[Philippines] New expat and tourist travel requirement announced

The Philippine government has officially replaced its online travel database One Health Pass with a new electronic arrival card, following a number of complaints from expats returning home, Khaleej Times reports.

The government promises that the new travel document  - the eArrival Card - will offer a simpler, more streamlined process requiring fewer details, the Philippines’ Department of Health told local media on October 18.

With the previous One Health Pass, travellers were reportedly required to register online and fill out a form three days before their flight so they could be assigned a number. Then, they had to complete a digital health declaration checklist one day before boarding to get a QR code.

Filipinos flying home complained that this process was tedious and inconvenient, especially as the verification of the pass created long queues at the airport.

“Now, to ease the restriction brought about by One Health Pass, we created the eArrival Card. Only a few details would be needed and it won’t be asking for too many requirements,” Maria Rosario Vergeire - officer-in-charge of the Department of Health - said.

In addition, travellers who are unable to get their eArrival Card will reportedly be assisted when they arrive at the airport. There will be a special lane where they can upload the details and get their card, the official said.

Source: Khaleej Times

(Quotes via original reporting)

The Philippine government has officially replaced its online travel database One Health Pass with a new electronic arrival card, following a number of complaints from expats returning home, Khaleej Times reports.

The government promises that the new travel document  - the eArrival Card - will offer a simpler, more streamlined process requiring fewer details, the Philippines’ Department of Health told local media on October 18.

With the previous One Health Pass, travellers were reportedly required to register online and fill out a form three days before their flight so they could be assigned a number. Then, they had to complete a digital health declaration checklist one day before boarding to get a QR code.

Filipinos flying home complained that this process was tedious and inconvenient, especially as the verification of the pass created long queues at the airport.

“Now, to ease the restriction brought about by One Health Pass, we created the eArrival Card. Only a few details would be needed and it won’t be asking for too many requirements,” Maria Rosario Vergeire - officer-in-charge of the Department of Health - said.

In addition, travellers who are unable to get their eArrival Card will reportedly be assisted when they arrive at the airport. There will be a special lane where they can upload the details and get their card, the official said.

Source: Khaleej Times

(Quotes via original reporting)