By Roy Mabasa The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Sunday reminded Filipinos traveling to foreign countries, including those with valid visas or confirmed flights, to first consult with relevant embassies or consulates of their destination country and ports of transit before booking their air ticket. Department of Foreign Affairs (MANILA BULLETIN) This, according to the DFA, is due to the changing rules and requirements being implemented in various countries following the outbreak of the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic. Along with the advisory, the foreign affairs office released Infographics on travel bans and restrictions imposed by over 160 countries in the Americas, Asia, and the Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East and Africa, based on the latest communications received from its foreign service posts. “These new infographics were prepared in response to queries received by the Department on its social media accounts and to provide guidance to all Filipinos intending to travel to and from the Philippines,” the DFA said in a statement. It also highlights the current travel restrictions imposed by foreign countries on outbound international travel, which may impact the movement and travel plans of Filipinos overseas wishing to return to the country. At the same time, the DFA urged Filipino travelers to be mindful that the information contained in the infographics is subject to change without prior and sufficient notice. The list covers most countries or areas where Filipinos may travel. The DFA, from time to time, may endeavor to regularly update the information and provide the public with relevant reminders on existing travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.