Manila: The Philippine government has replaced its online travel database "One Health Pass" with a new electronic arrival card in response to complaints from expats returning home, it was announced recently.
The Philippines' Department of Health (DoH) told local media that with the new travel document, known as the eArrival Card, the government promised a smoother, more streamlined process requiring fewer details.
Three days prior to their journey, travelers using the old One Health Pass had to register online and complete a form in order to receive a number. One day prior to boarding, customers had to finish a digital health declaration checklist in order to receive a QR code.
When Filipinos were returning home, this process was cumbersome and inconvenient, especially because the pass verification caused lengthy lines at the airport.
eArrival Card
"Now, we developed the eArrival Card to lessen the constraint caused by One Health Pass. Only a few specifics would be required, and there wouldn't be many demands made,” Dr Maria Rosario Vergeire, the Department of Health officer in charge, told local media.
When visitors arrive at the airport without their eArrival Card, they will also receive assistance.
The official stated that there will be a designated lane where customers may upload the information and obtain their card.
Here's what we know from the Philippines' Bureau of Quarantine:
What is the purpose of the eARRIVAL CARD?
eARRIVAL CARD works as an online health declaration and contact tracing platform aimed to facilitate easy and seamless movement of foreign passengers from leaving their point of origin to arriving at the Local Government Unit (LGU) of destination in the Philippines.
This database is exclusively for the Philippine Government, which can be used to find contacts when a traveler is infected with a certain infectious disease. Before boarding a flight to the Philippines, every foreign and Filipino traveler (including infants and minors) must register separately for an eARRIVAL CARD.
What is IATF?
The government of the Philippines established the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) to address issues relating to emerging infectious diseases in the nation.
What are the entry requirements in the Philippines?
First, prior to checking in, boarding, or arriving in the Philippines, you must first register individually with the eARRIVAL CARD program and present identification proving your registration.
Second, all international travelers headed for the Philippines may no longer be required to undergo facility-based quarantine and exempting from pre-departure COVID-19 Negative Test Result (RT-PCR/Antigen Test), subject to certain conditions, per IATF Resolution No. 168, effective May 30, 2022, and Bureau of Customs (BOQ) Advisory on the entry, quarantining and testing requirements for arriving Filipino passengers issued on September 12, 2022..
What does "Fully-Vaccinated" mean?
A traveler who has received the second dose of a two-dose series or a single dose of the COVID-19 vaccine more than 14 days prior to the date and time of departure from the country of origin/port of embarkation is considered to have received the "Full Vaccination" against COVID-19 ("Primary Series COVID-19 Vaccination").
What does Booster mean?
The term "booster" shot refers to doses given to a population that has received the full primary immunization series.
Why do I need to register to the eARRIVAL CARD?
All inbound visitors to the Philippines are recommended to use the One Health Pass registration system beginning on September 1, 2021, per IATF Resolution No. 135 of August 26, 2021.
What is the official website of the eARRIVAL CARD?
The www.onehealthpass.com.ph is the only official registration website for all international inbound travelers to the Philippines.
Do I need to pay for the registration of eARRIVAL CARD?
No, eARRIVAL CARD registration is free of charge.
Do I need to download and APP to use the eARRIVAL CARD?
No. eARRIVAL CARD is a web-based, mobile-responsive information system and online platform. All you need to use the eARRIVAL CARD is a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer. Using an internet browser on a computer or mobile device, you can access the eARRIVAL CARD.
Do I need an internet connection to use the eARRIVAL CARD?
Yes. Because eARRIVAL CARD is an online platform, you can only use it if you have access to the internet. Utilising eARRIVAL CARD while you have a strong internet connection is strongly advised.
