Negative RT-PCR test still required for travel destinations

Travelers are reminded by the Philippines Department of Tourism that for most areas, especially destinations such as Boracay Island, a negative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test result is still a requirement prior to entry.

While it is also within the purview of the local government units (LGUs) to determine the type of test deemed best to keep their communities and borders safe, the DOT defers to the guidance of the Department of Health (DOH) which is the lead agency of the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID) to institute overarching policies and procedures to curb the spread of the disease.

Meanwhile, the RT-PCR test has been made more affordable through the collaboration of the DOT with the University of the Philippines – Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) and the Philippine Children’s Medical Hospital (PCMC). Through the Tourism Promotions Board, DOT’s attached agency, domestic tourists can avail of the fifty percent subsidized test, at Php900 and Php750, from the UP-PGH and PCMC, respectively.

To know more about the entry protocols of each destination, visit philippines.travel/safetrip or download the Travel Philippines at app.philippines.travel.

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