PSA: RT-PCR Testing No Longer Required for Fully Vaxxed Domestic Travelers

Want to travel locally soon? Go get your vaccine.
by Ina Louise Manto | July 06, 2021

If you’ve been planning on traveling within the Philippines, this is the sign to go for the much-needed holiday. On Sunday, Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, under IATF Resolution 124-B, announced more relaxed interzonal travel protocols for fully vaccinated individuals.

RT-PCR testing suspended for travel within the Philippines

According to IATF Resolution 124-B, the presentation of a COVID-19 domestic card duly issued by a legitimate vaccinating establishment, or certificate of quarantine completion showing the holder’s vaccination status issued by the Bureau of Quarantine, shall be sufficient alternatives to any testing requirement before travel or upon arrival to a local destination.

If you’re fully vaccinated, you can already save up on extra costs on travel as you no longer have to take the mandatory RT-PCR test that LGUs require before or upon arrival at the local destination.

Who is fully vaccinated?

An individual is considered fully vaccinated for COVID-19 more than or equal to 2 weeks after receiving the second dose in a 2-dose series or more than 2 weeks after receiving a single-dose vaccine.

These administered vaccines must be in the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) List or Compassionate Special Permit (CSP) by the Philippine Food and Drug Administration or Emergency Use Listing of the World Health Organization.

What is interzonal movement?

According to the IATF, interzonal movement is the movement of people, goods, and services between provinces and cities under different quarantine classifications.

Intrazonal movement for senior citizens

The same protocols shall be applied for the intrazonal movement of fully vaccinated citizens. Traveling to areas under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) and Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) shall be allowed, provided that the individual would present a domestic vaccination card issued by a domestic vaccinating establishment or vaccination status issued by the BOQ.

What is intrazonal movement?

According to the IATF, intrazonal movement is the movement of people, goods, and services between provinces and cities under the same community quarantine classification.

Minimum public health standards shall continue when traveling. National Capital Region Plus (NCR Plus) or Metro Manila, Cavite, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal will remain under GCQ until July 15.

MORE: Bookmark This: Important Philippine Guidelines for Fully Vaccinated Travelers