Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). Image from MIAA
MANILA, Philippines — Filling out the electronic arrival card (eArrival card) before boarding a flight to the Philippines will no longer be required as a “scan-and-go” system will instead be implemented, Malacañang announced on Wednesday.
In a statement, Undersecretary Cheloy Garafil, the officer in charge of the Office of the Press Secretary, said the government would set up special lanes in the country’s gateways for those who want to comply with the eArrival card.
“This is no longer mandatory. Lanes will be set up in airports for this system,” she said in a mix of Filipino and English.
This move supersedes the Department of Health’s earlier announcement that starting Nov. 1, the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) would require all inbound travelers to have an e-Arrival Card within 72 hours prior to their departure from their country of origin.
However, during a Cabinet meeting, officials have agreed to lift this requirement, meaning travelers can fill out the eArrival card at their own convenience — prior to departure or upon arrival.
According to Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, special lanes will be set up by the DOH in coordination with the Bureau of Quarantine for those who have not had the opportunity to fill out the e-Arrival Card.