Who Can Get an International Vaccine Certificate for COVID-19?

Are fully vaccinated against COVID-19? If you are, the good news is that you’re finally protected from having severe symptoms of the virus. The not-so-good news is that your vaccination card, although accepted locally, may not get you far if you’re planning to travel abroad for essential purposes. So, you’ll need to at least get an international vaccine certificate.

Otherwise known as the Carte Jaune or “Yellow Card,” the International Certificate of Vaccination (ICV) grants a person entry into a country that requires travellers to be vaccinated against certain diseases. It’s officially recognised by the World Health Organization. In the case of the current pandemic, the document will show that you have been vaccinated against COVID-19.

Also read: Travel Nang Naaayon sa Vaccine? Why Brands Apparently Matter

Eligibility and application for international vaccine certificate

As of writing, the ICV is only available to those with overseas contracts or confirmed flight bookings. If you belong to this category, you can apply for one if you’re also fully inoculated with the following vaccines, as per the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ): Pfizer; AstraZeneca; Johnson & Johnson; Moderna; Sinopharm; and Sinovac.

The application must be done in person at either the Manila or Pasay office of the BOQ. Satellite offices are also found in Batangas, Subic, La Union, Laoag, Cebu, Davao, and Cagayan de Oro. First, book your appointment via the respective location’s website. Then, pay the ₱300 processing fee and ₱70 convenience fee via LBC and 7-Eleven, or GCash and PayMaya for cashless. Credit card and online bank payments are available as well.

Once done with your appointment, you will receive a QR code which you must present upon arrival at the BOQ office. You must also bring a copy of your proof of payment, along with your vaccination card and an ID for verification (preferably passport). Once in the BOQ office, releasing the ICV should only take no more than two hours.

Also read: Why Philippine Tourists Need a COVID-19 Passport According to Immigration

Should you get your own “Yellow Card” then?

If you’re an Overseas Filipino Worker who needs to travel overseas as soon as possible, then yes. Otherwise, BOQ advises waiting until a unified digital vaccination certificate is made available to Filipinos. This is to ensure that only those travelling for essential purposes are prioritised in applications for the time being.

Furthermore, the international vaccine certificate is only needed if your destination requires it. This is important to remember as not every country actually does. Before getting one, be sure to check the travel requirements of where you’re headed. That way, you can avoid wasting your (as well as others’) time and money in applying for it.

Featured image credit: B_Me | Pixabay