No quarantine for fully vaccinated OFWs, international passengers

The Philippine National Government recently announced the temporary suspension of the “Green”, “Yellow”, and “Red” classifications starting February 1, 2022. The entry, testing and quarantine protocols for both Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) and international arriving passengers (Filipinos or foreign nationals) will be allowed entry based on their vaccination status, regardless of their country of origin.

Fully Vaccinated International Arriving Passengers

Fully vaccinated international arriving passengers, including OFWs, will no longer be required to undergo a facility-based quarantine upon arrival. However, they will be required to perform the following upon and after arriving in the country:

• Present a negative Reverse Transcription – Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test taken within 48 hours prior to departure from the country of origin;
• Self-monitor for any sign or symptom for 7 days with the first day being the date of arrival; and
• Report to the local government unit of destination upon manifestation of symptoms, if any.

Acceptable Proofs of Vaccination

Here is a list of acceptable proofs of vaccination against COVID-19 recognized under existing IATF regulations:

• World Health Organization International Certificates of Vaccination and Prophylaxis;
• VaxCertPH; or
• National/state digital certificate of the foreign government which has accepted VaxCertPH under a reciprocal arrangement unless otherwise permitted by the IATF

Unvaccinated or Partially Vaccinated International Arriving Passengers

For unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, or individuals whose vaccination status cannot be independently validated, they will be required to do the following upon and after arrival in the country:

• Present a negative RT-PCR test taken within 48 hours prior to departure from the country of origin;
• Undergo facility-based quarantine until the release of their negative RT-PCR test taken on the fifth (5th) day; and
• Undergo home quarantine until their 14th day, with the date of arrival being the first day.

The local government units of destination and their respective Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams are tasked to monitor those arriving passengers undergoing home quarantine.

Children below twelve (12) years of age who cannot be vaccinated shall follow the quarantine protocols of the parent/s or the accompanying adult/guardian travelling with them.

Furthermore, those who are currently undergoing quarantine as of February 1, 2022 may avail of the aforementioned testing and quarantine protocols.

The IATF Resolution No. 159 containing this announcement can be found here.