UPDATE: As of December 1, 2022, the new arrival card registration system for travelers to the Philippines is now called eTravel Registration. Please check out our guide on how to process it here – How to Process eTravel Card Registration Philippines
So please do not use One Health Pass or the eArrival Card system anymore. You should apply and register via eTravel Registration.
The Department of Health announced that all travelers to the Philippines must carry an eArrival card in order to enter the country. The agency noted that the new electronic arrival card would replace the One Health Pass, which was scrapped after complaints from travelers.
The agency noted that starting November 1, 2022, the pre-registration process for the new electronic arrival card will be mandatory. The agency noted that foreign and Filipino inbound travelers can pre-register for the new electronic arrival card by filling out the form within 72 hours before their departure.
To know more about this latest development, read on.
What is the eArrival Card?
In response to the IATF directive, the One Health Pass is officially replaced with the electronic ARRIVAL CARD (eARRIVAL CARD).
All travelers are encouraged to fill up the eARRIVAL CARD within 72 hours prior departure at the country of origin to avoid inconvenience upon arrival.
Registration is FREE OF CHARGE, and neither require nor collect any online payment. In line with this, the BOQ warned travelers to beware of unauthorized online websites that may charge a fee for the registration.
What is the purpose of the eARRIVAL CARD?
The eARRIVAL CARD platform is an online tool that enables international travelers to easily and seamlessly transfer their health information to the local government unit of their destination. It also allows the Philippine government to track the activities of all individuals entering the country who have been diagnosed with a specific disease.
All foreign and Filipino travelers, including infants and children, should register for eARRIVAL CARD before they travel to the Philippines.
What are the Entry Requirements in the Philippines?
You must first register for eARRIVAL Card before you can start using it in the Philippines. You can also show proof of your registration when you check in and onboard.
In May 2022, the IATF issued Resolution 168, which provides that all international travelers to the Philippines may no longer be required to undergo quarantine and other restrictions upon arrival in the country. This rule applies to all passengers who are bound for the Philippines.
If the following conditions are met, then the travelers will no longer be required to submit to facility-based quarantine and other restrictions.
FILIPINO TRAVELERS (Exempted from Quarantine ONLY if ALL REQUIREMENTS were met):
1. Adults 18 years old and above– Proof of “Fully Vaccinated” status against COVID-19
WITH OR WITHOUT either Proof of Booster Shot OR a Pre-Departure Negative COVID-19 Test Result (The time taken for an RT-PCR test to be administered is 48 hours prior to a person’s departure from a country of origin. It can be done either by a healthcare professional in a laboratory or a facility.).
2. Accompanying Minor 12 to 17 years old– Proof of “Fully Vaccinated” status against COVID-19, and accompanied by Fully Vaccinated Parent/Guardian
3. Accompanying Minor less than 12 years old– No vaccination requirement. Will follow the same procedures for entry, testing, and quarantine as the accompanying parent or guardian.
4. Unvaccinated or Partially Vaccinated (12 years old and above) will undergo Facility-based Quarantine upon arrival.
FOREIGN TRAVELERS (Exempted from Quarantine ONLY if ALL REQUIREMENTS were met):
1. Adults 18 years old and above– Proof of “Fully Vaccinated” status against COVID-19 AND either Proof of Booster Shot OR a Pre-Departure Negative COVID-19 Test Result (The RT-PR was taken 48 hours prior to a person’s departure from a country of origin. It can be administered and certified by either a healthcare professional in a laboratory or a healthcare facility.)
2. Accompanying Minor 12 to 17 years old– Proof of “Fully Vaccinated” status against COVID-19, and accompanied by Fully Vaccinated Parent/Guardian
3. Accompanying Minor less than 12 years old– No vaccination requirement. Will follow the same procedures for entry, testing, and quarantine as the accompanying parent or guardian.
4. Unvaccinated or Partially Vaccinated (12 years old and above) will undergo Facility- based Quarantine upon arrival.
NOTE: If a traveler fails to meet the above requirements, they will be quarantined at a facility until their negative RT-PCR test is released on the fifth working day.
