A negative rapid antigen test result can now be presented as an entry requirement to enter the Philippines, Malacañang said Wednesday in a bid to further reopen the country to travelers.
According to Communications Secretary Martin Andanar, rapid antigen tests must be administered and certified by a healthcare professional in a healthcare facility, laboratory, clinic, pharmacy, or other similar establishments from the country of origin of the traveler.
Previously, all travelers going to the Philippines needed to present a negative RT-PCR test result.
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It was only in February this year when the Philippines reopened again to tourists as COVID-19 cases declined and as the country transitioned to the "new normal". The Bureau of Quarantine, the Department of Transportation - One-Stop-Shop, and the Bureau of Immigration were directed to recognize only proofs of COVID-19 vaccination approved by the IATF.
Recently, The Inter-Agency Task Force on COVID-19 response approved the recognition of the national COVID-19 vaccination certificates of Bangladesh, Mexico, Panama, and the Slovak Republic.