Travelers who wish to acquire an internationally recognized proof of their Covid-19 vaccination instead of their local vaccination cards can get one from the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ).
The invalidity of local vaccination cards of Filipino travelers bound for Hong Kong has recently prompted concern.
BOQ Director Dr. Roberto Salvador Jr. said a “yellow card” or an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) could be an alternative for a local vaccination card since it is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the 196 signatories under it.
“Ito po yung tinatawag na International Certification of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) or ‘yellow card.’ Ito po ay dokumento kung saan naka-tala ang mga bakuna na nakukuha ng mga travelers natin na pwede nila ipakita sa country of destination. Ito po ay recognized ng lahat ng WHO signatory countries,” he said in a public briefing.
(It is the International Certification of Vaccination or Prophylaxis [ICVP] or ‘yellow card.’ It is a document that lists all of a traveler’s vaccinations which they could show at their country of destination. It is recognized by all WHO signatory countries.)
Travelers who wish to acquire one can book an appointment with the BOQ online and pay a fee of P370. Requirements include a valid ID and their local vaccination card.
But Dr. Salvador said those who don’t need the card immediately should give way to those who do.
“Hindi po mandatory ang yellow card sa lahat po na mag-t-travel sa international po. Ang una po nating gagawin bago po kayo umalis papunta sa ibang bansa, makipag-ugnayan muna po sa country of destination or dun sa airline kung ano po yung requirement [nila].”
(A yellow card is not mandatory for all international travel. One should contact their country of destination or airline first to inquire about [their] requirements.)
Next week, the BOQ will open satellite branches in SM North Edsa, Eastwood, Mckinley, General Santos, Kalibo, Bacolod, Palawan, and Legazpi to accommodate the growing demand.
As of Sunday, only two sites are open in the capital region. Oct. 29 is the earliest appointment for a Covid yellow card at their Manila site. Meanwhile, booking for the Mall of Asia (MOA) site is inaccessible. Dunston Chi Esquivel