Updated protocols For OFW’S and foreign travelers coming to PH

The Philippines has updated its guidelines for Filipino and foreign travelers coming from “green” and “yellow” list of countries outside PH.

Last October 15, a new guideline was released following the guidelines for travelers coming to the country– Covid-19 Public Advisory No.58: Testing and Quarantine Protocols for Arriving Passengers from Green, Yellow, Red Countries. 

1. GREEN-LISTED COUNTRIES– (H2)

For Fully-Vaccinated

For Foreign Nationals

1. Negative RT-PCR Test Result taken within seventy-two hours (72) prior to departure from the country of origin.
2. Travelers will no longer undergo quarantine; however, the passenger is enjoined to self-monitor for any symptoms until the fourteenth (14th) day with the first day being the date of arrival.

For Filipinos, whether Overseas Filipino Workers or non-Overseas Filipino Workers (Either of the following):

1. Facility-based quarantine until the release of a negative RT-PCR test taken in the quarantine facility upon arrival; or
2. When a negative RT-PCR test was taken within 72 hours prior to departure from the country of origin, no facility-based quarantine shall be required but the passenger is enjoined to self-monitor for any symptoms until the fourteenth (14th) day with the first day being the date of arrival.

For Unvaccinated/Partially Vaccinated

1. Facility-based quarantine until the release of a negative RT-PCR test taken on the fifth (5th) day and self-monitor until the fourteenth (14th) day of arrival with the date of arrival being the first day. Foreign nationals shall be required to secure hotel reservations for at least six (6) days.
2. Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated minor children traveling with their fully vaccinated parent/s or guardian/s shall be required to observe the quarantine protocols corresponding to their vaccination status. A parent/guardian shall accompany the child in the quarantine facility for the full term of the latter’s facility-based quarantine period.
3. For foreign nationals, a Negative RT-PCR result taken within seventy-two (72) hours prior to departure from the country of origin. Facility-based quarantine will no longer be required however, the passenger will be enjoined to self-monitor for any symptoms until the fourteenth (14^th) day with the first day being the date of arrival.

2. YELLOW-LISTED COUNTRIES- (H2)

Fully-Vaccinated

1. They will undergo facility-based quarantine until the release of their negative RT-PCR test taken on the fifth (5^th) day. After which, they will be required to undergo quarantine until their tenth (10^th) day, with the day of arrival being the first day.
2. The Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) is directed to ensue strict symptom monitoring while in the facility. Foreign nationals shall be required to secure their own pre-booked accommodation of at least six (6) days.

Unvaccinated/Partially-Vaccinated

1. Facility-based quarantine until the release of their negative RT-PCR testing taken on the seventh (7th) day. After which, they shall be required to undergo home quarantine until their fourteenth (14th) day, with the day of arrival being the first day.
2. The Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) is directed to ensue strict symptom monitoring while in the facility. Foreign nationals shall be required to secure their own pre-booked accommodation of at least eight (8) days.

3. RED-LISTED COUNTRIES- (H2)

1. All arriving individuals shall undergo the fourteen days quarantine upon arrival. They will be observed in a quarantine facility for ten (10) days, with the remaining days to be completed under home quarantine in their respective local government units of destination.
2. RT-PCR testing shall be conducted on the seventh (7th) day with Day 1 being the day of arrival. Notwithstanding a negative test result, the arriving traveller shall complete the facility-based quarantine period of ten (10) days.

For verification of vaccination status, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW’s) and their spouse, parent/s, and/or children traveling with them vaccinated in the Philippines or abroad, either a VaxCertPH digital vaccination certificate, BOQ/World Health Organization-issued International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICV) or the national/state digital certificate of the foreign government where they were vaccinated, which has accepted VaxCertPH under a reciprocal arrangement unless otherwise permitted by the IATF.

For non-OFW’s vaccinated in the country or abroad the same verification mentioned above is to be followed.