Russia lifts travel ban to Phl

MANILA, Philippines - Russia has lifted its travel ban to the Philippines as the situation in the country is gradually returning to normal a month after Super Typhoon Yolanda.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation announced the lifting of the travel ban on Dec. 9.

However, Russian tourists were advised not to visit areas worst hit by Yolanda as the situation there remains difficult. They were told to remain in Boracay, Cebu, Palawan and Bohol islands when traveling to the Philippines.

Thousands of Russians travel to the Philippines, especially during the winter months.

But last Nov. 13, the Russian Foreign Ministry advised Russian travelers to temporarily refrain from visiting the Philippines due to the devastation caused by Yolanda, which struck the country on Nov. 8 and left nearly 6,000 dead in Eastern Visayas.