Travellers only need rapid antigen test to enter country

THE NATIONAL Inter-agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases has allowed rapid antigen tests as a requirement for all travellers entering the Philippines.

It said the use of rapid antigen tests must be administered and certified by a healthcare professional in a healthcare facility, laboratory, clinic, pharmacy, or other similar establishments from the country of origin of travellers.

The task force also approved the acceptance and recognition of the national Covid-19 vaccination certificates of Bangladesh, Mexico, Panama and Slovak Republic.

The Philippines earlier announced that foreign nationals may now enter the country without the need of an Entry Exemption Document, but with some conditions.

These conditions include: (1) full vaccination of foreign nationals, except only for minor children below 12 years of age traveling with their fully vaccinated parents; (2) They must also carry an acceptable proof of vaccination; (3) Passport valid for a period of at least 6 months at the time of their arrival to the Philippines.

Foreign nationals must also obtain, prior to arrival, a travel insurance for Covid-19 treatment costs from reputable insurance providers, with a minimum coverage of $35,000.00 for the duration of their stay in the Philippines.

Exempted from this are foreign spouses and/ or children of Filipino citizens and former Filipino citizens with Balikbayan privileges, including their foreign spouse and/or children who are not Balikbayans in their own right, and are traveling with them to the Philippines. They also must have valid tickets for their return journey to the port of origin or next port of destination not later than 30 days from date of arrival in the Philippines. (Cebu Examiner)