Malacanang announced the government had approved the presentation of an antigen COVID-19 test result as a requirement to enter the Philippines if validated by a healthcare expert.
The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases issued the policy, according to Presidential Communications Secretary and acting presidential spokesperson Martin Andanar.
“The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Wednesday night, April 6, 2022, allowed the use of rapid antigen tests for entry requirements in the Philippines as long as they are administered and certified by a healthcare professional in a healthcare facility, laboratory, clinic, pharmacy, or other similar establishments from the country of origin of the traveler,” Andanar said.
According to Andanar, the IATF also approved the acceptance and recognition of Bangladesh, Mexico, Pakistan, and the Slovak Republic’s national COVID-19 vaccination certificates for arrival quarantine protocols and interzonal/intrazonal mobility.
This is in addition to other countries/territories/jurisdictions whose proofs of vaccination have already been accepted by the IATF for recognition in the Philippines. It is without prejudice to additional proofs of vaccination approved by the IATF for all inbound visitors.
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PH approves antigen test requirement for incoming travelers
The IATF has also instructed the Bureau of Quarantine, the Department of Transportation’s One-Stop-Shop, and the Bureau of Immigration to accept only the IATF-approved proofs of immunization.
President Rodrigo Duterte’s health secretary, Francisco Duque III, had stated that the country would likely remain under Alert Level 1 — the least restricted of the alert levels — until June 30.
Intrazonal and interzonal travel are permitted under Alert Level 1 regardless of age or comorbidities. All facilities, people, or activities are allowed to operate, work, or engage in activities at full on-site or venue/seating capacity as long as they meet minimal public health standards.
According to the Department of Tourism, 176,857 foreigners have landed in the Philippines due to the COVID-19 epidemic. As a result, the country closed its borders to all passengers from visa and visa-free nations.
The Philippines began allowing foreign tourists, including those from visa-exempt countries, on Friday, April 1.
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