Scan-and-go: PH shifts to e-Arrival Card for inbound travelers

Angelique Agarap

November 2, 2022

• 

  Photo: The Star

  Beginning November 1, travelers arriving from other countries will be required to fill out the Philippine government’s new e-Arrival Card.
  
  This replaces the health data form requirement, One Health Pass (OHP), which is completed via the app or website.

  Between the fast-approaching holidays and non-stop end-of-year festivities, here’s everything you need to know about the e-Arrival Card:

  What is the e-Arrival Card?

  The e-Arrival Card is the new online health declaration and contact tracing platform that aims to promote a convenient and seamless movement of international travelers from their country of origin to their destination’s Local Government Unit (LGU).

  Where can I access it? 

  It may be accessed through the onehealthpass.com.ph while the government prepares for the launch of its official website. There is no need to download any application to access the platform. The e-Arrival Card can be opened via a mobile or computer internet browser and is free of charge.

  When do I register?
  Travelers are encouraged to pre-register within 72 hours or three days before departure. Those who are unable to fill out the e-Arrival Card ahead of their departure may complete the form at the airport, where there will be special lanes for the completion of e-Arrival cards.

  How do I register?
  Go to onehealthpass.com.ph and register as a Filipino or a foreign national. Fill out the required fields with travel information, such as COVID-19 vaccination status, personal profile, and health declaration.

  Each traveler will then be given a unique QR code containing all of the necessary information. Those who entered incorrect information or did not meet the requirements will be given a barcode and must undergo manual verification upon arrival.
  
  I’m done with the registration. What’s next?
  Before leaving the website, take a screenshot of the QR code or barcode on your mobile device. You can also check this by entering your family name and transaction number under the “My Profile” tab.

  Present the QR code or barcode from your device or a printed copy to Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) officers at your destination airport/seaport prior to boarding.

  Can I use the same QR code/barcode for my next flight?
  In accordance with Republic Act No. 10173 (also known as the “Data Privacy Act”), all sensitive personal information are immediately deleted from the e-Arrival Card database after you have been fully processed in accordance with the quarantine and health protocol established by the government in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as for disease surveillance and response. As a result, your personal e-Arrival Card QR Code/Barcode is issued per transaction in the system, and you must re-register for each trip.

  The adoption of the e-Arrival Card is expected to make entry to the Philippines more convenient for travelers as it removes unnecessary information fields present in the previous OHP system and at the same time, protects the public from COVID-19.
  
  Plan ahead and safe travels, peeps!

• COMMENTS