What You Should Know When Traveling for Your International Examinations

Jun 17, 2020

(Estimated reading time: 3 minutes)

Planning to travel within or outside Metro Manila for your international examinations?

Furthermore, here’s a quick guide on what to do.

Last June 3, Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año stated that traveling to provinces for non-work-related purposes are required to obtain travel passes under the general community quarantine (GCQ).

A medical certificate is important in obtaining a travel pass, and Local Government Units (LGUs) will issue such certificate for those who wish to travel for valid purposes only.

Last June 5, Pearson Vue Makati also resumed their administration of international examinations to candidates, only with a limited capacity to ensure that health protocols are still being followed. Afterwards, this resulted in many candidates who resumed with scheduling their examinations.

Fact check: It’s important to check first with your local government and watch out for announcements regarding implemented protocols in your area. Individuals coming from abroad, are to present travel documents so it’s best to coordinate with your respective airline or travel agency.

The following websites might come handy:

Update from Philippine Airlines, dated May 11, 2020:

According to Philippine Airlines, all passengers arriving to the Philippines will undergo the following precautionary measures:

Upon arrival, all passengers will undergo a swab test (RT PCR COVID 19 testing) administered by trained personnel from the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ).

While awaiting test results, passengers must stay either in a government-designated stringent quarantine facility or in a BOQ approved quarantine hotel.

Payment

Payment for accommodation in a government-designated quarantine facility shall be based on the following guidelines:

1. Firstly, for land-based OFWs, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration shoulders the cost;

2. Secondly, for sea-based OFWs, the Maritime Industry Authority or by the local manning agency shoulders the cost;

3. Finally, all other travelers (Filipino or foreign nationals), who are non-OFWs, will pay for the cost of their accommodation.

Accommodation in a BOQ-approved quarantine hotel will be at passengers’ own cost, regardless if they are OFWs or not.

Travelers whose test results are positive will be transferred to a designated hospital for further medical management.

Travelers whose test results are negative will be allowed to move out and undergo a 14-day quarantine at home or at an appropriate local monitoring facility. Furthermore, as General Community Quarantine is already being implemented in Metro Manila, the government said that movement will be easier within NCR.

For domestic travels going to Metro Manila, the table below enlists the travel requirements effective June 1-15, 2020.

Metro Manila

GCQ

Allowed*

June 1-15, 2020

For Locally Stranded Individuals: 1) Travel Pass / Travel Authority from PNP, 2) Medical Certificate from City or Municipal Health Office (supported by Barangay Certificate)
For Overseas Filipino Workers: 1) Bureau of Quarantine Certificate and Medical Test Result, 2) ID as proof of residence
For Authorized Person Outside of Residence: Company ID or Employment Certificate

To ensure everyone’s safety and to avoid spreading the virus, it is mandatory for everyone to wear a mask. Airlines will also conduct mandatory temperature check and disinfection/sanitation of facilities. Additionally, please be ready to present the usual requirements such as your boarding pass and a valid ID.