4 countries require COVID-19 test for Philippine travelers

MANILA, Philippines — Four countries are requiring Filipino travelers to present a certification that they are cleared of coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19 prior to departure, the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) announced yesterday.

In an advisory, the MIAA said the international destinations are Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Hong Kong and South Korea.

“These countries will ask incoming passengers from the Philippines to present COVID-19 reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test results, certifying that they are negative for the virus,” MIAA public affairs office head Connie Bungag said.

Bungag said only certifications issued by the airlines’ accredited testing centers would be accepted before travelers are allowed to board their flights.

The MIAA advised passengers to coordinate with airline carriers for details about the new regulation.

Passengers without the negative RT-PCR test results may not be allowed to check in for their flights even if they have confirmed bookings, according to the MIAA.

The Hong Kong government said it would implement the new guidelines starting July 25.