The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) has updated the testing and quarantine protocols for all international passengers entering the Philippines.
The new guidelines, which were included in IATF-EID Resolution 149-A approved Thursday, were approved to ensure the continued drop in the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) infections and stop the further spread of the coronavirus variants in the country.
In an online press conference, acting Presidential Spokesperson and Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said the interim testing and quarantine protocols for inbound travelers will take effect on Nov. 22 where they are shortening the required quarantine period for Filipinos and foreigners arriving from most countries. Note, however, that the Philippines still does not allow tourism arrivals for foreigners. Only foreigners with certain types of business and diplomat visas are allowed entry.
Green List Protocols
1. Fully vaccinated Filipinos
- If they take an RT-PCR test within 72 hours before departing from country abroad and it comes out negative, no facility-based quarantine nor on-arrival RT-PCR test required.
- If no RT-PCR test before departure, on-arrival RT-PCR test required along with facility-based quarantine until negative test result is released. After leaving quarantine, individuals must then self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms until 14th day from arrival date.
2. Fully vaccinated foreigners
- RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure from country abroad is required. Upon arrival, no more facility-based quarantine nor RT-PCR test required. Individual must self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms until 14th day from arrival date.
3. Unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, those whose vaccination status cannot be verified, those who failed to comply with test-before-travel requirements
- They must undergo facility-based quarantine until release of negative RT-PCR test result.
- They must take RT-PCR test on fifth day after arrival, with day of arrival counted as day one.
- After leaving quarantine facility, they must self-monitor until 14th day from arrival date.
Yellow List protocols
1. Fully vaccinated Filipinos or foreigners
- If they take an RT-PCR test within 72 hours before departing from country abroad and it comes out negative, they must undergo facility-based quarantine, with RT-PCR test done on third day (date of arrival counted as day one). Once negative result comes out, they can be discharged. They must then self-monitor for symptoms up to the 14th day after arrival.
- If no RT-PCR test before departure, they must undergo facility-based quarantine, with RT-PCR test done on fifth day (date of arrival counted as day one). Once negative result comes out, they can be discharged. They must then do home quarantine until the 10th day from their arrival.
2. Unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, those whose vaccination status cannot be verified, those who failed to comply with test-before-travel requirements
- They must undergo facility-based quarantine, with RT-PCR test done on seventh day (arrival day counts as day one). They can be discharged when negative result is released. They must then home quarantine until 14th day after arrival.
Minors
- Minors will follow the testing and quarantine protocols of the parent or guardian traveling with them regardless of the minor’s vaccination status and country of origin
