The Inter-Agency Task Force announced that inbound passengers can now enter the Philippines by presenting a rapid antigen test.
The test must be administered by a healthcare professional in an official healthcare facility from the country of origin.
Prior to this new regulation, travelers were required to present a negative RT-PCR upon entering the country.
IATF also approved the recognition of COVID-19 vaccination certificates from Bangladesh, Mexico, Panama, and Slovak Republic.
Communication Secretary Martin Andanar said, “This is in addition to other countries/territories/jurisdictions whose proof of vaccination the IATF has already approved for recognition in the Philippines, and without prejudice to such other proofs of vaccination approved by the IATF for all inbound travelers.”
The agency also reminded the Bureau of Quarantine, Department of Transportation, and Bureau of Immigration to only accept vaccination proofs officially recognized by IATF.
Loosening of entry requirements comes amid the looming threat of the more contagious Omicron XE. Cases have already been recorded in close neighboring country Thailand. DOH has assured that it is in close coordination with the World Health Organization on the matter.