Travelers can now use antigen tests to enter PH

By Meldred Ivy Padilla

The Philippine government on Wednesday (April 6) allowed the use of  COVID-19 antigen tests performed by health professionals as an entry requirement for travelers going to the Philippines, Acting Presidential Spokesperson Martin Andanar announced.

Based on Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases Resolution No. 165-F, a negative antigen test result must be certified by a health professional in a healthcare facility, laboratory, clinic, pharmacy, and other similar establishments.

This is to give travelers an additional and low-cost option aside from the RT-PCR test which was the previously accepted requirement for travelers to enter the country. 

Meanwhile, IATF also approved the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination certificates in four countries including Bangladesh, Mexico, Pakistan, and the Slovak Republic for quarantine arrival purposes.