THE Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) amended the existing health protocols for foreign nationals and Filipinos entering the country effective May 30, 2022
Under IATF Resolution No. 168, fully vaccinated Filipinos and foreign nationals 18 years old and above and have already received their booster dose will not be required to present a negative RT-PCR or even antigen result.
Also xempted in the resolution are fully vaccinated 12 -17 year-olds and those 12 years old and below who are accompanied by fully vaccinated or boosted parents and guardians.
Acting Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Undersecretary Kris Ablan, however, said that even if exempted from the testing requirement the mentioned individuals, other requirements are still in effect.
A proof of vaccination recognized by the IATF should still be presented, plus compliance with visa requirements and immigration entry and departure formalities for foreign nationals.
There is also no more need for facility-based quarantine but travelers are advised to self-monitor for seven days.
For those who have yet to receive a booster dose, they still need to present a negative RT-PCR test result done within 48 hours before departure, or negative rapid antigen test result taken 24 hours upon departure from country of origin.
For the unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, or individuals whose vaccination status remain unverified should comply with pre-departure testing requirements from their country of origin.
They are also required to undergo facility-based quarantine and COVID test on the fifth day.
Meanwhile, Filipinos who are 12 – 17 years old and still unvaccinated against COVID-19 should follow the quarantine protocols of their guardian, while foreign children 12 -17 years old should follow protocols based on their vaccination status.