Those traveling out of the country were first notified to obtain a “yellow card” from the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) as proof that they have been vaccinated against COVID-19.
This is while the government is still adjusting the digital vaccine card that travelers can use inside and outside the country.
This is in the face of the government’s adjustment of the digital COVID-19 vaccine card that can be used by travelers leaving the country.
The “yellow card” or International Certificate of Vaccination has been used by seafarers since the 1930s as proof that they have a vaccine against polio or meningococcemia.
It is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO), so it is accepted in more than 190 countries.
The BOQ clarified that the passenger must first determine if the COVID-19 vaccine is required before going to the destination country.
Only fully-vaccinated people can also apply.
You can apply at boq.pisopay.com.ph and pay P370.
Travelers urged to use ‘yellow card’ while there is no vaccine card
The applicant can be given a scheduled appointment and can be picked up at BOQ offices and some accredited outlets such as malls.
According to the BOQ, Hong Kong already recognizes the yellow card.
The Department of Information and Communication Technology’s digital vaccine card is set to be completed by September. It targets that only the COVID-19 vaccine be registered, and other countries still need to accept it.
“Ang problem po natin siyempre, when we introduce new certification na digital kailangan mag-a-adjust pa mga country. Initially partner talaga sila para masigurado natin na hindi magkaroon ng problem sa countries of destination especially mga countries na hindi ready sa digital certificate,” said BOQ Director Roberto Salvador Jr.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said Hong Kong does not accept the vaccination cards issued in the Philippines.
“Our vaccination cards are not accepted in Hong Kong because they are not connected to a single source. Poor OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) going to their jobs in Hong Kong even if jabbed,” Locsin said in a tweet on Tuesday.
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