FULLY RECOVERED FILIPINO NATIONALS AND STILL WITH POSITIVE PRE-DEPARTURE RT-PCR TEST
a. Those who have recovered from COVID-19 and tested positive for the RT-PR can enter the country if they provide the necessary documents:
1. A positive result for the RT-PCR test should be taken within ten or more days before a person’s departure from their country of origin.
2. A medical certificate from a licensed physician indicates that the person is free of infectious disease and has been allowed to travel.
FOR UNACCOMPANIED MINORS
FOR FILIPINO MINORS AGED 12 TO 17
a. Fully vaccinated (completed primary dose) and has a booster shot with or without coordination with DSWD. (NO TESTING AND QUARANTINE REQUIRED)
b. A fully vaccinated individual with a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test result should present this within 48 hours prior to boarding a plane or leaving the country of origin. They can also receive a COVID-19 Antigen test result via a remotely-administered and supervised laboratory test. (NO TESTING AND QUARANTINE REQUIRED)
c. Fully vaccinated with or without booster and with prior coordination with DSWD. (NO TESTING AND QUARANTINE REQUIRED)
d. Partially vaccinated and unvaccinated regardless of coordination with DSWD. (MANDATORY QUARANTINE AND TESTING REQUIRED)
FOR FILIPINO MINORS WITH AGE 4-11
a. Fully vaccinated with prior coordination with DSWD. (NO TESTING AND QUARANTINE REQUIRED)
b. A partially vaccinated individual presenting with a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test result should do so within 48 hours prior to boarding. A COVID-19 negative test result should be obtained within 24 hours with the approval of DSWD. (NO TESTING AND QUARANTINE REQUIRED)
FOR MINORS 3 YEARS OLD AND BELOW, MUST HAVE PRIOR COORDINATION WITH DSWD PRIOR TO ENTRY
FOR UNACCOMPANIED FOREIGN MINORS AGED 15-17 YEARS
a. Fully vaccinated (completed primary dose) and has a Booster shot (NO TESTING AND QUARANTINE REQUIRED)
b. A fully vaccinated individual should receive a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test result 48 hours prior to boarding or traveling to a laboratory-based test. (NO TESTING AND QUARANTINE REQUIRED)
c. If a person is fully vaccinated but not on a booster shot, they can get a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR result 48 hours before boarding or within 24 hours after taking the test in a laboratory. (MANDATORY QUARANTINE AND TESTING REQUIRED)
d. Partially vaccinated and unvaccinated (MANDATORY QUARANTINE AND TESTING REQUIRED)
FOR UNACCOMPANIED FOREIGN MINORS AGED 5-14 YEARS
a. Prior to traveling, all individuals must be completely immunized with the COVID-19 vaccine. They must also consult with their embassy, airline, and immigration department. (NO TESTING AND QUARANTINE REQUIRED)
b. Vaccinated (first dosage completed) and has received a booster injection, regardless of the status of coordination with the designated embassy, Bureau of Immigration, and airline.(NO TESTING AND QUARANTINE REQUIRED)
c. COVID-19 RT-PCR test results that are negative within 48 hours or that are performed at a laboratory Negative COVID-19 Antigen test results must be obtained within 24 hours of boarding, regardless of the condition of coordination with the designated embassy, Bureau of Immigration, or airline. (NO TESTING AND QUARANTINE REQUIRED)
d. Fully vaccinated with the primary series COVID-19 vaccine, but without first consulting with the embassy, Bureau of Immigration, or airline of choice. (MANDATORY QUARANTINE AND TESTING REQUIRED)
e. Negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test result obtained within 48 hours of boarding, or laboratory-based COVID-19 Antigen examination result obtained within 24 hours of boarding (MANDATORY QUARANTINE AND TESTING REQUIRED)
f. Partially vaccinated and unvaccinated (MANDATORY QUARANTINE AND TESTING REQUIRED)
MANDATORY TESTING AND QUARANTINE.
To minimize the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bureau of Quarantine and the Department of Tourism have urged travelers to stay in hotels that have quarantine accreditation. They also require that all individuals show proof of their COVID-19 vaccination.
