The modern plague has forced a lot of changes in the way we travel, and one consequence of COVID-19 is that there are now more requirements for overseas travel than ever before. One important part of traveling to other countries during the pandemic is a vaccine certificate issued in the Philippines. Because of the new surge in COVID-19 cases brought about by the Delta variant, more and more countries (as well as local destinations) are requiring a vaccine certificate issued by the traveler’s country of origin (in this case, the Philippines) before they’re able to travel. Here’s how to get one:
How To Get a Vaccine Certificate in The Philippines:
- Read and accept the DICT data privacy policy
- Fill out all necessary information
- Wait for your QR code roll-out
The vaccine certificate is proof that you’ve been vaccinated with two doses of any vaccine. The certificate is different from the vaccination cards issued by your local government unit at the time of your vaccination. Vaccination cards can only be used for domestic travel while certificates can be used for international travel. Vaccination certificates are also digital compared to a vaccination card, which is an actual physical card issued when you get your COVID-19 vaccines. The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) stated that by August 2021, fully vaccinated Filipinos can acquire a vaccine certificate. You may request a vaccination certificate if you have travel plans beyond August 2021.
The DICT stated that the Philippines’ Vaccine Information Management System was implemented with the World Health Organization and International Air Transport Association to ensure that the vaccine certificate is recognized by other countries.
To get your own vaccine certificate, log on to your Certificate of Vaccination Record Portal of the DICT. Another alternative you may visit your City Health Officer from your respective LGU which administered your last vaccine dose. However as of writing the portal is currently still being made, as the Certificate of Vaccination Record Portal is waiting for an updated list of individuals that are fully vaccinated. You may have to wait a bit before using the portal, so the best alternative is to visit your City Health Officer for now.
If the DICT Certificate of Vaccination Record Portal is available, you can get started immediately. First, read and accept the DICT data privacy policy. After accepting, you will be transferred to a page where you will need to fill out your personal information. The vaccination certificate is tamper-proof as you will be given a unique QR code.
According to the latest mandate (Resolution 119) made by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, those who wish to travel internationally will need the following:
- Vaccination card (to be presented before boarding)
- Vaccination certificate issued by DICT as proof of immunization
Once you have both documents secured plus your other travel documents, you’re good to go. Remember to check travel safety rules and COVID-19 safety rules of your destination country before trying to enter so you can comply with their travel requirements as well.
