STARTING May 30, fully-vaccinated Pinoys and foreigner who will enter the country are no longer required to present a negative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test.
Acting Deputy Presidential Spokesperson and Communications Undersecretary Michel Kristian Ablan said the new protocol was contained in the resolution approved by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) on Thursday.
Under IATF-EID Resolution 168, inbound passengers need not present an RT-PCR test, on conditions that they are 18 years old and above, and have at least one booster shot against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
Also exempted from the pre-departure RT-PCR requirement are those aged 12 to 17 who have received two Covid-19 vaccine shots, as well as those aged below 12 who are accompanied by fully vaccinated or boosted parents or guardians.
Meanwhile, the IATF-EID, according to its latest resolution, has also lifted the travel insurance requirement for incoming passengers.
The updated Covid-19 protocols included under IATF-EID Resolution 168 allow travelers to enter the Philippines sans the need to secure travel insurance.
They can only enter the country, if they obtain travel insurance for Covid-19 treatment costs from reputable insurance providers, with a minimum coverage of USD35,000 for the duration of their stay in the country.
Fully-vaccinated travelers, according to the new IATF-EID resolution, are still mandated to present acceptable proof of vaccination and passports valid for a period of at least six months at the time of their arrival.
For temporary visitors, they 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.
The acceptable proofs of Covid-19 vaccination include the World Health Organization International Certificate of Vaccination and Prophylaxis, VaxCertPH, national or state digital certificate of foreign country accepting VaxCertPH, and other proof of vaccination permitted by the IATF-EID.
