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PH replaces One Health Pass with new eArrival card. Here's what you need to know

By NICK GARCIA Published Oct 21, 2022 4:35 pm

Filipino and foreign travelers arriving in the Philippines will have to use an electronic arrival card from now on, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

The DOH said eArrival cards will replace its online contact tracing platform One Health Pass, following complaints from travelers who find the system "tedious" and "inconvenient."

eArrival card pre-registration becomes mandatory starting Nov. 1. Here's what you need to know about the new platform.

How do I register for my eArrival card?

One may go to onehealthpass.com.ph to temporarily access their eArrival card while the new platform has yet to be launched.

What are the details I have to provide?

The website will ask for the following travel details:

  • the date of departure and arrival;
  • airport or seaport of arrival;
  • whether they're a passenger or crew, an overseas Filipino worker or not, vaccinated against COVID-19 or not;
  • country of origin;
  • airline name; and
  • flight number.

One must then provide their basic information like full name, sex, date of birth, civil status, nationality, email, contact number, and address.

There's also a health declaration tab asking what countries the person visited in the last 30 days; whether they've been exposed to a potential COVID-19 case; and if they've been sick in the past 30 days.

How much is the eArrival card?

eArrival cards are free of charge, and there won't be payment in any way. Beware of fraudulent websites or entities asking for payment upon registration.

How long does it take to register?

Travelers may fill out the eArrival card within 72 hours or three days prior to flight boarding.

Do I have to download an app to use the eArrival card?

No apps are required to use the eArrival card. One, however, must have a stable internet connection to access it on the browser using a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or personal computer.

What's the next step after registration?

Take a screenshot of your QR code or barcode before leaving the eArrival card page. You may also print it if you like.

QR codes will be issued to those with complete requirements and are compliant with the country's health protocol. Otherwise, barcodes will be given.

The code/s will be presented to an airline representative before being allowed to board the flight, as well as to the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) officer upon arrival.

What should I do upon arrival in the Philippines?

Travelers who were issued QR codes are pre-qualified for the express lane upon arrival. They no longer need to show other documents to a BOQ officer, though the bureau will still review and verify the information they provided before their actual arrival.

Those with barcodes, meanwhile, will be interviewed by a BOQ officer to manually verify and determine whether they'll undergo a five-day facility-based quarantine and RT-PCR testing.

But a quarantine or a test isn't necessarily the outcome. Once the BOQ officer verifies the information and finds the traveler compliant with the rules, they'll be advised to proceed to immigration promptly.

May I edit the wrong information I mistakenly provided?

As long as your data has not been processed, verified, and tagged as "arrived" by the BOQ just yet, you may edit your information via the website's “Open My Profile” tab.

Editing your information is no longer possible once you've arrived.

In any case, ensure that you double check the information you provided beforehand to avoid concerns.

What if I lost my QR code or barcode?

You may still retrieve your QR code or barcode on the website's “My Profile” tab, if you registered within 72 hours prior to your arrival. Just enter your family name and transaction number then press the login button.

What if I lost my transaction number?

Click “Lost your transaction number?” and follow the instructions carefully. Your transaction number will be sent to your registered email address, provided that it's still valid.

You may check out other queries regarding eArrival cards and COVID-19 protocols on the DOH website.