Gov’t cuts quarantine time for fully vaxxed inbound travelers

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine government has agreed to shorten the quarantine period for inbound travelers who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Starting Oct. 8, fully vaccinated travelers from “green” or “yellow” list countries need only to undergo facility-based quarantine until the release of their negative COVID-19 swab test results which will be taken on their fifth day, Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said on Friday.

After which they will be required to undergo home quarantine until their 10th day of isolation.

Meanwhile, unvaccinated, partially vaccinated individuals or those whose vaccination status cannot be verified or confirmed will be required to undergo facility-based quarantine until the release of their swab test taken on their 7th day.

If the tests turn negative, they will then be required to undergo home quarantine until their 14th day.

According to previous guidelines of the IATF, inbound travelers from countries classified under the “green list” qualify for seven-day facility-based quarantine instead of 10 days.

Those coming from countries considered as “yellow risk” must undergo a 14-day quarantine of which 10 days will be spent at a quarantine facility and four days at home.

For foreign nationals, Roque said they shall be required to secure their own pre-booked accommodations of at least six days for the fully vaccinated; and at least eight days for the unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, and those with unverified and unconfirmed vaccination.

The following are documents accepted for the verification or confirmation of the vaccination status of a traveler:

-Certification from the Philippine Overseas Labor Office in the country of origin for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their spouses, parents and/or children traveling with them

-VaxCertPH digital vaccination certificate or BOQ-issued International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICV)  for Filipinos or foreigners fully vaccinated in the Philippines

-The national digital certificate of the foreign government which accepted VaxCertPH under a reciprocal arrangement or BOQ-issued ICV for non-OFWs and foreigners fully vaccinated abroad.