Philippines Travel Requirements for OFW's During COVID-19 Pandemic

 

Who is considered an OFW?


An Overseas Filipino Worker or OFW is a person from the Philippines who is living and working in another country, typically on a temporary basis. This includes land-based OFWs and seafarers/sea-based OFWs. Families traveling together with at least one OFW will be considered all OFWs.


What you need before travelling to the Philippines when your an OFW?

1. Prepare your documents and PPEs.

  • Passport, visa, government issued IDs.
  • Masks, face shields.
  • Ballpoint pen for filling up of various forms.
  • Optional: extra food during hotel quarantine as you will not be allowed to go out or order outside foods.

2. Register and accomplish the Electronic Case Investigation Form (eCIF) and save the confirmation e-mail and QR code.


After registration, you will receive confirmation message in your email. Save/screenshot the QR code and the retrieval code. 


3. For land-based OFWs, create/update your account on the OFW Assistance Information System (OASIS) at http://oasis.owwa.gov.ph/, select your language and register.


DURING FLIGHT AND ARRIVAL IN THE PHILIPPINES


1. During flight and before arrival you are required to accomplish several forms:

  • Health Declaration Form
  • Bureau of Customs Form
  • Arrival Card.
Prepare information such as but not limited to:
  • Last name, middle name, first name
  • Passport Number
  • Flight Number and seat number
  • Philippine permanent address
  • PH mobile number
  • Date arrived and port of exit (airport you come from)

2. Upon arrival, listen to the briefing conducted by the Philippine Coast Guard.

3. Undergo a temperature check, submit the Health Declaration Form upon deplaning, and proceed to the designated waiting area. Fill out the Project Care Slip. 

4. For sea-based OFWs, wait for your turn to proceed to the verification booth. Present your QR code. For land-based OFWs, you may skip this step.

5. Clear with immigration and submit the Arrival Card.

6. Proceed to your respective desks for your quarantine hotel assignment:

  • For land-based OFWs and your dependents, proceed to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Desk. Present the same QR code from the e-CIF and submit the OWWA Project Care Slip.
  • For sea-based OFWs and your dependents, proceed to the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Desk


7. Claim your baggage at the designated carousel and clear with Customs Check.


8. Exit the terminal and wait for your shuttle/bus that will take you to your assigned hotel.



AT THE QUARANTINE HOTEL


1. Prepare to fill out various forms before check-in at the hotel. Is my hotel accommodation and food free during hotel stay? 


Yes. Your accommodation and food during your stay will be shouldered by the Philippine government. Any additional hotel fees due to required extensions will be shouldered by their governing agency. If you have food allergies or special food requirements, inform these during check-in. You can request for extra complimentary hotel supplies such as coffee, water, sugar, creamer, shampoo, soap, towels, etc by dialing operator number in your hotel room. Your free food and water will given 3 times a day: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Remember, you are not allowed to leave your room after check-in nor allowed to order food from outside. You can order extra food from the hotel but at your own expense.


2. After check-in, wait for the schedule of your COVID test on Day 6. Please be reminded that your scheduled test may be postponed the next day or at a later date for any unforeseen circumstances (e.g., typhoons, flashfloods, strikes, shift in stricter community quarantine status, etc.). Day 1 starts on the day you arrive in the Philippines. If you develop COVID-19 symptoms (e.g., dry cough, shortness of breath, loss of taste and/or smell, etc.) at any time before your scheduled test, please inform the hotel you are staying in so a medical or BOQ officer can assess and check up on you immediately. 


3. Take the PCR test at Day 6. OWWA representative will inform you of your scheduled test. During the test, take note of your barcode, which you will need during registration to obtain your BOQ Certificate. 


4. You will receive your PCR test results on your email the day after your test (within 24 hours). Also attached is the negative test certificate. Save/screenshot the certificate.


You may register on the Bureau of Quarantine site on Day 7 after you receive your negative covid result, https://boq-cert.owwa.gov.ph/. You will also receive your BOQ certificate via registered email.



GOING HOME


1. If you test positive, the BOQ shall transfer you to a designated hospital for further medical management. If you test negative, present your test result together with your medical certificate to the assigned quarantine personnel at your hotel for clearance. For a hard copy of your certificate, printing services will be available at your hotel. To follow up on your test results, please contact OWWA or your respective LMAs.


2. Once you are cleared, you may contact your relatives to pick you up and bring you home. For Land-Based OFWs, you may coordinate with OWWA or use the OWWA Uwian Na portal for further transportation needs after your final point of arrival. For Sea-Based OFWs, you may coordinate with your Local Manning Agency (LMA) for further transportation needs after your final point of arrival.


3. For non-Luzon OFWs, local flight fare including baggage will be shouldered by the government. Coordinate with your OWWA representative for further instructions. Usually, bus will pick you up in the morning of Day 8 and drop you to your designated airport terminal. Further instructions will be given upon arrival on the airport terminal.


4. Please complete your 14-day quarantine or self-isolation under the monitoring of your LGU and Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams (BHERT). 


(Updated as of March 2021)


References:

A Guide on Arrival and Quarantine Procedures

https://www.philippineairlines.com/en/ph/home/covid-19/ArrivingInThePH/ManilaArrivalGuideForOFWs

eCIF FAQ

https://e-cif.redcross.org.ph/


Philippines Travel Requirements for OFW's During COVID-19 Pandemic Philippines Travel Requirements for OFW's During COVID-19 Pandemic Reviewed by Jim Lloyd on 5:29 PM Rating: 5

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