was already light,” Tansingco said.
Despite the inevitable increase in passenger volume during peak travel periods, Tansingco assured air travelers that the BI is well-prepared to manage the situation more effectively.
Also, the BI chief urged international travelers to make it a habit to prioritize early check-in by arriving at least three hours before their scheduled flight.
“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 said.
He also emphasized that an early check-in would provide travelers with the opportunity to enjoy the other facilities of the airport, including its various restaurants, coffee shops, and other amenities.
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