If the information provided by the authorities cannot be independently verified, then you will be placed in a facility-based quarantine for up to five days. After completing the necessary tests, such as the RT-PCR, you will be issued with a quarantine certificate.
Why should I register for the eARRIVAL CARD?
According to IATF Resolution No. 135 of August 26, 2021, from September 1, 2021, all inbound travelers to the Philippines must use the One Health Pass registration system.
How do I Register?
To register for an eArrival card, you need to:
Step 1. Connect to the internet through a computer or any mobile device.
Step 2. Access the SINGLE OFFICIAL registration platform for all international visitors to the Philippines – www.onehealthpass.com.ph
NOTE:
- There is no app needed to be downloaded to register.
- Those who are unable to complete the eArrival Card before their departure may do so at the airport, where eArrival card completion lanes may be found. This, however, would obviously be a cause for delay as you need to process the application at the airport.
Step 3. Fill out the online platform within 72 hours before your departure.
Step 4. Once you’re done registering, take a screenshot of your personal QR code or barcode before leaving the website.
Step 5. Before boarding your aircraft, present your personal QR code to the airline representative. You may be requested to show a second time to Bureau of Quarantine personnel upon arriving in the Philippines.
Other FAQs
1. Do I need to register babies? How about foreigners?
All foreign and Filipino travelers, as well as infants and children, are required to register for the eArrival Card before they leave for the Philippines.
2. What’s the distinction between barcodes and QR codes?
Obtaining a QR code certifies that you have met all prerequisites and attachments, as well as followed the most recent admission rules. This also means you are pre-qualified for the expedited lane, which means you don’t need to provide any additional papers to the quarantine officer. There will be no further interviews.
Receiving a barcode indicates that you are missing requirements and will be interviewed by a BOQ official upon arrival at the airport to manually verify and determine whether you are required to undergo facility-based quarantine and RT-PCR testing. This can also happen if the provided documents or information are still being reviewed.
3. I misplaced my QR code/barcode screenshot. What should I do?
Those who registered within 72 hours of their arrival in the Philippines can acquire a copy of their QR code/barcode from the website’s “My Profile” section. Enter your last name and transaction number, then click the login button.
4. Is all of the required eARRIVAL CARD information relevant to the Health Declaration Checklist?
Yes. Although some questions were included in order for the system to determine your category based on IATF standards, such as age, passenger classification, itinerary, and so on, so that you can be easily categorized and assisted/guided by health border authorities when you arrive at an airport or seaport.
5. What precisely is eHDC?
It stands for “electronic Health Declaration Card.” This is the same yellow paper form that has historically been filled out manually by all new visitors in the Philippines and submitted to BOQ upon arrival. The eARRIVAL CARD replaces this digitally, and the QR Code or Barcode form you receive after successfully registering with the eARRIVAL CARD acts as confirmation of registration and submission.
6. What exactly does “Express Lane” mean?
To give greater convenience to foreign inbound tourists who meet the health requirement, an express lane has been created to the eARRIVAL CARD process. When you are given a QR Code and your online registration information and associated documents are validated, you are eligible for the express lane, where your QR Code will be scanned and your arrival date and time will be recorded. There could be no additional interviews or document submissions.
Video: E-ARRIVAL CARD REGISTRATION PROCESS FOR BALIKBAYANS & FOREIGNERS FOR A SMOOTH ARRIVAL IN THE PH
Interested to know what this new eArrival Card endorsed by the BOQ, DOT, and DOH is all about? Watch this video clip and note everything there is about the eArrival Card worth knowing.
Final Thoughts
The recent adoption of the eArrival Card aims to provide a more convenient and efficient process for travelers. It also aims to eliminate the hassle and stress of submitting documents, especially when you have tons of them in your hand luggage. The eArrival Card is now available to all balikbayans and foreigners who are visiting the Philippines for tourism and business purposes.
We hope you’ve learned a lot about the new eArrival Card and what it can do for your travel experience. If you have any questions regarding this topic, feel free to leave a comment below.
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