The faster antigen test is now allowed as proof of entry provided it has a negative test result.
Where before the Inter Agency Task Force (IATF) on managing emerging infectious diseases accepted only negative RT-PCR test result for entry into the Philippines, travelers now can present a negative antigen test performed by healthcare professionals.
The IATF announced that its members have agreed to include antigen tests as part of entry requirements into the country.
Travelers may now choose between a negative RT-PCR test taken within 48 hours or a negative laboratory-based antigen test taken within 24 hours prior to their arrival.
Specifically, the antigen test 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 the traveler.”
RT-PCR or the Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction is still considered the “gold standard” in Covid-19 testing for its accuracy, however, results could take longer than the antigen test.
Earlier in the year, the IATF also lifted the quarantine mandate, and on April 1, the country opened to all fully vaccinated foreigners given they comply with immigration and visa requirements.
One of which is presenting a complete Covid-19 vaccination certificate that has been recognized by the IATF.
The agency also announced the acceptance and recognition of the vaccination certificates from Bangladesh, Mexico, Panama, and the Slovak Republic.
Other entry requirements include the following:
●passports valid for a period of at least six months at the time of their arrival,
●valid tickets for their return journey to the port of origin or next port of destination not later than 30 days from the date of arrival,
●travel insurance for the Covid-19 treatment costs from reputable insurance providers, with a minimum coverage of USD35,000 for the duration of their stay in the country.
Some travelers, however, choose to stay in their country amid the possible threat of Omicron XE, a more transmissible variant that has already affected Thailand.
Other foreigners simply choose not to travel yet because reentry requirements in their country have yet to ease.
Tags: #travel, #bordercontrol, #entryrequirements, #IATF, #antigentest